Chatteris City Guide

About Chatteris – History and Culture

Chatteris is a historic market town located in the Fenland district of Cambridgeshire, East England. Its origins date back to the Anglo-Saxon period, when the settlement grew on a slight rise in the otherwise flat, marshy landscape. The name 'Chatteris' likely derives from the Old English 'Cada's-rig', meaning 'ridge of a man called Cada', reflecting its elevated position among the fens. The town appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 as 'Cetriz', a thriving community with a church and several mills.

During the Middle Ages, Chatteris remained an island of dry ground in the vast wetlands that covered much of East Anglia. The draining of the Fens in the 17th century, led by Dutch engineers such as Cornelius Vermuyden, transformed the area into fertile agricultural land. This brought prosperity to Chatteris, which became a center for grain, livestock, and later, fruit and vegetable production. The town played a minor role in the English Civil War, with local families supporting both Royalist and Parliamentary causes; Oliver Cromwell, a Fenland native, had connections here.

Today, Chatteris is a quiet, family-friendly town that retains its market-town character. Its culture is deeply rooted in Fenland traditions—celebrated annually at events like the Chatteris Festival and the King’s Day celebrations. The community is known for its friendliness and resilience. Despite modern development, the town has preserved many historic buildings, including the magnificent parish church of St Peter and St Paul, which dates from the 13th century and features a striking spire visible for miles across the flat landscape.

• St Peter and St Paul's Church – a Grade I listed building with medieval brasses and a carved font.
• Chatteris Museum – local history exhibits, including Fenland archaeology and agricultural tools.
• The Market Place – site of the weekly market and surrounded by 18th-century coaching inns.
• Chatteris Windmill – a restored tower mill, now a private residence but visible from the town.
• The Old Town Hall – a Victorian brick building, now used as a community centre.
• Chatteris Cemetery – contains war graves and a memorial to the fallen of both world wars.
• Fenland waterways – numerous drains and lodes (canals) popular for walking and fishing.
• Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve – just 6 miles east, a unique wetland habitat.

Did You Know? – Facts about Chatteris

Chatteris may be small, but it packs a wealth of interesting facts that showcase its unique character and history. Situated in one of the most distinctive landscapes in Britain—the Fens—the town has adapted to its watery surroundings. Its identity is shaped by the drainage of the wetlands, the agricultural bounty of the black soil, and a resilient community spirit. Unlike many market towns, Chatteris has not been heavily touristified, offering an authentic slice of English rural life.

• Chatteris is one of the few towns in Britain that was originally an island – the 'Isle of Chatteris' in the Fenland.
• The town's elevation, at just 19 metres above sea level, makes it one of the highest points in the otherwise flat Fens.
• Chatteris was a centre for eel fishing in medieval times; eels were a staple food in the Fens.
• The Chatteris Museum holds a collection of fossilised mammoth teeth found during peat digging.
• Wicken Fen, nearby, is the oldest nature reserve in Britain (founded 1899) and is owned by the National Trust.
• Chatteris has a mild microclimate due to its sheltered position, with less frost than surrounding fenland.
• The town's football club, Chatteris Town FC, was founded in 1912 and plays in the Eastern Counties League.
• Chatteris is mentioned in the Doomsday Book as having three watermills and a church.
• The parish church of St Peter and St Paul has a peal of six bells, cast in 1799.
• During World War II, Chatteris was a base for American airmen stationed at Mepal and Witchford airfields.
• The town has a strong tradition of amateur dramatics, with the Chatteris Players performing since the 1950s.
• Chatteris lies on the route of the Hereward Way, a long-distance footpath named after the Anglo-Saxon resistance leader.
• The town's low crime rate and strong community ties make it a popular choice for families.
• Chatteris is 15 miles from the cathedral city of Ely, which dominates the skyline.

Geography and Climate of Chatteris

Chatteris is located in the heart of the Fenland, a vast, flat agricultural region that covers much of Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire. The town sits on a low ridge of clay and gravel, which historically kept it dry when the surrounding land was marsh. The River Nene flows about two miles north of the town, and numerous man-made drains and lodes crisscross the landscape, testament to the centuries of water management. The terrain is almost entirely flat, with expansive views of open farmland, punctuated by isolated villages and church spires.

The climate in Chatteris is temperate, with mild summers and cool winters. It is one of the driest areas in the UK, receiving around 600mm of rainfall annually. However, winter fog and frost are common due to the flat terrain and moisture from the fenland soils. The town benefits from some shelter from the east winds, but snowfalls are rare and usually light. The growing season is long, supporting the intensive arable farming that characterises the region.

