15 OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN ELY, CAMBRIDGESHIRE: A 2 DAY GUIDE

Tucked away in the heart of Cambridgeshire, Ely is one of the UK’s smallest cities and a hidden gem that many travellers overlook in favour of Cambridge, a short drive away. Unlike other larger historical cities like Leicester, Bath, or Norwich, Ely’s secret charm is on a much smaller scale. It’s home to an awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral that dominates the skyline and sits alongside cobbled stone streets lined with quirky independent shops and delightful local eateries. Visitors can stroll along the peaceful waterfront, discover unique stays such as the boutique Poet’s House Hotel, and soak up Ely’s quaint yet vibrant character. In this guide, we’re sharing the best things to do in Ely, why you should visit Ely, how to get there, when to go, how long to stay, where to eat, plus some day trips to make your journey even more memorable.

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Why Visit Ely?

We really loved Ely after visiting for two days in early Autumn and think it has the perfect balance between history and tranquility. Think architecture that is thousands of years old, riverside tearooms sipping tea and tucking into sandwiches and cake, open countryside in the form of fens filled with nature and wildlife where you can see the sunset over farmland flats. 

A few of the most popular reasons to visit Ely includes:

• Ely Cathedral – the city’s most defining landmark, the Gothic cathedral that dominates the skyline for miles, If you’re arriving by train, you’re likely to see it from a distance, looking as though it’ s rising from the fen lands.
• The Riverside – where the Great River Ouse winds through the city. See locals chatting, sipping on drinks at The Cutter Inn. Visitors enjoying lunch or and afternoon tea at Peacocks Tearooms, or having a picnic at Jubilee Gardens.
• Community Feel – watch how daily markets bring residents together. Traders selling crafts, local produce and more. There is The Ely Folk Festival in July which is full of music and dance, great time to visit if you love a bit of buzz and warm weather.
• Local history – Ely Museum and the Oliver Crowell’s House, are great examples of other heritage-related things to do in this small city. 

How to Get to Ely?

Ely is pretty accessible in terms of its locations, whether you’re traveling from Cambridge, London, the Midlands or East Anglia.

• Train – If you’re heading to Ely from Cambridge, then it only takes 15 minutes whereas London King’s Cross and London Liverpool Street both both have direct routes that take about an hour. Norwich to Ely is about 90 minutes. Ely train station is a ten minute walk from the centre of Ely, so easy to get to and perfect for day trips or mini weekend breaks. Omio has some great options for train routes, timetables and availability.
• Car – The most convenient way to travel by Ely as there are so many free car parks in the city (Cathedral, Riverside and Ely Market). Ely is located off the A10 and pretty well signposted right through to the centre.
• Air- If you are visiting as part of a longer trip and intend to fly in, the closest airport is London Stansted (STN). Cross Country operates a train from Stansted airport to Ely hourly. Tickets cost £14 – £22 and it takes roughly 49 min. If you’d prefer to hire a car from the airport, Rental Cars is a good comparison tool.
• Bikes – The National Cycle Network Route 11 connects Ely with Cambridge and much of the surrounding countryside.
• Bus/Coach – There are a number of National Express services that go to Ely, after which there is the option of taking the train or another bus to Ely. Search on Omio for good rates and routes for bus travel.

How to Best Get Around Ely?

Ely is a small city and therefore we would recommend walking. It’s definitely a very walkable city and you get to see a lot of the historical points of interest. For example, walking  means you’ll have so many different perspectives of the cathedral to. 

How Many Days to Spend in Ely?

Many people visit Ely for a day trip as it’s quite a small city, but we don’t think you can fully appreciate it until many of the day trippers have gone and you get a real feel of the place. For that reason we would say two days is ideal and gives you time to soak in the local way of life and explore at leisure.

When is The Best Time to Visit Ely?

We can imagine Ely looking beautiful anytime of the year. We visited in early Autumn and found that it was pretty quiet and easy to walk straight into the attractions, compared to busy periods throughout the summer. 

