Things To Do
in Chatteris

Chatteris is a small market town in the Fenland district of Cambridgeshire, England, known for its low-lying farmland, drainage channels and quiet village atmosphere. The town features a historic parish church, a modest market square and access to wide open skies that make it attractive for birdwatching and landscape photography. Its economy is rooted in agriculture and food processing, giving visitors a down-to-earth, rural experience rather than a bustling tourist scene.

Chatteris is a practical base for exploring nearby nature reserves, the Ouse Washes and the cathedral city of Ely.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Historic Centre Stroll
morning
:

Wander through the cobbled streets of Chatteris’s old town, pausing to admire the medieval parish church with its intricate stone carvings. Pop into the weekly market near the town hall to sample freshly baked pastries and locally crafted goods. Listen to the bell chimes as you sip your morning coffee in a hidden courtyard.

afternoon
:

Visit the Oliver Cromwell statue and small heritage centre to learn about the town’s 17th-century history. Explore the lace museum where delicate bobbin lace is displayed alongside period photographs. Take a leisurely walk along the edge of March Road Fen, peering into reed beds and water channels.

evening
:

Enjoy a hearty pub dinner at a family-run inn, tucking into traditional beef stew and mashed potatoes. Join friendly locals in the snug for a pint of regional ale and lively storytelling. Cap off the night with a stroll under gas-lit streetlamps, breathing in the fresh fenland air.

day 2
Fenland Adventure
morning
:

Board a narrowboat on the Eight Foot Drain for a tranquil glide through the heart of the Fens. Listen for water rail calls and watch herons stand sentinel on grassy banks. Feel the gentle motion of the boat as you drift past endless marshes.

afternoon
:

Disembark at the Fenland Waterways Centre to learn about local drainage and wildlife conservation. Try your hand at pole punting or join a guided stroll through wet meadows alive with wildflowers. Spot rarities such as marsh harriers drifting overhead.

evening
:

Return to Chatteris by twilight and unwind with a riverside picnic of local cheese, crusty bread, and seasonal fruit. Watch the sun set across the peat-rich fields, painting the sky in shades of gold and rose. Head to a nearby observation hide to glimpse barn owls on the hunt.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant$40-70
Cappuccino or tea at a café$3-5
🚌Local bus fare (single)$2-4
🚕Taxi start (day) / short trip$5-10

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Easy access to distinctive fenland landscapes and birdwatching sites
  • Quiet, relaxed atmosphere and friendly local pubs
  • Good base for day trips to Ely, Cambridge and nature reserves
  • Lower prices and less tourist crowds compared with cities
  • Limited restaurant and nightlife variety within the town
  • Public transport is limited; a car is useful for exploring the area
  • Weather can be dreary and windy, especially in winter
  • Some attractions and services operate limited seasonal hours

Places to Visit in Chatteris

Visit one of these nice places.

St Peter & St Paul’s Church

Striking church architecture and churchyard scenes provide classic town photography and details of stonework and windows.

Ouse Washes

Expansive wetland landscapes, birdlife and mirror-like water at sunrise and sunset—excellent for wildlife and wide-angle fenland shots.

Market Square and High Street

Capture everyday town life, period buildings, shopfronts and market activity for authentic local scenes.

Fenland Drainage Channels and Ditches

Linear waterways, reedbeds and low horizons create minimalistic compositions and moody skies—great in mist or after rain.

Nearby Ely Cathedral (day trip)

A short drive away—cathedral towers and riverside views offer dramatic architectural photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Chatteris

Chatteris’s food scene is dominated by hearty British pub fare and fresh produce from surrounding Fenland farms. You’ll find traditional comfort dishes, seasonal vegetables, locally reared meats and baked goods rather than haute cuisine. Cafés and takeaways provide breakfast and midday options, while nearby larger towns offer wider restaurant variety. Agricultural markets and small bakeries offer a taste of local rural life.

Chatteris Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Sunday Roast

A classic British roast (beef, lamb or chicken) with roast potatoes, vegetables and gravy; widely served at local pubs on Sundays.

Must-Try!

Fish and Chips

Battered fish with chips is a staple takeaway or pub option; fresh local freshwater fish specials sometimes appear on menus in Fenland pubs.

Fenland Vegetables & Root Crops

Locally grown potatoes, carrots and brassicas appear in season at markets and on menus—simple, fresh and hearty.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Chatteris Market (Town Centre)

Small local market days offer baked goods, seasonal vegetables and occasional street-food stalls; best for sampling local produce and homemade pies.

Nearby Farmers' Markets (March/Ely)

Larger markets in neighbouring towns supply artisan cheeses, butcher stalls and seasonal produce—great for picking up picnic provisions.

Climate Guide

Weather

Chatteris has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers, cool winters and rainfall spread throughout the year. Summers generally see daytime highs in the mid to high teens °C (60s–70s °F), while winter nights can drop near or slightly below freezing with frosts. The fenland is prone to mist and fog, especially in autumn and winter, and the flat landscape can make winds feel stronger. Rain is frequent but heavy storms are less common than in western parts of the UK.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Politeness and Queuing

British politeness and orderly queuing are the norm—say please and thank you and wait your turn in lines.

Respecting Private Land

Much of the countryside is private farmland—use public footpaths, shut gates behind you and follow the Countryside Code.

Pubs and Social Customs

Pubs are social hubs—don’t be surprised by a friendly chat; buy rounds if you’re in a social group and someone offers to buy the first round.

Noise and Neighbours

Chatteris is a quieter town—keep noise down late at night, especially in residential streets.