• Chatteris lies at latitude 52.45°N, longitude 0.05°E.
• The nearest cities are Cambridge (20 miles south) and Ely (15 miles east).
• The town covers an area of about 2.5 square miles.
• Elevation: 19 metres (62 ft) above sea level at the town centre.
• Chatteris is part of the Fenland District and the Cambridgeshire County Council area.
• The soil is predominantly peat and silt, highly fertile for arable farming.
• Notable nearby water bodies: The Old Nene, Forty Foot Drain, and Vermuyden's Drain.
• Climate data: Average July high 22°C, average January low 1°C.

Things to Do in Chatteris

Chatteris offers a range of activities that reflect its rural setting and community focus. While it lacks the big-city attractions, visitors can enjoy peaceful walks through the fens, explore local history, and participate in seasonal festivals. The town also serves as a quiet base for discovering the wider Cambridgeshire region, including Ely Cathedral, Cambridge colleges, and the wetland reserves.

Food & Dining

Chatteris has a handful of traditional pubs, cafes, and takeaways that serve hearty British fare. The town is known for its Fenland specialties—locally grown asparagus, celery, and potatoes feature on menus when in season. The Crown Inn on Park Street offers classic pub grub and real ales, while the Chatteris Tandoori provides popular Indian cuisine. For a sweet treat, the Chatteris Bakery on Market Hill is a local institution.

• The Old Mill Chinese Takeaway – popular for Cantonese dishes.
• Pizzeria Venezia – a family-run Italian restaurant with wood-fired pizzas.
• The George and Dragon – a historic pub with a beer garden and Sunday roasts.
• Chatteris Fish Bar – excellent fish and chips, a British staple.
• Fenland Farm Shop – sells local produce, cheeses, and meats.
• Costa Coffee and Greggs – chains located on the High Street.
• Weekly market offers fresh fruit, vegetables, and street food.

Festivals & Events

Chatteris maintains a lively calendar of events, often centered around the market square and the community centre. The Chatteris Festival, held in June, features music, dance, and a fairground. Remembrance Day parades are well attended, and the Christmas lights switch-on draws crowds. The annual Fenland Country Fayre takes place nearby in March, celebrating rural life.

• Chatteris Festival (June) – a week-long celebration with a carnival procession.
• King's Day (April) – a Dutch-influenced celebration with orange-themed activities.
• Chatteris Christmas Market (December) – stalls, mulled wine, and Santa's grotto.
• Church Fete at St Peter and St Paul (July) – traditional village fete with games.
• Chatteris in Bloom – the town participates in the Anglia in Bloom competition.
• Open Gardens Weekend (June) – residents open their gardens to the public.
• Chatteris Beer Festival (August) – held at the community centre, showcasing local ales.

Cultural Attractions

Chatteris Museum is the principal cultural attraction, located in a former chapel on Church Lane. It houses a collection of Fenland artifacts, including tools, costumes, and photographs documenting the town's history. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and talks. The parish church itself is a treasure trove of architecture, with a magnificent hammerbeam roof and medieval stained glass fragments.

• Chatteris Museum – open Saturday mornings and by appointment; free entry.
• St Peter and St Paul Church – guided tours available by request.
• Chatteris Library – hosts book clubs and local author events.
• The Old Town Hall – venue for concerts and theatre productions by the Chatteris Players.
• Wisbech & Fenland Museum (5 miles away) – a larger regional museum.
• Ely Cathedral (15 miles) – one of England's finest medieval cathedrals.

Outdoor Activities

The flat fenland landscape is ideal for cycling and walking. The Hereward Way passes directly through Chatteris, offering routes to Ely, March, and Peterborough. Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve is a premier destination for birdwatching and nature walks, with boardwalks over the wetlands. Closer to town, the local Recreation Ground provides football pitches, a play area, and a skate park.

• Hereward Way – long-distance footpath (110 miles) connecting Witham to Ely.
• Wicken Fen – 2,000 acres of wetland, home to rare birds and dragonflies.
• Chatteris Recreation Ground – includes tennis courts and a bowling green.
• RideTheFens – a network of signed cycle routes through the countryside.
• Fenland Waterways – fishing permits available for drains and the River Nene.
• Pondicherry Nature Reserve (near March) – a former railway line turned wildlife haven.
• Chatteris Golf Club – a 9-hole course on the outskirts of town.
• Peckover House and Garden (Wisbech) – a National Trust property with lovely gardens.