• Spring (March–May): The is blooming with pretty flowers and lush green foliages, the riverside gardens come alive, and temperatures are perfect for leisurely strolls, walking in the surrounding fens and cycling.
  
• Summer (June–August): Ely’s festival season is here, with long sunny days, open-air events, and long days to relax by the water and green spaces.
  
• Autumn (September–November): The golden light and colourful leaves make Ely especially photogenic, and it’s a quieter time to see things as we found during our visit. Many hotels have 2 night special deals, like the Poet’s House.
  
• Winter (December–February): The Cathedral’s Christmas market looks magical, and it’s the perfect time of year to cafe hop to dodge teh cool temperatures outside.

When we were researching, to get a more authentic feel for the city, we thought it may be an idea to centre visits around the events in Ely. You’ll feel some local charm if visiting during the the Ely Festival, Food and Drink Festival, or Christmas Market. 

Map of Ely

Click below on the Google Map of Ely which includes the best things to do included in this article as well as places to stay and food and drinks options. Click on the left hand side to reveal a handy legend.

15 Things to do in Ely, Cambridgeshire

For a small city, there is a lot to keep you entertained in Ely as we found, and the best part is that it’s all within walking distance!

#1. Visit The Breathtaking Ely Cathedral 

The history of Ely Cathedral dates back to 673 when Etheldreda, a Saxon queen, founded a monastery on this site. It was built on an island and signifies that Ely’s name is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word, ‘Elig’ which means ‘island of the eels’. 

As we mentioned previously, the Cathedral truly is an awe-inspiring masterpiece of Gothic architecture and has to be the city’s defining landmark which can be seen on the skyline from miles away. If you’re arriving on the train, you’ll almost definitely see it rising from out of the flat landscapes of the fens, which Cambridgeshire is well known for. The cathedral is known as the ‘Ship of the Fens’ and looks as though it’s floating  on its little island (Isle of Ely) from a distance. 

From the minute you walk through the huge doors, you’re met with soaring ceilings, intricate carvings, and stained-glass windows that flood the space with colour. You literally don’t know where to look first. It can be quite overwhelming but take your time, it’s easy to stay a couple of hours and make use of the audio guides which help in directing a self-guided tour. 

In our opinion, you cannot miss the Octagon Tower Tour, offering breathtaking panoramic views over Ely and the surrounding Fens. If you’re interested in art and history, the Stained Glass Museum, located inside the cathedral, is an unmissable treasure. 

Notable places inside the cathedral we found absolutely fascinating are; the West Tower and Nave; the Choir; the Presbytery; the Lady Chapel; and of course, the Octagon Tower.

Be-lavie Tip: We recommend purchasing tickets online for a weekday if possible at around 09:30, when the cathedral opens. If you can visit off season then viewing is made much more special. We felt really privileged when we visited on an early Autumn Monday morning and we had the cathedral to ourselves for around half an hour, before other visitors came in. If you’re sitting on the fence about the Octagon Tower tickets, just get them. You will not be disappointed and this tour is very informative and the views from the roof of the cathedral are stunning as are the vistas looking down from the top of the panels in the Octagon Tower.

The Details

• Address: Chapter House, The College, ELY CB7 4DL.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Opening Times: Mon-Sat -9:30-16:30, Sun 12:00-15:00.
• Admission: £14 (Adult) Under 16 Free. Octagon Tower Tours £11 (Adult), Stained Glass Museum £6.50 (Adult). Further Details: Cathedral Website.

#2. Engage in 17th Century History at Oliver Cromwell’s House

Located a few minutes walk from Ely Cathedral is Oliver Cromwell’s House where he and his family lived for a decade during the 17th Century. 

The former Lords Protector’s house has a number of recreated rooms about the English Civil War, as well as Mrs Cromwell’s kitchen and the family room where visitors can see more of the fashion and family portraits and if you dare, walk through the haunted bedroom! It’s quite an educational space with the house being an award-winning, Visit England accredited attraction in the city.

