Ely Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

Lamb Hotel by Greene King Inns

Lamb Hotel by Greene King Inns

3 out of 5
2 Lynn Road, Ely, England
The price is ₹6,679 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹6,679
₹8,015 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Ely. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (583 reviews)
hotels.com
"Hotel itself was excellent. Problem was hotels.com which said that that hotel was wheelchair accessible, but was not clear that the rooms which we booked were not accessible. Despite booking several weeks in advance the hotel was only advised of special requirement (wheelchair access) on the day ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Lamb Hotel by Greene King Inns
Clayton Hotel Cambridge

Clayton Hotel Cambridge

4 out of 5
Station Rd, Cambridge, England
The price is ₹14,564 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
₹14,564
₹17,477 total
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Cambridge. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,010 reviews)
"Hotel great location to visit Cambridge, right near station. Clean, comfortable and fairly priced."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Clayton Hotel Cambridge
Hyatt Centric Cambridge

Hyatt Centric Cambridge

4 out of 5
37 Eddington Avenue, Cambridge, England
The price is ₹7,955 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
₹7,955
₹9,546 total
21 Aug - 22 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cambridge. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (463 reviews)
"Parking at the park and ride was only a short walk. Nice modern hotel. Reception, bar and restaurant staff friendly and chatty. Room cleanliness a small opportunity but not to the point that it impacted are stay."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 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 Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (446 reviews)
"Ok"

Reviewed on 20 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! (693 reviews)
"Always happy to put a 5* rating here.Second time here now.Great twin apartment.Plenty of room.Everything you need for a few days away.Hidden away within the Falconry centre and hope it stays that"

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Falcons Nest
Willingham House

Willingham House

2.5 out of 5
50 Church St, Cambridge, England
Stay at this aparthotel in Cambridge. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 4 meeting rooms. Popular attractions The Green and Hermitage Marina are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Excellent stay, room wonderful and spacious, comfy bed and beautiful setting with immaculate grounds"

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Willingham 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.

Popular places to visit

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.

Cities near Ely