The historic city of Ely offers a blend of the old and new, so make sure to enjoy the sights and attractions when you visit. Why not visit popular landmark, Ely Cathedral? Or take a walk through Wicken Fen?
1. Ely Cathedral
Ely Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral in the city of Ely, Cambridgeshire. It attracts thousands of visitors each year, local and all over the world. When travelling to Ely you will see the cathedral in the distance with beautiful trees and countryside in the foreground.
The cathedral has stunning architecture and is full of history. Why not take a trip to Ely and discover what it has to offer? The cathedral is worth visiting, as it is full of detail making it great for memorable photos.
Ely Cathedral has so much to offer, including music, history, education and guided tours. Around the cathedral, you can explore beautiful parkland and the medieval buildings still in use. Why not spend a day at the cathedral, as well as Ely’s attractive riverside and popular tourist attractions.
Opening times
Summer: 7am – 6.30pm
Winter: 7am – 6.30pm (Monday – Saturday), 7am – 5.30pm (Sunday)
Prices
Adult
Cathedral: £8.00
Cathedral and Tower Tour: £15.00
Cathedral and Stained Glass Museum: £12.00
Tower tour (Sunday rate): £9.00
Address
The College
Ely
CB7 4DL
England
Contact details
01353 667735
www.elycathedral.org
2. Wicken Fen
Wicken Fen is Britain’s oldest nature reserve, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1999. The National Trust purchased its first two acres and Wicken Fen has been managed traditionally for centuries by sedge cutting and peat digging which has produced a special habitat for wildlife.
There are 29 species of mammal, over 200 species of birds, 1000 species of moths and butterflies and more have been recorded at Wicken Fen. Why not take a visit one weekend to Wicken Fen, where you will learn all about nature and their habitats. It is a beautiful nature reserve, popular with walkers and families.
Wicken Fen is a popular visitor and tourist attraction in Cambridgeshire and is important for the local economy, by attracting people to Ely. There is also a lot of history behind the Fen.
Opening times
The Fen is open all year round from dawn to dusk except for December 25th. Some paths may be closed in very wet weather.
Visit website for more information
Address
Lode Lane
Wicken
Ely
CB7 5XP
England
Contact details
01353 720274
www.wicken.org.uk
3. Oliver Cromwell's House
Why not visit Oliver Cromwell’s House one weekend, which is the only residence which exists other than Hampton Court. Discover what domestic life would have been many years ago, in the 17th Century. There are many re-created rooms in the house, as well as an exhibition on the English Civil Wars.
At Oliver Cromwell’s House, you can take a look at Mrs Cromwell’s kitchen, dress up, or venture into the Haunted Bedroom if you are brave enough! There are many events that take place at Oliver Cromwell’s House, so make sure to check what’s on before visiting.
For younger children, there is The House Mouse Trail, where children can explore the house. Why not try and dress up using the dressing up clothes and armour?
There are also tours and audio headsets, where you can learn all about the history which brings the house to life. Oliver Cromwell’s House is also open to group visits and guided tours, so make sure to stop by when visiting Ely!
Opening times
1st April – 31st October: 10am – 5pm daily including Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays
1st November – 31st March: 11am – 4pm Monday to Sundays
Closed 25th and 26th December and 1st January. Open Easter
Address
Oliver Cromwells House
29 St. Marys Street
Ely
CB7 4HF
England
Contact details
01353 662062
www.olivercromwellshouse.co.uk
4. The Stained Glass Museum
The Stained Glass Museum in Ely was first opened to the public in 1979 and founded in 1972 as a repository to rescue stained glass windows under threat from destruction. Funds raised after the 25th Anniversary Appeal were raised to refit the Museum in the south triforium of Ely Cathedral.
The Stained Glass Museum is the only museum that is dedicated to glass in England and is one of a few places in the world with such a range of stained glass exhibits. There are many collections to discover in the glass museum, as well as exhibitions and events that take place throughout the year.
Prices
Adults: £4.50
Concessions (seniors and students): £3.50
Children under 16: Free
Address
The South Triforium
Ely Cathedral
Ely
CB7 4DL
England
Contact details
01353 660347
www.stainedglassmuseum.com
5. Ely Museum
Ely Museum is a friendly and local history museum, located in the Bishop’s Gaol covering Ely and The Fens from pre-history to the 20th century. The museum is in the heart of historical city, Ely.
The history will take you on a journey through time, from prehistory to the 20th century. There are many displays and events at the museum which include, fossils, original prison cells, Roman remains and archive film of the Fens.
It is a great place to visit with the family, where children get their own guide to the galleries as well as a gift shop! Why not visit Ely one weekend and pop into the Ely Museum? There is so much to do in Ely and Cambridgeshire.
Opening times
Summer Opening Times
(From last Monday of March)
Monday — Saturday
10.30am — 5.00pm
Sunday 1.00pm — 5.00pm
Winter Opening Times
(From first Monday of November)
Monday — Saturday*
10.30am — 4.00pm
Sunday 1.00pm — 4.00pm
*closed on Tuesdays except for school and group bookings
Prices
Adults £4.50
Concessions £4.00
Children £1 (under 5s free)
Address
The Old Gaol
Market St
Ely
CB7 4LS
England
Contact details
01353 666655
www.elymuseum.org.uk
Top 5 kid’s activities
Discover Ely's history with the kids and go on a sightseeing tour or explore Ely in a treasure hunt style! There is so much to do and see.
1. Curious About Ely
Discover and explore Ely, with Curious about Ely. It is a fun treasure hunt style walk, where you will learn all about Ely’s history, making it perfect for the kids!