Entrance includes a 45 minute self-guided audio tour but guided toys are available so do enquire if you’re interested. Oliver Cromwell’s House is also the site for the Ely Tourist Information Centre so do pop in and find out what’s going on in the city. They also sell maps and other gifts.

The Details

• Address: 29 St Mary’s St, ELY CB7 4HF.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Opening Times:Mon-Sun 10:00-17:00.
• Admission: £8.00 (adults), £5.50 (6-16 years Children) Under 6 years, Free.
• Further Information: Oliver Cromwell House Website.

#3. See The Origins of The City at Ely Museum 

A pretty small museum, in Ely’s old goal but then again Ely is pretty small and here you can learn about all things past and present in the city. Visitors can explore the heritage of Ely’s fens, from prehistoric creatures who lived in the ancient oceans to life today. Learn about how the unusual wetlands and surrounding rich farmlands has shaped the livelihoods of those who lived here and how it’s monastic foundations developed into the market town you see today. There are many hands on exhibits with interactive elements for visitors.

Unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to visit as Ely museum was closed each time we passed by but it’s perfect for history lovers and will give you a greater understanding of the city.

The Details

• Address: The Old Gaol, Market St, ELY CB7 4LS.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Opening Times: Tues-Sat: 10:30-17:00. Sun 12:00-17:00. Closed Mondays.
• Admission: £6.50 Adult, £2.50 child, Under 5’s Free.
• Further Information: Ely Museum Website.

#4. Take a Leisurely Walk Down Ely’s Riverside 

Spend some time in nature and follow the river Great Ouse as it winds through this peaceful and scenic area. Stop off at one of the many cafes like Peacocks Tearoom, or have a drink at The Cutter Inn or simply just take in the boats at the Fish & Duck Marina or head to the Ely Community Cinema for movie night. From the first weekend in March through to October, we ran out of time but would suggest taking a Liberty Belle River Cruise, which lasts around 30 minutes and starts from The Maltings. The first cruise leaves at around 11 am daily and it’s a lovely relaxing way to cruise the area and take in some history with the captain aboard The Liberty Belle boat.

• Address: Ship Lane, ELY CB7 4BB.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Cruise Times: March-end October: Daily 11:00-16:00.
• Cruise Prices: £8 Adults, £5 Children for a 30 minute cruise.
• Further Details: Liberty Belle Cruises Facebook Page.

#5. Mooch Around For Local Produce at Ely Markets

If you love a good mooch, then head to Ely Markets. We highly recommend you drop by the daily market in the Market Place right in the heart of the city. It’s been at the heart of the community for well over 800 years.  

Food markets are held each Thursday; Charter Market-traditional market offerings plus a few surprises; Saturday craft, food and vintage items; and Sunday, local crafts, artisan coffee, plants and gifts to vintage collectables, and a selection of street food, with dedicated farmer’s markets taking place twice a month. 

Ely market is commonly know for selling fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables with all the surrounding fen and arable farming land, artisan bread, cakes and often has some great street food. Things are very reasonably priced here too. If you’re on a budget, then it’s a good place to pick up some picnic items to take away.

Heading to the market is a great way to try some of the locally sourced produce of the county of Cambridgeshire. 

The Details

• Address: Market Place, ELY CB7 4LS.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 08:30-16:00 (closes at 15:30 on Sat=Sin), Closed Mondays.
• Further Details: Ely Markets Website.

#6. Have a Cream Tea or Lunch at Peacock’s Tearooms

Ok, let us tell you something, you cannot come to Ely and NOT go to Peacock’s Tearoom. Not only is it a local constitution but is a fine independent local family run business situated close to the river walk.

It all started back in 2004 in one room of Michael and Rachel Peacock’s beautiful family house on the river waterfront and has now grown to more rooms and a Bed & Breakfast. Peacocks Tearoom has been one of the UK’s Top Tearoom in 2007 by the Tea Guild and carries with it a string of awards including 2016 TripAdvisor Hall of Fame, following six consecutive annual Awards of Excellence and the 2013 The Times’ Top five places to take tea. After visiting it is completely apparent why. 