Economy and Key Industries

Chatteris has a traditional economy based on agriculture and food processing. The rich fenland soil produces high yields of potatoes, sugar beet, wheat, and vegetables. Major employers include local farms, packhouses, and agricultural suppliers. In recent years, light manufacturing and logistics have grown, thanks to the town's location near the A141 and A10 roads.

The town also has a service sector that caters to the local population, including retail, healthcare, and education. Unemployment is low, with many residents commuting to Cambridge, Ely, or Peterborough for professional employment. The Fenland district is committed to economic development, with Chatteris identified as a key settlement for housing and business growth.

• Agriculture: potatoes, sugar beet, wheat, fruit, and vegetables.
• Branston Ltd – major potato supplier with a facility near Chatteris.
• G’s Fresh – a large salad and vegetable grower with operations in the area.
• British Sugar – the Wissington factory (near King's Lynn) processes sugar beet from the region.
• Chatteris has several small industrial estates: Marley Road and Broadmoor Road.
• Construction: recent housing developments boost local building firms.
• Health and social care: Chatteris Hospital and St John's Care Home are employers.
• Tourism is small but growing, centered on Wicken Fen and the museum.
• The Friday market supports local producers and craftsmen.

Where to Live in Chatteris

Chatteris offers a range of housing options, from Victorian terraces in the town centre to modern estates on the outskirts. The town is popular with families and retirees seeking a slower pace of life. Most residential areas are within walking distance of shops and schools. The Fenland District Council is the local planning authority, and recent developments include new homes at the King's Dyke and St Peter's Way estates.

For those seeking village life, the hamlets of Purls Bridge, Christchurch, and Wimblington provide even quieter settings, though with fewer amenities. House prices in Chatteris are below the Cambridgeshire average, making it an attractive alternative to cities. The community is close-knit, with active neighbourhood watch schemes and many local groups.

• Park Street area – older properties, some with character, near the market.
• King's Dyke estate – modern family homes with gardens, built from 2010 onwards.
• St Peter's Way – semi-detached and detached houses, popular with families.
• The Limes – a small development of bungalows, popular with retirees.
• Christchurch – a village two miles east with a primary school and pub.
• Wimblington – a conservation area with thatched cottages and a church.
• Purls Bridge – a hamlet on the River Nene, popular for fishing and boating.
• Chatteris town centre – flats and maisonettes above shops, suitable for singles.

Formalities and Visas in Chatteris

As part of the United Kingdom, Chatteris follows UK immigration laws. Non-UK nationals need a valid visa to live, work, or study. The UK Home Office oversees visas, and applicants can apply online or through regional offices. The nearest visa application centre is in Cambridge. Since Brexit, EU citizens also require visas for stays over six months.

For tourists, a standard visitor visa allows up to six months. Work visas require sponsorship from an employer. The points-based system includes Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, and Temporary Worker categories. Family visas are available for partners and dependents. It is advisable to consult the official gov.uk website for the most up-to-date rules.

• Tourist visa: up to 6 months, no work allowed.
• Skilled Worker visa: for jobs on the eligible occupations list (e.g., healthcare, engineering).
• Health and Care Worker visa: reduced fee, faster processing.
• Student visa (Tier 4): for recognised courses; Chatteris has no university but students can commute.
• Youth Mobility Scheme: for eligible young people from select countries.
• Family visa: for spouses, partners, children, and dependents of UK residents.
• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): after 5 years of residence, eligible to apply.
• British citizenship: possible after ILR and meeting residency requirements.
• EU Settlement Scheme: for EU citizens resident before 31 Dec 2020.
• Biometric residence permits (BRP) are issued for most visas.
• NHS surcharge: paid when applying for most visas; covers healthcare access.

Working in Chatteris

Chatteris offers a modest job market dominated by agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Many residents work locally in retail, construction, and health care. The town has a higher-than-average proportion of people employed in elementary occupations (e.g., farm work, packing). Salaries are generally lower than the UK average, but so is the cost of living.

For professional roles, commuting to Cambridge, Peterborough, or London (by train from Ely) is common. Telecommuting has become more prevalent, allowing some to work remotely in IT or finance. The local job centre in March provides support for jobseekers, and there are occasional job fairs. The main hiring sectors include: food processing (Branston, G’s Fresh), logistics (warehouses near A141), and the public sector (schools, council).

