Whittlesey: Discover architectural history, festivals and hotels

Whittlesey offers several reasons to stay: historic buildings, a museum, festivals and a walking route through the Fenland town. When choosing a hotel, you could first consider whether you are especially interested in architecture, want to attend a festival or plan to make time for a circular walk.

Architectural history and the market square

The Church of St Mary is a parish church built in several phases. The chancel arch dates from the 13th century. The nave and aisles are predominantly from the 14th century; there is also a north arcade, a 15th-century west tower and a chancel extension from around the same period. The building therefore reveals different stages of its history: the chancel arch is older, while the tower and chancel extension belong to a later phase.

The Buttercross, a square, open-sided market house dating from the late 17th century, stands in Whittlesey’s market square. It offers a different architectural focus from the parish church: here, the open design and the building’s function as a market house take centre stage. Those interested in local history can consider medieval architectural features and a later market building as distinct topics.

The museum and visitor information

Whittlesey Museum houses a collection of more than 9,000 objects. This is a cultural attraction in its own right, alongside the town’s historic buildings. The museum is in the town centre, just a short walk from Whittlesea railway station, and is served by several bus routes. This gives you clear reference points for getting there: the railway station, the town centre and the bus connections.

Festivals with different schedules

The Whittlesey Festival is free and takes place on the second Sunday in September. The programme includes a parade, stage entertainment and an exhibition of classic vehicles. The event also has a history of regular annual appearances: it has been held every year since it began, except for three years when it was cancelled during the pandemic.

The Straw Bear Festival typically includes a procession through Whittlesey on Saturday. It features dance groups and concludes in the market square. The bear is usually burned on Sunday. The two festivals have different schedules: the Whittlesey Festival takes place on the second Sunday in September, while the typical Straw Bear Festival programme spans Saturday and Sunday. If you are travelling specifically for an event, check the dates for that year’s festival in advance.

Walking and birdwatching

The Whittlesey Heritage Walk is a circular route through the historic Fenland town. There is a long and a short route option, allowing you to choose the length of your walk. Check the route details before setting out, as recommended for this walk.

For birdwatching, Kings Dyke Nature Reserve has hides for visitors. Facilities and visitor rules may change, so check the reserve’s latest information before your visit.

Planning your stay

When looking for a hotel in Whittlesey, you can start by considering the reason for your trip. For a festival stay, the specific event date is key; for a cultural visit, other topics may take priority, such as the building phases of the Church of St Mary or the museum’s collection. Focus your search on your travel dates and what you want to experience in Whittlesey.

Discover more destinations: St Neots, Willingham, Elton, Chesterton, Stretham, Six Mile Bottom, Brampton, Old Hurst

For the broader travel overview: Cambridgeshire.