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Ely (/ ˈ iː l i / ⓘ EE-lee) is a cathedral city and civil parish in the East Cambridgeshire district of Cambridgeshire, England, about 14 miles (23 km) north-northeast of Cambridge, 24 miles (39 km) south east of Peterborough and 80 miles (130 km) from London.
Rising above the Cambridgeshire Fens, Ely is the destination City with something for everyone. From the monastic buildings of the city past, the vibrant food scene and the scenic majesty of the Riverside, Ely packs a great deal into a pocket city.
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Nestled in the Fen country of East Cambridgeshire, Ely makes a perfect day’s outing—a direct, easy train ride from London. The sight of the magnificent cathedral, either up close or from across the river, sets the tone for a day of historical research, cathedral gazing, river cruising, antiquing or just shopping in the modern precinct or one of the...
By car, Ely is accessible from the A10 and A14. Trains run regularly from London King’s Cross; the trip takes about an hour.
Cathedral House is a four-star hotel overlooking the cathedral gardens. It is a Grade II listed historic house.
A visit to the cathedral is a priority. Known as the “Ship of the Fens,” its West Tower soars over the treetops and can be seen for miles. Queen Etheldreda of Northumbria founded a monastery there in 673. Eventually, it was destroyed by the Danes, but Etheldreda is still present, represented in sculptures throughout the church. In 970 it was revive...
The Old Fire Engine House, built in the 18th century, offers a good selection of dishes and drink. Then you can browse or purchase pictures and sculptures in the art gallery.
The Peacocks is listed among Country Living’s 25 favorite tea rooms. Choose a luscious pastry and one of over 60 types of tea and sit on the patio, as wisteria blossoms drop gently into your cup.
For antique buffs, there’s the three-story Riverside Antiques Centre. More treasures are found in the farmers market on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, the Thursday general market and the Saturday craft and collectibles market. The shopping precinct has an array of craft and gift shops along with traditional stores.
Follow Neil the Eel through the Ely Museum and see a very well-interpreted display. Arrowheads, flint picks and antler hammers testify to the hunters who pursued the wooly mammoths, wolves, beavers, rhino, and hippos in the Iron Age. Pottery bowls demonstrate their artistic abilities. The Anglo-Saxon period is represented by incredible jewelry, swo...
The Maltings, a former brewery, provides elegant dining. Don’t miss the tapestry commemorating Ely’s connections with Ribe, Denmark. After dinner, buy a bag of pellets and feed the ducks on the river bank. The Boathouse Restaurant offers local, seasonal produce; bottled ales and wines from local suppliers and river views.
Two different ghostly tours take you around what is said to be one of the most haunted cities in England. Perhaps you’ll see the ghostly dog, Black Shuck, the creeping hand of St. Etheldreda or the ancient Benedictine monks who stroll the cathedral lawn and congregate in Cromwell’s kitchen. One tour finishes in Cromwell’s bedroom also said to be in...
Discover the history, culture and attractions of Ely, a beautiful cathedral town in Cambridgeshire. Learn about its connection with eels, Oliver Cromwell, stained glass and ghosts.
- Jean Paschke
Nestling under the big skies of the Fen countryside, in the shadow of its magnificent cathedral, Ely offers a wealth of attractions and things to do. As the second smallest city in England, it is compact enough to explore on foot, but large enough to fill a full day and more.
Sep 13, 2023 · Ely is a small but beautiful city in England, with a stunning Cathedral, a former home of Oliver Cromwell and a riverside setting. Learn how to visit Ely from London or Cambridge, what to do and see, and where to eat and stay in this ultimate guide.
Ely is a peaceful small town, filled with beautiful Georgian buildings. What to see. The Bishop's Palace - the 15th-century residence of the Bishops of Ely. Ely Cathedral - One of the finest Norman cathedrals in Britain. Ely Museum - In the Old Gaol House. Oliver Cromwell's House - Home to Cromwell from 1636-46 - a fine half-timbered house.
The ancient city of Ely occupies the largest island in the Fens. The “Isle of Ely” is so called because it was only accessible by boat until the waterlogged Fens were drained in the 17th century.
