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
$78 nightly
The price is $94 total per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
$94 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
Total includes taxes and 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! (577 reviews)
"The Lamb Hotel is in a very convenient location in Ely. My room was modest and up a couple flights of stairs but was comfortable and clean. The staff was friendly and helpful. The restaurant was very nice. I would stay here again."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Lamb Hotel by Greene King Inns
Clayton Hotel Cambridge

Clayton Hotel Cambridge

4 out of 5
Station Rd, Cambridge, England
$163 nightly
The price is $195 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$195 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,004 reviews)
"Excellent location walking distance to the train station and bus depot. A great quiet place to stay for a Cambridge visit."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Clayton Hotel Cambridge
Hyatt Centric Cambridge

Hyatt Centric Cambridge

4 out of 5
37 Eddington Avenue, Cambridge, England
$88 nightly
The price is $106 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$106 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and 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! (457 reviews)
"great facilities. short ride to cambridge center, onsite restaurants and supermarkets are great."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 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! (442 reviews)
"Nice spacious and clean apartment. Location was good, short bus ride to the city centre with the bus stop being 200ft away from the apartment building. Friendly staff."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 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! (690 reviews)
"Absolutely loved staying here we will keep coming back as live it so much"

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025

Falcons Nest
Willingham House

Willingham House

2.5 out of 5
50 Church St, Cambridge, England
Stay at this aparthotel in Cambridge. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 meeting rooms. Popular attractions The Green and Hermitage Marina are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Excellent stay, room wonderful and spacious, comfy bed and beautiful setting with immaculate grounds"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Willingham House
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