Visiting March: Plan Your Trip

March, a small town at the heart of the Fens

March lies in Cambridgeshire, amid the Fens, the low-lying, wide-open lands of eastern England. The horizon here feels broader than in the towns of the south of the county: fields, drainage channels and straight roads shape a landscape transformed by water and large-scale drainage works. The town grew up around the River Nene and the railway, while retaining a pleasant scale for a relaxed visit.

Don’t expect a packed itinerary of monuments. March is best discovered at an unhurried pace: stroll through the centre, notice the historic façades and follow the river. It is an appealing destination for anyone looking for everyday England, away from the busiest tourist routes, or a base for exploring the landscapes and villages of Cambridgeshire.

A day is enough to see the town’s main sights, but staying overnight makes your visit more flexible and leaves room for an excursion. Cambridge, Ely, Peterborough and the Fens’ natural areas can be reached if you plan your travel in advance. March works equally well for an overnight stop or as a quiet base for a few days, especially if you enjoy walks, local history and small towns more than big-city bustle.

Places to see in the centre

Start in the town centre, around Broad Street and the market square. The façades from different periods offer a tangible sense of how March developed into an important local centre with the rise of the railway. Take time to notice the details of the buildings and the layout of the streets: the appeal lies as much in the atmosphere as in any single monument. The shops and cafés in the centre make natural places to pause between walks.

St Wendreda’s Church, a little way from the commercial heart of town, is one of the region’s most remarkable buildings. It is renowned for the carved angels on its nave roof, which give the interior a distinctive character. Check opening arrangements before setting out, as a historic church may not be accessible at all times. A visit here complements a walk through the streets and offers a chance to appreciate religious heritage that is less well known than that of Cambridge or Ely.

The River Nene offers a different perspective. Its banks and the area around the marina invite you to stroll by the water and watch the boats pass when navigation is active. The scenery is understated, but it conveys the importance of waterways in the Fens. For a walking visit, link the centre, the church and the river without trying to fit in too many stops: March rewards attentive exploration more than a race to see attractions.

Choose the right setting and area

The centre of March is the most practical choice for a first visit without a car. You’ll be close to shops, cafés, the station and local services, and able to explore on foot. The atmosphere is that of a small market town: lively during the day, quieter in the evening. If you arrive by train or want to limit local journeys, look for accommodation within a reasonable distance of the town centre and check the walking route with your luggage.

The area around the River Nene appeals to travellers who prioritise walks and a more open setting. Depending on where you stay, however, it may be less convenient for shops or the station. Compare the actual distance, transport options and evening services rather than relying on a description such as “riverside” alone. The roads and residential areas around the centre are generally quieter, but you may be more dependent on a car or taxi.

March has no clearly defined tourist districts: the town is compact enough that your choice of accommodation will depend mainly on how you plan to get around and what you want to do. If you’re exploring the Fens by car, parking may matter more than being right beside a particular sight. For a stay focused on heritage and eating out in town, the centre is the better choice. If you expect to go out late, check how you’ll get back, as local services are less frequent than in an urban area.

Where to stay for your trip

For a short stay without a car, first look for a bed and breakfast, inn or small hotel in the centre or near the station. This location makes arrival with luggage easier and lets you visit the main sights on foot. Smaller establishments may offer fewer services than a city hotel, so compare check-in times, cancellation terms, breakfast arrangements and whether there is somewhere to store bicycles if you plan to explore the area that way.

Travellers with a car can broaden their search to residential areas and accommodation on the outskirts. A guesthouse or self-catering property may suit a stay of several nights, especially if you want to visit several places in the Fens. In that case, check the parking arrangements and distance to restaurants and shops. A property farther from the centre may be more peaceful, but requires more planning for meals and evening journeys.

Compare accommodation by the total cost shown by the provider, the facilities actually included and ease of access; don’t assume availability or terms will remain the same. Listings and prices can change. If you’re travelling during a busy local period or over a weekend, booking as soon as your dates are set may give you more choice. If March is your base for visiting Cambridge, Ely or Peterborough, compare journey times too: staying in a larger town may sometimes make an itinerary centred on several visits easier.

