Information About Our Town and Surrounding Area

Wisbech Capital of the Fens

Wisbech is known as the Capital of the Fens and is the finest Georgian Market Town and Port in Eastern England.

The drained marshes lead to tremendous growth and prosperity in Georgian and Victorian periods. Commerce has flourished into modern times, 5,000 acres of orchard and garden land within a seven mile radius of the town make it the richest fruit and flower growing area of East Anglia.

Thomas Clarkson, founder of the anti slavery movement, and Octavia Hill, founder of the National Trust, remain the town's most famous son and daughter.

Situated on the A47 and A1101, the town can be reached within half an hour by car from Peterborough and King's Lynn. Cambridge and Norwich are less than an hour away. Rail links in Peterborough, King's Lynn and March allow access to London in less than an hour.

The Sandringham Estate with its heath land and forestry walks is a half hour drive away, and it is about 11 miles to the coast which provides miles of beaches and wildlife reserves.

The present population of the town and surrounding villages is 38,000. Wisbech boasts one of the best real ale pubs in the region and one of the oldest traditional family breweries. There are sports clubs, charitable organizations and special interest societies within the community. An indoor swimming pool and sports complex offers a variety of activities.

Housing is probably a little cheaper than most East Anglian centers. There are good schools, including an excellent independent Grammar School providing private education from 5-18. Three medical practices within the town and two nearby village practices provide the area with its primary medical care.

Local Hospitals

The main District Hospital is the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in Kings Lynn.

The North Cambridgeshire Hospital was a satellite of the QEH until recently, when responsibility for it was transferred to the East Cambridgeshire and Fenland PCT.

The "North Cambs" offers Care of the Elderly facilities, an EMI unit, Day surgery, a full spectrum of out patient clinics, a palliative care centre and a mental health unit.

Diagnostic facilities include X-ray and Path Lab, including a full phlebotomy service for the practice. The minor injuries department is open between 9.00 and 5.00. The Out Patient Department houses the SDOC out of hours service, at weekends and evenings.

We enjoy excellent working relationships with our consultant colleagues. There is a good postgraduate medical education centre at the QEH with a varied educational programme.

The Peterborough Hospitals are easily accessible and used for some out patients and inpatient procedures.

Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, Papworth at Huntingdon and the Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals are our main tertiary centres.