Ely

Travel Guide

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

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 €79 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
€79
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (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 €168 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€168
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Cambridge. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,012 reviews)
"Location was perfect! Right next to the station and a very easy walk into town. Bed was very comfortable, room was clean and staff were friendly. Couldn’t ask for more."

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Clayton Hotel Cambridge
Hyatt Centric Cambridge

Hyatt Centric Cambridge

4 out of 5
37 Eddington Avenue, Cambridge, England
The price is €87 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
€87
25 Aug - 26 Aug
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! (464 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 WiFi, 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! (694 reviews)
"Very nice place to stay"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Falcons Nest
Lydney House Hotel Swaffham Sleeps 22

Lydney House Hotel Swaffham Sleeps 22

Norfolk
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Swaffham. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and a pool table. Popular attractions Swaffham Museum and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
Great place. Would recommend
"From booking to check in, communication was excellent. The detailed information pack provided was helpful including the layout of the rooms."

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2025

Lydney House Hotel Swaffham Sleeps 22
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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