Living in March

March’s sense of community is one of its biggest draws, with a welcoming atmosphere and a busy programme of festivals, local markets, and social events. The town is well known for its annual St George’s Fayre in April, summer festival, and Christmas lights switch-on, all bringing residents together. Weekly markets on the Market Place offer local produce, crafts and plants, while community spaces like March Library and the Rosmini Centre host activities for all ages.

The River Nene provides scenic walks and outdoor recreation opportunities, and the nearby West End Park is a popular spot for families, runners, and dog walkers. The Fenland countryside also surrounds the town, offering access to tranquil villages and wide open skies. A choice of local sports clubs, societies, and volunteering opportunities add to the sense of engagement and togetherness in March.

March is generally considered a safe and peaceful town, benefiting from its rural location and strong local community. While crime rates in March are typically lower than in larger urban areas, residents do report some incidents typical of most market towns, such as anti-social behaviour or minor property crime. However, these tend to be well managed by an active local policing team.

The town benefits from neighbourhood policing, with regular patrols and engagement events helping to build trust and reduce incidents. Community safety initiatives such as neighbourhood watch schemes and partnerships with local schools promote a vigilant approach, ensuring the town continues to maintain its reputation as a secure place to live.

Parking in March is relatively straightforward, thanks to a mixture of free and paid public car parks located conveniently close to the town centre. On-street parking is available in many residential areas, with some permit restrictions close to the busiest high street points. Most parking is easily accessible, making it convenient for shopping or commuting.

March benefits from good road access via the A141, which links to Huntingdon and Wisbech, and the A47, which connects to Peterborough and Kings Lynn. The town also provides simple driving routes to many Fenland villages and scenic countryside spots.

Nearby destinations by road:

• Peterborough – approx. 30 minutes via A141/A47 (20 miles)
• Cambridge – approx. 50 minutes via A141/A10 (31 miles)
• Wisbech – approx. 20 minutes via A141 (10 miles)
• Huntingdon – approx. 40 minutes via A141 (22 miles)

March offers a friendly social scene with a range of pubs, restaurants and cafés concentrated around the town centre and along the River Nene. Popular venues include The Ship Inn, well known for its riverside garden and hearty pub fare, and The Seven Stars, a local favourite with local ales and live music events. Cosy cafés like Café 27 and restaurant choices ranging from Thai food at The Crown to traditional fish and chips provide plenty of options for diners.

The town’s nightlife is generally relaxed. While March doesn’t have clubs or large-scale night spots, it does offer friendly bars such as The Peterborough Arms and regular pub quiz nights. For theatre and cinema, the March Community Centre and local festival venues host small-scale performances and seasonal events, supporting the town's lively arts scene.

March is often considered a family-friendly market town. School options are varied and accessible, with highly regarded primary and secondary schools, and active after-school clubs.

The town features several well-maintained parks, the largest being West End Park, which includes play areas and open spaces for children. Childcare is available through nurseries and pre-schools, as well as community support services for young families.

Safety is generally good, providing parents with peace of mind. Family activities range from outdoor sports and local events to riverside walks, making March ideal for those wanting to raise children in a calm but engaging environment.

Pet-friendly living in March is supported by the town’s green spaces, riverside paths, and proximity to the Fenland countryside. West End Park and the riverbanks are favourite routes for dog-walking, while more adventurous outdoor pursuits are easily accessed in rural Cambridgeshire.

The town has several veterinary clinics, a selection of pet supply shops, and a number of cafés and pubs that welcome dogs. Housing in the area often features gardens or easy access to walks, making it practical for pet owners. In general, March has a supportive attitude to pets in both housing and public areas, further increasing its appeal to animal lovers.

March is well positioned in Cambridgeshire, with a train station on the Ely–Peterborough line. Regular services connect residents to **Cambridge**, **Peterborough**, and **Ely** in less than 40 minutes, making it convenient for commuting or leisure travel. The town is also connected by frequent bus services to local villages and towns across the Fens.

Main roads such as the A141, A47, and B1099 provide road links to Wisbech, Chatteris, and Huntingdon. For drivers, March is positioned well for accessing major routes through Cambridgeshire and the East of England. The closest airport, **London Stansted**, is about 60 miles away and can be reached by direct train or road in under 90 minutes.

Commute times to key destinations:

• Cambridge – approx. 40 minutes by train
• Peterborough – approx. 22 minutes by train
• Ely – approx. 20 minutes by train
• London Kings Cross – approx. 1 hour 40 minutes by train (with one change)

March offers a comprehensive range of schools and educational options for children and young people. Primary schools in March include Burrowmoor Primary School, known for its inclusive ethos and community engagement, and Westwood Community Primary School, which received a 'Good' rating from Ofsted in 2019. Cavalry Primary School is also highly regarded locally, supporting creative learning and after-school clubs.

Secondary education is chiefly provided by Neale-Wade Academy, a popular choice that serves the town and surrounding villages. The academy was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in its 2018 inspection and is known for its broad academic curriculum and active sports programme. March is also within reach of Sir Harry Smith Community College in Whittlesey, expanding options for families.

For further education, local students look to colleges in nearby Cambridgeshire towns such as Cambridge Regional College and Peterborough College, both accessible by train. The region’s sixth form options offer a choice of academic and vocational courses, supporting a wide range of interests and pathways into higher education or employment. Although there is no university based in March, the town has direct links to the University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, both renowned institutions approximately 25 miles away.