Peacocks stocks around seventy varieties of teas in it’s family run tearoom which provides nothing less than a friendly, welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. From the minute you enter right through to leaving, the experience here is simply exemplary. 

The decor is reminiscent of the old English cottage theme, think cute fenced and charming buildings with sash windows, a cute courtyard filled with flowers and shrubbery, with climbing vines, quaint China tea cups, tea pots, cake stands, and floral furnishings. Everything just speaks cosy and the food is no exception. 

The Details

• Location: 65 Waterside, ELY CB7 4AU.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Details: Website & Menu.
• Opening Hours: Tues-Thurs 09:00-18:30, Fri-Sat 09:00-15:00, Sun-Mon Closed.
• Reservations: Not taken.

#7. Take a Short Stroll Through Jubilee Gardens

Forming a short link from the Waterside to the centre of Ely, these gardens were officially opened in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee. They are the perfect open space for picnics with riverside views , and also have a children’s play area with a bandstand and water feature.

The gardens are also the location of several events held throughout the year including band concerts during the summer and Eel Day where the World Eel Throwing Competition is held!

The Jubilee Gardens have been awarded Green Flag Status since 2005 demonstrating they are a valuable and high quality green space in Ely.

Be-lavie Tip: We think it’s a great idea heading to Ely markets and picking up some local produce and having a little picnic in the park.

The Details

• Address: Jubilee Gardens, 18 Jubilee Terrace, ELY CB7 4BJ.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Opening Times: Open all the time and Free.

#8. Take a Trip to Discover Wicken Fen Nature Reserve

Wicken Fen Nature Reserve is one of the UK’s oldest nature reserve, perfect for walking and wildlife watching. It covers approximately 2,000 acres of landscape and is great for a scenic walk to the historic wind pump, exploring ancient Sedge Fen as well as seeing herds of  the Konik ponies and Highland Cattle. 

We’d suggest you take a picnic with you and enjoy it at one of the many places in the nature reserve whilst you spot some of the areas resident wildlife. Alternative head to the Docky Hut cafe for savoury and sweet treats as well as a variety of hot and cold drinks.

Be-lavie Tip: Wicken Fen Nature Reserve is a National Trust site so card holders can get free parking in the car park.

The Details

• Address: 34 Lode Lane, Wicken, ELY CB7 5XP.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Opening Hours: Mon-Sun09:30-17:00.
• Admission: Free for National Trust Members, £9.90 Adults, £5 children (5-17 years).
• Further Details: Wicken Fen Nature Reserve Website.

#9. Explore Ely on Foot and Find Great Walks 

Just like with most cities, walking is the best way to discover little gems, views and quirky spots. Ely is no different and we’d suggest walking the streets and lanes, especially around Kings College and to around the side of the cathedral and up around Cherry Hill Park. From here you can get some lovely views and different perspectives of the  Cathedral from the side.

#10. Spot Pretty Cottages and Gardens

It won’t take you long before you start noticing there are some beautiful houses and properties around Ely accompanied by cute little front gardens filled with stunning blooms. We loved spotting quaint properties in between looking out for points of interest and heritage information 

#11. Book Worms Head to Toppings & Co. Booksellers of Ely

If you’re a Bibliophile like us then Toppings & Company Booksellers of Ely is a treasure trove of books and stunning views. We could have spent the day here. The travel section alone was enough to keep me entertained for hours.

From rare collectables to signed first editions and services like coffee with a bookseller, this is a must visit when in Ely. They also do book subscriptions services and have so many wonderful services.

They even have a whole area dedicated to children’s books and a book subscription service!

Note that the tea with a bookseller service requires a voucher that you can purchase online. 

Be-lavie Tip: Grab the books that you are interested in and head to the first floor where you can take a seat and look through the books with views out to Ely Cathedral.

The Details

• Address: 9 High St, ELY CB7 4LJ.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 08:30-18:00.
• Further Details: Topping & Company Booksellers Website.

