Ely

Travel Guide

Ely Cathedral showing heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and heritage elements
Ely
Ely which includes heritage architecture and a house
Ely which includes 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.

Poets House

Poets House

4 out of 5
40 - 44 St Marys Street, Ely, England
The price is RM932 per night from 28 Oct to 29 Oct
RM932
RM1,119 total
28 Oct - 29 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Ely. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (363 reviews)
First class dining, comfort and service.

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2025

Poets House
Clayton Hotel Cambridge

Clayton Hotel Cambridge

4 out of 5
Station Rd, Cambridge, England
The price is RM640 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
RM640
RM768 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cambridge. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,010 reviews)
A lovely modern hotel. Really enjoyed my stay, high quality spacious rooms, modern facilities, pleasant staff.

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Clayton Hotel Cambridge
Hyatt Centric Cambridge

Hyatt Centric Cambridge

4 out of 5
37 Eddington Avenue, Cambridge, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM334 per night from 31 Oct to 1 Nov
RM334
RM401 total
31 Oct - 1 Nov
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! (530 reviews)
Good hotel, room was lovely and bed very comfy. A good 30 min walking distance from City centre but we enjoyed the walk. Overall happy

Reviewed on 12 Oct 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.
Farmer's Rest

Farmer's Rest

3 out of 5
1 Field Gate Sutton, Ely, England
Stay at this 3-star golf cottage in Ely. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Fenced Acre and Pingles Pit are located nearby.
Farmer's Rest
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (497 reviews)
The property and staff were amazing. The beds were super comfortable and the shower sublime. I would highly recommend.

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Turing Locke Cambridge
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! (252 reviews)
Hojo
Excellent location. Spacious room.

Reviewed on 11 Oct 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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Things to do

Reviews of Ely

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
33
5 - Excellent 56%
4 - Good
23
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A lovely, quaint and welcoming place to visit, with lots of pubs, bars and restaurants, and so close to many interesting places

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Thoroughly enjoyed tour and tower tour

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

I was working...so didn't see much....great meal in the Prince Abert Pub

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Very nice people and very clean facilities excellent

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

great Antique centre by the river

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Typical market town, not a lot to see unless it’s market day.