Safety Guide

Safety

Chatteris is generally a safe and quiet town with low levels of violent crime; usual precautions apply—lock vehicles, don’t leave valuables in plain sight and lock accommodation doors. Be mindful of rural risks: uneven footpaths, farm machinery on lanes, and seasonal flooding in low-lying areas—check local flood warnings in heavy rain. Emergency services are reliable; dial 999 for emergencies and 111 for non-urgent medical advice.

Tipping in Chatteris

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, tipping 10–15% is customary if service is good and a service charge isn’t included. In pubs you generally don’t tip for bar service, though leaving change or buying a round occasionally is appreciated. For taxis, rounding up or adding ~10% is common. For other services (hairdressers, hotel porters) small tips are appropriate but not obligatory.

Payment Methods

Contactless card payments and mobile payments (Apple/Google Pay) are widely accepted; cash is still usable in small shops and markets. ATMs are available in larger nearby towns; check opening hours for local banks.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild weather with blooming hedgerows and nesting birds—muddy footpaths are common after winter; great for birdwatching and spring flowers.

Summer

Generally pleasant and warm but not hot; long daylight hours are excellent for outdoor walks and cycling; bring sunscreen and insect repellent.

Autumn

Cooler temperatures, harvest-time colours and migrating birds—morning fogs and dramatic skies make it photogenic, but packing layers is wise.

Winter

Cold, often damp and occasionally frosty with some fog; limited daylight and possible flooding in low-lying areas—check local weather and road conditions.

Nightlife Guide

Chatteris at Night

Chatteris offers low-key nightlife focused on traditional pubs with occasional live music, quiz nights and community events. For a wider selection of bars, clubs and late-night entertainment, nearby towns such as Peterborough or Cambridge provide more options within a 30–60 minute drive. Evenings in Chatteris are relaxed and family-friendly rather than high-energy.

Hiking in Chatteris

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Ouse Washes Trail

Flat, accessible trails along the floodplain with hides for birdwatching and long open views—best in quieter seasons for wildlife sightings.

Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve

Well-maintained boardwalks and paths through reedbeds and fenland habitats with educational trails and hides, ideal for wildlife enthusiasts.

Nene Valley Way (sections)

Long-distance footpath following the River Nene offering riverside walking, village stops and varied scenery—choose local sections for day hikes.

Ramsey Forty Foot & Local Drains

Network of local fenland paths along drainage channels—great for short walks, cycling and seeing classic fen landscapes.

Airports

How to reach Chatteris by plane.

London Stansted Airport (STN)

Approximately 40–60 miles south of Chatteris depending on route; major low-cost and European flights. Drive or take train connections via Cambridge/Peterborough and coach services.

Cambridge Airport (Local/limited)

Closer geographically but with limited commercial services—useful for some charter/seasonal flights; larger commercial connections via Stansted or Luton.

London Luton Airport (LTN)

Around 60–80 miles away and serves many European routes; reachable by car or combined public transport to Luton Parkway/airport connections.

Manchester / Birmingham (longer distance)

Further afield but options for domestic and international flights if travelling from other UK regions; expect 2+ hour drives.

Getting Around

Walkability

Chatteris town centre is compact and walkable for everyday needs, with shops, cafés and pubs within a short stroll. Exploring wider fenland areas often requires a car or bicycle because distances between villages and natural reserves can be significant and footpaths may be uneven or muddy.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many family households live in Chatteris, attracted by quieter life, schools and local amenities.

Agricultural Workers

A significant proportion of the local economy is agricultural, with seasonal and resident farm workers in the area.

Retirees

The town attracts retirees who value the slower pace, local clubs and green spaces.

Commuters

Some residents commute to nearby larger towns for work, including March, Ely and Peterborough.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football

Local amateur and youth football clubs are common; community pitches host weekend matches and social leagues.

Cricket

Traditional village cricket is popular in summer, with local clubs and weekend fixtures.

Cycling

Flat fenland terrain is popular for recreational and touring cyclists—quiet lanes and long stretches make for pleasant rides.

Angling

Coarse fishing in drains, rivers and nearby lakes is a well-liked pastime in the area.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Chatteris is generally light outside of peak commuting hours, but narrow country lanes and agricultural vehicles can slow journeys. The town lacks a train station; the nearest railheads are in March or Ely, so many residents rely on cars. Local buses connect Chatteris with nearby towns but services may be infrequent—check timetables in advance. During harvest time or school runs expect localized slowdowns.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Chatteris.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in a city; cafés and pubs usually offer at least one vegetarian main and sides such as vegetable lasagne, salads and veggie burgers. Let staff know dietary needs and ask for substitutions where possible.

Vegan

Vegan choices exist but can be sparse in smaller pubs—look for plant-based pies, salads or ask kitchens to adapt dishes; bring snacks if you have strict requirements.

Gluten-free

Some pubs and cafés offer gluten-free options; cross-contamination is possible in older kitchens so confirm with staff if you have celiac disease.

Allergies

English eateries are used to common allergies—clearly state allergens and, if in doubt, choose simpler dishes and confirm with the cook.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Primary healthcare is provided by local GP surgeries and clinics; for hospital services the nearest larger hospitals are in Ely and Peterborough with emergency departments and a wider range of services. NHS treatment is available to residents and eligible visitors—EU visitors should bring a GHIC if applicable and all travellers should have travel insurance for private care. For minor injuries use local urgent care centres or call 111 for non-emergency medical advice; dial 999 in an emergency.

Discover United Kingdom

Read more in our United Kingdom 2025 Travel Guide.

United Kingdom Travel Guide