#12. Explore Three Floors of Treasures at Waterside Antiques

Antique lovers, Waterside Antiques is literally three floors of antique heaven for you! We are not particularly into antiques but this place is seriously impressive – we don’t think we have ever seen so many treasures in one place through even all of our extensive travels. 

Established in 1986, this is East Anglia’s largest antiques store with a floor space of 10,000 square feet with over 80 antique dealers. You’ll see  Wade figures to 10 feet high Armoires but our favourites were the vintage tea services that were surprisingly good value for money,  so if you’re having a vintage themed tea party or wedding soon then Waterside Antiques is your place!

The current location was originally built as a malting’s in the late 1760s, and was once a  morgue during the Second World War and yes there is a resident ghost! 

The Details

• Address: 55a to 55b Waterside, 65 Waterside, ELY CB7 4AU.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 09:30-17:30, Sun 11:00-17:00.
• Further Details: Waterside Antiques Website.

#13. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Ely Fudge Company

Those who have a sweet tooth and love their sweet buttery fudge in a big variety of flavours, you have to head to the Ely Fudge Company. It’s very popular with visitors and what’s nice is that you can try before you buy. 

We particularly are fond of family run businesses like this one where they use family recipes, where they’ve sourced the finest local ingredients, supporting fellow small businesses.

The selection includes packaged fudge which is perfect for gifting, although we’d recommend buying your desired flavour by weight as its more cost effective. So many delicious flavours from coffee and cream to vanilla to Baileys and white chocolate, there is something for everyone and they even have fudge ice cream!

The Details

• Address: 31 Market Place, ELY CB7 4NT.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Details: Website.
• Opening Hours: Tues – Sat 10:30-20:30, Sun 12:00-17:30.

#14. Support Local Independent Stores

Ely is a small market city and therefore has a wonderful range of family owned and independent shops, from gift stores and clothing to books, bakers and more. Many of them are directly in the centre of the city and include, Gibbs of Ely (established in 1908), Interiors of Ely (Interiors of Ely offer a wide range of skills cabinet making, furniture restoration, professional spraying), Cutlacks (local independent department store), A Little Something Ely (beautiful Jewellery and Gift shop in Ely’s historic Market Street) and Tindalls Arts & Graphics (ultimate destination for art supplies, craft materials and stationery) to mention a few.

If you’re a fan of pre-loved clothing then you’ll certainly find a few charity shops and second hand stores in Ely around the main High Street so be sure to pop in and see what treasures you can pick up in there.

#15. Visit Independent Retailers at Ben’s Yard

This rural retail village on the landscaped Stuntney Estate features a collection of hand-picked independent retailers including specialst fashion stores, homewares, lifestyle and lots more.

They also host a calendar full of events at Ben’s Yard as well as celebrating the season with their locally sourced menus in restaurants. Oh and, if you think you’ve had enough of shopping then there are some marked trails where you can even spot some of the local wildlife!

• Address: Stuntney, Estate, ELY CB7 5TR.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 09:00-17:00, Sun 10:00-16:00.
• Further Information: Ben’s Yard Website.

Ely as a Filming Location

Ely has been a filming location for many years particularly the magnificent Ely Cathedral and it’s easy to see why when you’ve visited. Some movies filmed in Ely

Historical Dramas

• The King’s Speech (2010): This film, starring Colin Firth, featured scenes shot at Ely Cathedral. 
• The Other Boleyn Girl (2008): The historical drama starring Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson also filmed at the cathedral. 
• Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007): This historical epic starring Cate Blanchett used Ely Cathedral for its filming locations. 
• Maestro (2023): Bradley Cooper directed and starred in this biographical film about Leonard Bernstein, with scenes filmed in Ely Cathedral. 

Science Fiction and Fantasy:

• Jupiter Ascending (2015): This science fiction film by the Wachowskis used Ely Cathedral as a filming location.

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001): A troll rampage through the cloisters at Ely Cathedral was featured in the first Harry Potter film. 

Other Notable Productions

• Macbeth (2015): The Shakespearean film was also shot in Ely.
• The Crown (2016–2023): The popular Netflix series filmed scenes at Ely Cathedral.
• Grantchester (2014–Present): This TV drama was filmed including in and around Ely. 

