Ely

Travel Guide

Ely Cathedral featuring heritage architecture, heritage elements and a church or cathedral
Ely which includes signage
Ely featuring heritage architecture and a house
Ely showing a house
Ely which includes 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 kilometers) 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 jewelry 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 ¥10,023 per night from May 4 to May 5
¥10,023
¥12,028 total
includes taxes & fees
May 4 - May 5
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Ely. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (539 reviews)
Nice central inn with friendly staff
"Great centrally located inn. Comfortable bed (quite firm mattress - that’s what I like), clean room, kettle with a good amount of teas and coffee. Friendly and helpful staff. I didn’t eat, but seems to be a quite popular restaurant. Bathroom had a tub which was a nice surprise - water controls are ..."

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2025

Lamb Hotel by Greene King Inns
The Three Pickerels
The Three Pickerels
3 out of 5
Bridge Rd, Ely, England
The price is ¥15,908 per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
¥15,908
¥19,090 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 6 - Apr 7
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Ely. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (57 reviews)
"Lovely room overlooking the river"

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2025

The Three Pickerels
Hyatt Centric Cambridge
Hyatt Centric Cambridge
4 out of 5
37 Eddington Avenue, Cambridge, England
The price is ¥15,113 per night from Apr 18 to Apr 19
¥15,113
¥18,136 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 18 - Apr 19
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Cambridge. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (409 reviews)
"It was away from Central Cambridge,but there was a FREE curtesy bus which gave a scenic view of Cambridge Hotel & Room was Comfortable and Modern,had everything i needed. NICE Cambridgr"

Reviewed on Apr 1, 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 WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (394 reviews)
Cambridge birthday treat
"We decided to visit Cambridge for a few days for my husbands birthday and I came across this lovely aparthotel and what a wonderful discovery, very modern bright and airey we had a double room terrace apartment and it was wonderful, the only down side was the patio door on the living room was broken ..."

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2025

Turing Locke Cambridge
Signature Suites
Signature Suites
4 out of 5
73 Broadway, Peterborough, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Peterborough. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Peterborough Cathedral and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (39 reviews)
"Amazing place and super comfy, cozy and warm room"

Reviewed on Dec 26, 2024

Signature Suites
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! (229 reviews)
"This hotel is perfectly located in the City Center. I had a great experience thanks to the polite and accommodating staff. The rooms were spotless, and I would rate the overall service a perfect 10/10. However, if you enjoy a hearty breakfast, this may not be the right hotel for you. While breakfast ..."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 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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Reviews of Ely

4.5
Top Destination
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4/5 - Good

USinUK

Love the Ely Cathedral and Stained Glass Museum!

Cities near Ely