Food from the Fens and places to eat in town

Dining in March largely reflects life in a small English town: pubs, cafés, bakeries and places serving simple meals. Depending on the season and the menu, you may find British classics such as fish and chips, savoury pies, Sunday roasts or traditional desserts. The Fens are also known for agricultural produce, although menus vary by establishment and time of year, so look for a menu that clearly describes its ingredients and options.

The town centre is the most convenient place for lunch during a visit or a coffee between walks. Pubs are often a welcoming choice for dinner, but their opening hours and service may depend on the day. Check the provider’s latest information before building your evening around a meal, particularly on weekdays. If you have specific dietary needs, contact the establishment in advance rather than assuming an option will be available.

When choosing where to eat, consider the menu, atmosphere and distance from your accommodation rather than relying only on a promise of “local” food. Markets and neighbourhood shops can also provide what you need for a picnic, which is enjoyable by the river or on an excursion. Have a backup plan if you’re heading to a village or nature site: places to eat may be widely spaced across the Fens countryside.

Getting to March and getting around

March railway station is connected to the regional rail network and is a convenient option for arriving without a car. Connections vary by starting point and time, so compare routes and leave extra time if your journey involves a change. The centre is generally walkable from the station, but check the distance to your accommodation and whether the route is manageable if you’re carrying bulky luggage.

March has no international airport. If you’re travelling from abroad, Cambridge, London or other gateways in the south-east may form part of your journey, but the best choice depends on your flight, connections and final destination. A transfer booked in advance may make a journey with lots of luggage or a late arrival easier; compare it with trains and coaches, taking journey time and changes into account rather than assuming a direct service is always available.

Walking is enough for much of the sightseeing in town. Regional buses serve some local places, but their frequency and timetables are not those of a large urban area. A hire car gives you more freedom to explore several villages, nature reserves and country lanes; check pick-up, parking and vehicle return arrangements. The flat roads may appeal to cyclists, but choose a route suited to your experience and check local conditions before setting off.

Walks and excursions around March

In March itself, make time for a walk linking the centre, St Wendreda’s and the riverside. This route can fill half a day without making the visit feel like a mere stopover. If you enjoy landscapes, the wide horizons of the Fens are an experience in their own right: their exceptionally flat terrain and network of drainage channels reveal the close links between agriculture, water management and settlement. The best routes depend on access and current conditions, however, so check before setting out along a country path.

Ely is a natural choice for an excursion, with its historic town, cathedral and setting beside the River Ouse. Peterborough offers another great cathedral and more urban services. Busier Cambridge draws visitors for its colleges, museums and walks along the River Cam; allow a full day if you want to appreciate several aspects of the city. These destinations are distinct from March and should not be mistaken for nearby neighbourhoods: check rail connections or plan to drive, depending on your itinerary.

For a nature-focused outing, explore Cambridgeshire’s protected landscapes and wetlands, where birdwatching can be especially rewarding depending on the season. Suitable sites and facilities vary, so find out about accessible paths, amenities and entry arrangements before you go. Local guided tours or themed excursions can add context about the history of the Fens, but compare what’s covered, where they start and whether transport is included before booking.

Plan a simple, well-balanced stay

For a first visit, arrive in the morning, explore the centre and Broad Street, then spend the afternoon at St Wendreda’s and by the River Nene. Leave time for a coffee or a pub break rather than filling every hour: March is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace. If you have a second day, choose one main excursion—Ely for heritage or Cambridge for a fuller day, for example—instead of rushing between several towns.

Given England’s changeable weather, plan to wear layers and bring rain protection in any season. The warmer months are pleasant for walking and enjoying the outdoors, while shorter winter days favour a visit focused on the centre and indoor attractions. In the Fens, wind and exposure can make walks feel cooler than you might expect, so choose your clothing to suit your activities rather than relying only on the forecast temperature.

Prioritise booking long-distance transport and accommodation if your dates are fixed, then look into tickets or guided tours for planned excursions. Compare trains, hire cars and transfers based on the number of travellers, luggage and places you want to visit. Before setting off, check opening times, connections and booking terms with the relevant providers, as these can change. With a well-chosen base and no more than one excursion a day, March makes a restful stop and a good vantage point for discovering the Fens.

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