Day Trips From Ely

If you can spare the time and are staying in Ely for a little longer then, we’d recommend taking a day trip to see more of East Anglia. Ely is perfectly located to jump on a train to any of the below locations. The Fens would definitely require care as they have a little more of a remote location.

• Cambridge – Only 15 minutes by train, Cambridge is bursting with history, culture, and charm. Take a punting tour on the River Cam, explore the famous university colleges, and wander through the Botanic Gardens.
• Newmarket – Just a 20-minute drive away, this is the home of British horse racing. Visit the National Horse Racing Museum, watch a morning gallop, or take a tour of the racing yards.
• Godmanchester – The train from Ely takes about 52 minutes, Godmanchester is located a mile from Huntingdon and is a charming town nestled in Cambridgeshire, boasting a rich history dating back to Roman times. Known for its beautiful architecture and riverside setting,
• Bury St Edmunds – Around 45 minutes away, this beautiful market town offers abbey ruins, a cathedral, and fantastic shopping and dining.

How To Spend 2 Days In Ely: Sample Itinerary Ideas

Use our sample itinerary to help you spend the perfect 1-2 days in Ely. If you’re considering a 2 day visit ,then staying 2. nights is a good option to experience 2 full days in and around the area.

Day 1

• Arrive into Ely mid-morning and check-in to a hotel of your choice. We’d recommend, Poet’s House, The Lamb or Peacock’s Fine B & B.
• Grab a coffee at Tamarin Bay Coffee House before getting your bearings of the city
• Walk down High Street and pop into some of the independent stores such as Topping & Co Booksellers of Ely, or Gibbs, Ely Fudge Company or mooch around Ely Markets
• Take a walk down Fore Hill and towards the River front where you can pop into Waterside Antiques if you like antiques.
• Have lunch or an afternoon Tea at Peacocks Tearoom before taking a short stroll down the river front, pass by Jubilee Gardens or head on a Liberty Belle Cruise of the Great River Ouse (March-October only)
• In the afternoon, walk around Cherry Hill Park, spot some of the cute cottages and visit Ely Museum to learn more about the origins of Ely
• If you’re feeling peckish, we’d recommend, grabbing a cheese board to share with wine at Victoria’s Cheese
• Head back to your hotel and relax before dinner.
• Have a special meal surrounded by art to remember at The Old Fire Engine House or eat a lovely meal at The Dining Room at Poet’s House Hotel
• Head back to your hotel for a good nights sleep.

Day 2

• Head to Bake Shop General Store for a good coffee and Swedish Cardamom Bun
• 09:30 Pre-book tickets for Ely Cathedral. To see the Octagon Tower, Book onto the 11:00 tour which lasts around an hour.
• Have lunch at Ely Grazing Company, we’d suggest the soup of the day or a 3 cheese of the day cheese board
• Spend the afternoon Visiting Oliver Cromwell’s House.
• Grab a coffee from The Rig by Silver Oak Coffee in Market place and take one of the local walks and discover this small city and it’s community feel. Alternatively, head to the Wicker Fen Nature Reserve.
• Have dinner at Urban Fresh, a South American restaurant with views of the river.

Day 3

• Have breakfast at Gail’s Bakery. take a seat in the small garden at the rear for views of the Cathedral.
• Head home or alternatively, if you have more time, take a day trip to Newmarket, Cambridge or Bury St. Edmonds. These can all be reached via train from Ely.

Where to Stay in Ely

If like us you’ll be staying overnight in Ely then we can recommend some hotel and B&B’s. One that we stayed in and others that we actually researched for our trip. 

Poet’s House Hotel

Situated opposite Ely Cathedral and Oliver Cromwell House, is the 21 room boutique hotel, Poet’s House. Think elegant rooms, stunning suites complete with everything you may need for your stay, luxury toiletries and the most comfortable beds. Read what we thought about The Poet’s House luxury boutique hotel in Ely in our article and the many reasons why we think it’s a great stay option in the city.