Ely is a popular city in Cambridgeshire, that is full of history and has the largest ‘island’ in the Fens, bring the 3rd smallest city in England. There are so many places to explore in Ely, such as Ely Cathedral, nature reserves and many more.
Why not make a weekend of it with the family, where you can see the oldest schools in the world, 19th century Brewhouse’s, the marina and more. If you plan on vising by train, you will see a beautiful approach to the city, with Ely Cathedral in the background.
Children will love Curious about Ely, as there are so many great walks, stories and interesting facts about the city!
Opening hours
The walks are self guided, so can be done whenever you like and in your own time!
Pricing
£5.99 for an instant download (print at home or view on device)
£6.50 plus P&P for a pre printed booklet (sent to you).
One printed booklet/instant download is recommended for up to four people
Address
Sacrists Gate
High Street
Ely
Cambridgeshire
CB7 4LQ
England
Contact details
0115 9502151
2. City Sightseeing Hop on Hop off Tour
City Sightseeing Hop on Hop off Tour is the perfect way to discover Cambridge. Why not explore and visit the attractions of Ely and go to Cambridge in the afternoon? There is so much to discover in Ely and Cambridge, whether it's history or picnics in the park!
The kids will love the tour on the double decker bus, where they can see all of Cambridge’s top attractions such as King’s College and the Fitzwilliam Museum. They will learn so much about Cambridge, as there is an audio tour on board for them to listen to.
There are over 19 stops to explore and each stop has something for all of the family. Whether it’s shopping, restaurants or sightseeing! It’s a lovely way to see Cambridge, for an hour or even the whole day. Just sit back and relax and enjoy the tour!
Opening hours
Monday to Sunday 10:10 - 17:30
Closed on 25,26 December and 1 January.
Pricing
Adults from £15.50
Kids from £10.00
Address
100 Cowley Road
Cambridge
Cambridgeshire
CB4 9DN
England
Contact details
01223 433250
www.city-sightseeing.com/en/87/cambridge
3. National Dragonfly Project
National Dragonfly Project has recently changed to the British Dragonfly Society and National Trust. The centre is located in beautiful fenland, just before the entrance to the nature reserve. It is great to visit on warm and sunny days, where you can see all of the wildlife around the water.
Inside the reserve building, there are many informative and colourful displays, where you will learn all about dragonflies and other animals. There are also two ponds outside, which is great for observing birds, fish and bugs. It makes a great day out with the kids, where they can walk around, explore and discover nature!
It makes a great family day trip or even an educational school trip.
Opening hours
Late May through end of September (and selected days throughout the school summer holidays)
Saturday and Sunday 11:00 - 16:00
Pricing
Whole Wicken Fen site entry
Adult: £7.35
Child: £3.60
Family: £18.30
Plus Pay and display: from £3 per car
Address
Wren Building
Near Ramsey
Wicken
Cambridgeshire
CB7 5XP
England
Contact details
01353 720274
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wicken-fen-nature-reserve
4. Sedgeway Equestrian Centre
Sedgeway Equestrian Centre offers a variety of well mannered mounts for private, semi-private and group lessons for children 5 years and upwards. There is an indoor and outdoor school, so it is perfect for all weathers.
For children who are more experienced, they can enjoy scenic horse rides, with cross countryside, jumps, and obstacles. The staff are friendly and well experienced, which makes it a perfect day out for children that love animals and horse riding!
If children are very experienced, they can take a Junior Progressive Test, which the centre is qualified to offer. The kids will love a day with the horses, no matter what age!
Opening hours
The riding school is open 8.30am to 6pm Saturday and Sunday, 1pm to 9pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. All lessons must be pre booked.
Pricing
Lessons from £24.50, kids lesson from £22.50. Lots of options available for those doing more than the basics!
Address
Sedgeway Business Park
Witchford
Ely
Cambridgeshire
CB6 2HY
England
Contact details
01353 654100
www.sedgewayec.co.uk
5. Treetops Soft Play
Treetops Soft Play has all the best and latest play equipment, offering a big multi-level jungle themed adventure play area – Kids will love it! It features a range of padded and modern equipment, from ball pits, to slides and tunnels! Children will love playing and running around with their friends.
There is also a zone for younger children and toddles with a range of toys and soft equipment. If you fancy relaxing while the children are burning off their energy, why not sit and relax in the café? There is so much to choose from
Opening hours
Monday through Saturday 10am to 5.30pm. Sunday 10am to 4pm.
Pricing
Under 1s, Non Walkers and Adults Free 1s and over £4 weekdays and term time £4.50 weekends and school holidays Child minders Monday to Friday £2.50 p/child (child minders must present their OFSTED certificate or pacey membership card) Loyalty card 8
Address
12 Lancaster Way
Ely
Cambridgeshire
CB6 3NW
England
Contact details
01353 665111
Top 5 restaurants in Ely
On your visit to Ely, sit back and relax at one of these restaurants or cafe's before you leave.
1. Peacocks Tea Room
www.peacockstearoom.co.uk
01353 661100
65 Waterside
Ely
CB7 4AU
England
2. The White Pheasant
www.whitepheasant.com
01638 720414
21 Market Street
Fordham
Ely
CB7 5LQ
England
3. The Anchor Inn at Sutton Gault
www.anchor-inn-restaurant.co.uk
01353 778537
Bury Lane
Sutton
Ely
CB6 2BD
England
4. Prince Albert
01353 663494
62 Silver Street
Ely
CB7 4JF
England
5. Market Street Brasserie
www.marketstreetuk.com
01353 669930
39-41 Market Street
Ely
CB7 4LZ
England