Ely Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Ely Cathedral featuring heritage elements, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Ely
Ely showing heritage architecture and a house
Ely showing a house
Ely featuring a house and heritage architecture

One of the top attractions in the Fens, this little market town is mostly known for its stunning cathedral. 

Ely is a compact town comprised of medieval streets and surrounded by quaint countryside. Admire its impressive cathedral, go for a walk along the charming riverside footpath or browse the traditional shops that line its main thoroughfare.

Ely takes its name from the eels that once lived in the undrained fens surrounding the town. Until the 18th century, Ely was a true island, encircled by dangerous marshlands that were difficult to cross. Visit Wicken Fen, a nature reserve found 9 miles (14.5 kilometers) south of town, to see what the undrained fenlands once looked like. This important wetland is home to more than 8,500 species, including Konik ponies, hen harriers and numerous types of dragonflies.

Don’t miss the town’s most famous attraction, the 11th-century Ely Cathedral. The imposing cathedral’s gorgeous Gothic octagon took nearly 20 years to build. This domed stained-glass skylight is considered to be a masterpiece of medieval engineering.

Near the entrance of the cathedral is the Stained Glass Museum, where you can inspect a beautiful collection of glasswork dating between the 13th century and the present day. To the north of the church, check out the charming shops and Georgian houses lining Ely’s High Street.

Explore Oliver Cromwell’s House, a half-timbered residence where the controversial military and political leader lived with his family in the 17th century. The interior has been decorated with period furnishings, as well as exhibitions and displays dedicated to its infamous former occupant.

Take a look inside the interesting little Ely Museum, which traces the history of the Isle of Ely and the Fens from prehistory through the 20th century. You’ll see displays of original prehistoric tools, Anglo Saxon jewelry and Roman pottery. The museum’s other exhibitions focus on the formation of the Fens, as well as old-fashioned trades like eel fishing and leatherwork.

Ely is easily visited as a day trip from Cambridge. Ride an express train or stagecoach bus from Cambridge. Trains for Ely also depart regularly from London's King’s Cross Station.

Lamb Hotel by Greene King Inns

Lamb Hotel by Greene King Inns

3 out of 5
2 Lynn Road, Ely, England
The price is AU$142 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
AU$142
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Ely. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (589 reviews)
"A really friendly atmosphere in the hotel, great breakfast and the location was perfect. It was lovely to be able to walk out and be right by the wonderful Ely Cathedral."

Reviewed on 31 Jul. 2025

Lamb Hotel by Greene King Inns
Clayton Hotel Cambridge

Clayton Hotel Cambridge

4 out of 5
Station Rd, Cambridge, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$307 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$307
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Cambridge. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"NA"

Reviewed on 31 Jul. 2025

Clayton Hotel Cambridge
Hyatt Centric Cambridge

Hyatt Centric Cambridge

4 out of 5
37 Eddington Avenue, Cambridge, England
The price is AU$156 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
AU$156
14 Aug - 15 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cambridge. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (470 reviews)
Highly recommend.
"Huge comfortable bed, standard king room was a great size, best of all zero noise outside the room, not a sound. Great choice of breakfast food, all very fesh, reasonable price. Parking on site and a bus stop accross the road takes you into central Cambridge or station."

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

Hyatt Centric Cambridge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Turing Locke Cambridge

Turing Locke Cambridge

4 out of 5
47 Eddington Ave, Cambridge, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Cambridge. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (453 reviews)
Perfect family stay
"Awesome place for a short family stay. Spacious, modern and well-appointed."

Reviewed on 28 Jul. 2025

Turing Locke Cambridge
Falcons Nest

Falcons Nest

3 out of 5
Falcons Nest c/o The Raptor Foundation, The Heath, Huntingdon, England
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Huntingdon. Enjoy free parking, a coffee shop/cafe, and a meeting room. Popular attractions Raptor Foundation and Pidley Park ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (699 reviews)
first stay, won't be last
"I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of space available in my property. There were effectively 2 rooms; lounge/kitchenette and bedroom in addition to the bathroom. The beds were very comfortable and its a unique setting that I'd recommend to anyone. My partner and I will be back"

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

Falcons Nest
The Regent Aparthotel

The Regent Aparthotel

3.5 out of 5
41 Regent St, Cambridge, England
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Cambridge. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (242 reviews)
"This hotel had everything I needed. The little kitchenette was so useful and the breakfast in the morning was enough to keep me going. The bed was very comfortable and the bathroom clean and highly functional. Would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

The Regent Aparthotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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