• Food processing is the largest employer, especially potato packing and vegetable preparation.
• Manufacturing: printing, packaging, and precision engineering (small firms).
• Construction: many new homes being built, creating demand for trades.
• Healthcare: Chatteris Hospital (community hospital), GP practices, and care homes.
• Education: primary and secondary schools employ teachers and support staff.
• Retail: supermarkets (Tesco, Co-op) and small shops on the High Street.
• Agriculture: seasonal work for pickers and packers; often requires physical stamina.
• Professional services: limited; accountancy, legal firms cater to local businesses.
• Working culture: informal, community-oriented; punctuality is valued.

Studying in Chatteris

Chatteris provides education from nursery through secondary school. The main secondary school is Cromwell Community College (formerly Chatteris Secondary School), which educates students aged 11-16. For sixth form, students often attend Isle of Ely Academy in Ely or college in Cambridge. The town has several primary schools: King's Dyke Primary, Glebelands Primary, and St Peter's Church of England School.

There are no universities in Chatteris. The nearest universities are Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge and the University of Cambridge. Some students also attend the College of West Anglia in King's Lynn. The town is committed to adult learning, with courses often held at the community centre or village halls, covering skills such as IT, crafts, and languages.

• Cromwell Community College – a good local school with a 'Good' Ofsted rating.
• King's Dyke Primary School – a modern school with strong parent involvement.
• Glebelands Primary Academy – has a nursery unit for pre-school children.
• St Peter's Church of England Primary – a small village school in Christchurch.
• Chatteris Children’s Centre – provides early years education and family support.
• Isle of Ely Academy in Ely – offers A-levels and vocational courses.
• Cambridge Regional College – for further education in a city setting.
• Anglia Ruskin University – offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
• University of Cambridge – world-renowned, but highly competitive entry.
• Open University – many residents study part-time online.
• Local library provides quiet study space and public computers.
• School catchment areas are important when moving to the area.

Finance and Banks in Chatteris

Chatteris has a limited number of bank branches due to the trend towards online banking. Currently, there is a branch of Barclays on Market Hill, open limited hours. There are also free-to-use ATMs at the Co-op, Tesco, and on the High Street. The town's Post Office on Park Street offers basic banking services, including deposits and withdrawals for many major banks.

For more complex financial needs, residents often travel to Ely, March, or Wisbech, where branches of Lloyds, NatWest, HSBC, and Santander are available. Digital-only banks like Monzo, Starling, and Revolut are popular among younger residents. Mortgage brokers and independent financial advisors have offices in Chatteris and the surrounding villages. The local currency is the British Pound (GBP).

• Barclays – limited hours: Mon-Fri 09:30-12:30, closed Wed.
• Post Office – full range of banking services for personal accounts.
• Tesco ATM – free withdrawal, located on Station Street.
• Digital banking widely used; cash is still common in local shops.
• Credit unions: Cambridgeshire Credit Union serves members in the area.
• Mortgage advisors – several firms in town for buying property.
• Taxes: income tax, National Insurance, council tax, VAT.
• Opening a bank account: requires ID with photo, proof of address (e.g., utility bill).

Health Care in Chatteris

Chatteris has a community hospital (Chatteris Community Hospital) on Park Street, which provides rehabilitation, palliative care, and a minor injuries unit. For acute medical needs, residents attend Cambridgeshire’s major hospitals: Peterborough City Hospital (16 miles) or Addenbrooke's in Cambridge (23 miles). The town has two GP surgeries: the Fenland Practice (Station Street) and Dr. Ali & Partners (London Road).

Dental services are available through private practices and an NHS dental clinic on the High Street. Pharmacies include Boots and Lloyds Pharmacy on Market Hill. The local health system is part of the NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group. Emergency services are excellent; ambulance response times are within national targets.

• Chatteris Community Hospital – minor injuries unit open 08:00-20:00 daily.
• Fenland Practice – GP surgery with a large patient list; book appointments online.
• Dr. Ali & Partners – smaller practice, good for quick appointments.
• Boots Pharmacy – offers flu jabs and health advice.
• NHS dentist – Chatteris Dental Practice, taking NHS patients subject to capacity.
• Opticians: Specsavers and independent optometrists available.
• Mental health support: Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust.
• COVID-19 vaccinations are offered at local GP surgeries and pharmacies.
• Health visitors and midwives are based at Fenland Practice.
• Private healthcare: notably no private hospital in Chatteris; access in Cambridge.

