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 kilometres) 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 jewellery 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.

Wilde Cambridge City Centre

Wilde Cambridge City Centre

2 out of 5
Round Church Street, Cambridge, England
The price is AU$242 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
AU$242
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Cambridge. Enjoy a 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions ADC Theatre and The River Cam are ...
Wilde Cambridge City Centre
Hyatt Centric Cambridge

Hyatt Centric Cambridge

4 out of 5
37 Eddington Avenue, Cambridge, England
The price is AU$159 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
AU$159
28 Sept - 29 Sept
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 ...
Hyatt Centric Cambridge
Delta Hotels by Marriott Huntingdon

Delta Hotels by Marriott Huntingdon

4 out of 5
Kingfisher Way, Hinchingbrooke Business Park, Huntingdon, England
The price is AU$132 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
AU$132
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Huntingdon. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful ...
Delta Hotels by Marriott Huntingdon
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 ...
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 ...
Falcons Nest
Ascot House

Ascot House

4 out of 5
Lynch Wood, Peterborough, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Peterborough. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Nene Valley Railway - Overton Station ...
Ascot House
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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