Poet’s House has secure off-site parking for guests and is home to The Dining Room serving European, Mediterranean and British fare. If you love cocktails then check-out their snazzy cocktail bar on an evening.

The Details

• Address: 40 St Mary’s St, ELY CB7 4EY.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Price Range: £££

Peacocks Fine Bed & Breakfast

Presented by the Peacock Tearooms Fine B&B offers two very roomy suites close to the riverside. The Brewery House and the Cottage, both have a bedroom with a comfortable king-size bed, antique furniture and a bathroom (or in the Cottage suite a shower-room), but also its own living room, each furnished with a sofa-bed and more antiques. Each suite has books and maps and wifi and TV to help guests feel at home, and in the morning, a good breakfast is served in the tearooms, which is included in the rate.

The Details

• Address: 65 Waterside, ELY CB7 4AU.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Price Range: ££

Lamb Hotel

You cannot get a better location than the Lamb Hotel, which is a traditional 15th Century Inn. It’s right in the heart of the city amongst all the great places to eat and drink and a stones throw away from all the city’s historic attractions. 

There are 37 bright and airy modern rooms with en-suite bathrooms and downstairs guests can dine in the traditional pub and restaurant. The hotel serves breakfast for guests seven days per week including a full cooked English affair. 

The hotel only has parking for 15 cars and is dog-friendly.

The Details

• Address: 2 Lynn Rd, ELY CB7 4EJ.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Price Range: £

Where to Eat in Ely

During our two days in the city,  certainly ate our way around places in Ely and were pretty surprised to learn that for a small city, it’s very food centred. Who would’ve known! Here are a few of our recommendations but for the full round up you’ll want to read the best places to eat Vegetarian-friendly food in Ely.

• Peacock’s Tearoom – Award winning tearooms perfect for afternoon tea or delicious lunch.
• Silver Oak Coffee – Their mobile rig is located in Market place and the Cambridgeshire roasted coffee is great quality and ethically sourced.
• Tom’s Cakes – have a great sustainability policy with all their bakes made with seasonal ingredients being handmade. Go on the weekdays for a more tranquil experience.

• Victoria’s Cheese – The cheese shop of dreams which has a huge variety of cheeses, crackers and other accompaniments. You can pop in for cheeseboards with wine.
• The Old Fire Engine House – A lovely spot for local dishes and art exhibits, set in a Georgian house near the cathedral.
• The Dining Room – The main restaurant at Poet’s House Hotel serving a variety of Mediterranean, British and European cuisine. 
• Urban Fresh – Situated along the Great River Ouse with pretty views, this South American inspired restaurant does colourful, fresh dishes with accompanying cocktails. 

Things to Do in Ely FAQ

Things to Do in Ely Round-up 

We’ve visited many beautiful towns in England, but Ely now holds a special place in our hearts. There’s something about its scale — small enough to feel intimate, yet grand enough to have made such a huge impact.. You can see the best of Ely in a day, but to truly feel its rhythm, you should consider staying for two days to really discover what it’s like when the day visitors have left. This is when you truly see the real charm of this small cathedral city. Perfect for a romantic weekend break at a beautiful hotel like the Poet’s House, or a solo couple of days away, there are some wonderful cosy hotels and excellent dining spots. In Ely priority is placed on seasonal and local fare, making use of the food that is grown in the arable farmland surrounding the city.

Watch the light change on the cathedral’s stone, listen to the call of the ducks along the river, and chat with locals at the market to see what their pick of the day was. We loved how this small city quietly captivated us with its relaxed vibes and heritage. It allowed us to recharge and escape the daily grind.

Whether you visit for a day trip or a weekend getaway, we promise you’ll leave with a sense of calm, a ridicukous amount of photos of the Cathedral and a longing to return one day soon.

Other Ely Related Articles

• The Poet’s House: A boutique Hotel in Ely, Cambridgeshire
• 18 of the best Vegetarian-Friendly places to eat in Ely

Resources to Help Plan Your Trip

À bientôt

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