Accommodation in Chatteris

Housing in Chatteris ranges from period cottages to modern estates. The average house price is around £220,000, significantly lower than the Cambridgeshire average of £350,000. Rental prices are also reasonable: a one-bedroom flat can be found for £550–£700 per month, while a three-bedroom house rents for £800–£1,100. The housing stock is mostly freehold houses, with a smaller number of leasehold flats.

Buying a home is popular with families and first-time buyers due to affordability. New developments, such as the King's Dyke estate, have increased supply. For those renting, letting agents include William H. Brown and Hockeys. Social housing is managed by Fenland District Council and housing associations like Clarion.

• Types: terraces (often Victorian), semi-detached, detached, bungalows.
• Average price: two-bedroom terrace £160,000; four-bedroom detached £350,000.
• Renting: one-bed flat £600 pcm; three-bed house £950 pcm.
• Purchasing: mortgages available from high street banks; 10-20% deposit typical.
• Council tax bands: A to D most common; rates moderate.

Planning Your Move to Chatteris

Relocating to Chatteris requires some advance planning, but the process is straightforward. It is advisable to arrange accommodation before arrival. Check the availability of school places if you have children. For international moves, ensure visas are in order, and plan the shipment of belongings. The town is well-connected by road, with the A141 providing access to the A14 and M11.

Utilities – electricity, gas, water, and broadband – should be set up beforehand. The main providers in the area are Scottish Power for energy, Anglian Water for water, and fibre broadband from Openreach or Virgin Media (partial coverage). Council tax is paid to Fenland District Council. Registering with a GP and dentist should be done promptly.

• Housing: short-term rentals available through Airbnb or letting agents.
• Pets: many rentals accept pets with a deposit; check in advance.
• Utilities: set up accounts with providers; shops for best deals on comparison sites.
• Telecoms: fibre broadband available in most of town; check coverage with providers.
• Transport: cars are essential; consider buying a used car from local dealers.
• School registration: present proof of address to the local authority.
• Banking: open a UK bank account (Barclays or digital bank) with proof of address.
• GP registration: take passport, visa, and proof of address to Fenland Practice.
• Council tax: register your move with Fenland District Council online.

Leisure in Chatteris

Despite its small size, Chatteris offers several leisure options. The town has a community-run leisure centre with a gym, sports hall, and classes. There is a swimming pool at the Cromwell Community College, open to the public at certain times. For shopping, the High Street has a mix of independent shops, including a butcher, a greengrocer, and a hardware store. The Co-op and Tesco provide grocery essentials. Nightlife is quiet, with a few pubs offering live music on weekends.

• Chatteris Leisure Centre – gym, fitness classes, badminton, and football.
• Swimming – public sessions at the college; check schedule.
• The Crown Inn – regular pub quizzes and occasional acoustic music.
• The George & Dragon – a sports bar showing live football and rugby.
• Chatteris Library – hosts reading groups and children's events.
• Cinema – none in town; nearest is the Luxe Cinema in Wisbech or Showcase in Peterborough.
• Bowling green – members club at the Recreation Ground.
• Local artisan shops: Booklovers' Bookshop, Fenland Crafts.

Transportation Options in Chatteris

Chatteris does not have a railway station. The nearest stations are March (6 miles), Ely (15 miles), and Peterborough (16 miles). From these stations, direct trains run to Cambridge, London Kings Cross, and other major cities. Buses connect Chatteris to March, Wisbech, Ely, and St Ives, but services are infrequent, especially on Sundays. The town is served by Stagecoach routes (e.g., bus 33, 46).

Road transport is the primary mode. The A141 bypasses Chatteris to the north, linking to the A14 (to Cambridge/Midlands) and the A10 (to Ely). Car ownership is high. Cycling is popular on quiet rural lanes. There is no local airport; the nearest international airports are London Stansted (45 miles), London Luton (55 miles), and Norwich (60 miles).

• Train: March station (6 miles): direct to Cambridge (35 min) and London Kings Cross (90 min).
• Bus: Stagecoach route 33 from Wisbech to St Ives via Chatteris, hourly Mon-Sat.
• Road: A141 connects to A14 (junction 27).
• Air: Stansted Airport (74 km) – trains from Ely or bus via Cambridge.
• Taxi: local firms: Chatteris Cabs (01354 693344).
• Bicycle: Fenland cycle routes; the Hereward Way is partially on-road.
• Parking: free car parks around town centre (Station Street, Market Hill).

