Your visit
Known as the Jewel of the Fens, Wisbech and Fenland Museum offers an inspiring visit - its interior Victorian Museum and library has survived intact since originally opening in 1847 as a purpose-built site for Wisbech Literary Society and Museum Society collections of ethnography, natural history, geology, archaeology, decorative arts and paintings. You can see:
The Museum is currently installing a new display, which will use original artefacts, letters and documents belonging to Wisbech born Thomas Clarkson, We wil tell the story of his life, work and achievements as a leading campaigner against the slave trade. At the moment his campaign chest can only be viewed by prior appointment.
The Townshend Collection of decorative art, archives, rare books and paintings bequeathed to the Museum by Reverend Chauncey Hare Townshend.
A remarkable Ancient Egyptian collection which illustrates the beliefs and culture of this fascinating civilisation and the work of Victorian collectors who were intrigued by archaeology.
The permanent display combine with a modern gallery and workshop space where a programme of events are staged all year round.
The programme ranges from showcasing contemporary artistic talent, highlighting themed selections of the Museum’s collections and creative activities for our local community.
Opening hours
Wednesday to Saturday
10:00 - 16:00
(Last Admission 15:30)
Advance notice of changes to opening hours:
Wednesday 27 November 2024: Restricted access and high noise levels due to a visiting school party 10:00-14:00; temporary closure of Country Days exhibition from 12:30-13:15
Saturday 7 December 2024: Early closing at 13:00 ahead of Wisbech Christmas Fayre on Sunday 8 December
Sunday 8 December: Open 10:00-15:00 for Wisbech Christmas Fayre; admission charges do not apply on this date.
Annual Winter Closure
From 16:00 on Saturday 21 December 2024 until 10:00 on Wednesday 19 February 2025.
Accessibility
Lift
We have level access to our entrance which incorporates an internal lift which gives access to most of our galleries.
Toilet
We have toilets available including a baby changing and disabled access toilet.
Level entrance
We have a new level entrance with access to our reception area and lift.
Gift Shop
The Museum has a gift shop with a range of items inspired by the Museum’s collections on display.
We have fossils, minerals, postcards, books, maps, cards and gifts. There is also a selection of pocket money souvenirs to choose from.
Group visits
Group visits are more than welcome to the Museum. Self-led formal education groups of 15 or less are eligible to visit free of charge during normal opening hours. Larger groups, and groups that do not fall into this category are required to book in advance; please contact us for more information.
We look forward to welcoming your group to the Museum. Donations are always welcome to support the Wisbech & Fenland Museums’ work, building and collections. Prefer to pick up the phone? Call us on 01945 583817
Group meet and greet - £3.00 per person plus admission charge
We meet and welcome your group to the Museum and provide a 15-minute introductory talk by one of our experienced volunteers covering the story of the Museum, an overview of its collections and work.
Guided group tour - £5.00 per person plus admission charge
Your group will be welcomed by our knowledgeable staff and given a guided tour of the galleries and temporary exhibitions. A visit to the library to see the original manuscript of Great Expectations is included - please mention if you would like this to be part of your visit when you arrange your booking. Groups can expect to spend 1.5 hours during their visit.
Visiting with your family
The museum is a great place to visit with your family.
Buggies are allowed throughout the museum; our new entrance has flat level access and a lift to the main gallery.
The museum does not have a café, however we can recommend places to eat nearby.
There are booster steps in the toilets and baby-changing facilities available. We do not have a dedicated space for breastfeeding at the moment; if you would like to access a quiet space, please ask and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
We offer a programme of family events, many of which are free. Find out more on our What’s On page.
Explore the market town of Wisbech
The market town of Wisbech has finely preserved Georgian streets along its North and South Brinks area and Crescent.
The architecture has featured in many films, setting the scene for period dramas such as David Copperfield and Micawber. Wisbech offers groups a unique day out to see St. Peters Gardens, Museum Square, The Crescent, Market Place, Wisbech Port and the Brinks.
Wisbech Town
Peckover House
A splendid Georgian house on the North Brink with a magnificent Victorian garden, it is owned by the National Trust. Formerly known as Bank House, the property was the home of the Peckover family who were wealthy Quaker bankers.
Elgood’s Brewery & Garden
The North Brink Brewery was built in 1795 and the brewhouse is a classic English Ale brewery and Elgoods proudly carry on the brewing of their own beers for local and wider distribution accross the UK.
Octavia Hill Bithplace House
Find out the story about the founder of the National Trust and her life as a social reformer