Everyday Life in Chatteris

Life in Chatteris is quiet and community-focused. Residents often know their neighbours and participate in local events. The town is safe, with low crime rates. Daily routines revolve around the market, local shops, and school runs. Many people work in agriculture, which can involve early starts. The pace is slower than city life, which suits those seeking tranquillity. Amenities are sufficient for daily needs; for major shopping or entertainment, residents drive to Ely or Peterborough.

• Safety: very low crime; neighbourhood watch active in many streets.
• Community: many clubs and societies – WI, Rotary, Scouts, gardening club.
• Houses of worship: St Peter & St Paul (Anglican), Methodist church, Catholic chapel.
• Council services: waste collection (weekly recycling bin, fortnightly general waste).
• Post office: on Park Street, open Mon-Sat.
• Local news: The Fenland Citizen, the Cambs Times, and Chatteris community Facebook group.

Cost of Living in Chatteris

The cost of living in Chatteris is lower than the UK average, especially for housing. Utilities are typical for the region, though heating costs can be higher due to older housing stock. Groceries are affordable, and local food from the market is cheaper than supermarkets. Transport costs add up if commuting by car; bus fares are moderate. Overall, a single person can live comfortably on £1,500–£1,800 per month, including rent.

• Housing: rent/buy 35% less than UK average.
• Utilities: approx. £150/month for gas, electricity, water, broadband.
• Groceries: a weekly shop for one: £35-50.
• Transport: petrol costs; bus pass £60-80/month.
• Council tax: band C approx. £1,600/year.
• Dining out: main course in pub: £12-17.
• Salary average: £27,000 per year (full-time).

Places to Visit in Chatteris

Chatteris itself has a few notable sites, but its greatest attraction is as a gateway to the Fenland. The parish church of St Peter and St Paul is a must-see for architecture lovers. The market square is pleasant for a stroll, especially on market day. The museum offers a deep dive into local history. For nature lovers, Wicken Fen is the prime destination, a unique ecosystem that has inspired conservationists since the 19th century.

Beyond the town, Ely Cathedral is a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, nicknamed the 'Ship of the Fens'. The cathedral city of Ely also has a marina, independent shops, and Oliver Cromwell's House. The historic port of Wisbech boasts fine Georgian terraces and Peckover House, a National Trust property. For families, the Wyevale Garden Centre in March has a large play area and café. Further afield, Cambridge offers world-class museums, punting on the Cam, and vibrant student life.

The Fens themselves offer a vast network of walking and cycling routes, many along drainage banks and former railways. The RSPB reserves at Ouse Washes and Nene Washes are excellent for birdwatching, with winter flocks of whooper swans and thousands of wading birds. The 'Fenland Loop' is a popular long-distance cycle route that passes near Chatteris.

For history enthusiasts, the Oliver Cromwell statues in St Ives (17 miles) and Huntingdon (25 miles) are worth visiting, along with the Cromwell Museum in Huntingdon. The Imperial War Museum Duxford (30 miles) houses an impressive collection of aircraft. And for a truly unique experience, the 'Fenland Boat Tours' at March offer trips along the waterways, providing a different perspective of the landscape.

• St Peter and St Paul's Church, Chatteris – medieval architecture, open daily.
• Chatteris Museum – free entry, local artifacts.
• Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve – boardwalks, hide, visitor centre.
• Ely Cathedral (15 miles) – guided tours, Octagon Tower, stained glass.
• Oliver Cromwell's House, Ely – interactive museum about the Lord Protector.
• Peckover House & Garden, Wisbech – National Trust, period rooms.
• Wisbech Rose Fair – annual flower festival in June.
• March Museum and railway heritage – local history and a restored steam engine.
• RSPB Ouse Washes – vast wetland reserve, winter wildfowl spectacular.
• Cambridge (20 miles) – punting, Fitzwilliam Museum, King's College Chapel.
• Imperial War Museum Duxford (30 miles) – airshows and exhibits.
• Huntingdon – market town with Cromwell connections.
• St Neots – riverside town with riverside park and outdoor activities.

News & Testimonies

Chatteris has seen some development news in recent years, including the completion of a new housing estate at St Peter's Way and the renovation of the market square. The Fenland District Council has plans for further housing in the local plan to 2040,