East of England Visitor Guide

ELY
Ely has a beautiful waterside, seen best in the
summer months, when you can enjoy a boat
trip or a riverside walk. As well as an art gallery
and the region’s largest antique centre,
the riverside is home to a variety of eateries.
With the city centre only a two-minute walk
away, your trip can be completed with a visit to
one or more of the key visitor attractions such
as the impressive Cathedral or Oliver
Cromwell’s House. Not forgetting a visit to the
many quaint and traditional shops selling a
variety of unusual gifts to remember your visit by.
Your first port of call will no doubt be the
medieval Cathedral. It is easy to see why it is
Ely’s top tourist attraction. Wander around this
magnificent building famous for its octagon
tower or take advantage of having a more
informative experience with a guided tour.
Tours also include optional visits to the
octagon and west towers where the
spectacular views make it well worth the climb.
Whilst in the Cathedral, don’t miss the chance
of visiting the Stained Glass Museum, housed
in the South Triforium. Regular tours and
events are held throughout the year so you
can get a better understanding of the history.
Before leaving the city centre, take the time
to visit Ely Museum. Discover the story of Ely
from prehistoric times to the 20th century set
in the city’s former gaol.
Oliver Cromwell’s House is one of the only
remaining home of Cromwell’s with the
exception of Hampton Court Palace in
London. The house has been transformed to
give you an insight into 17th century life. It
hosts a range of fun ‘hands on’ activities for
the whole family. The house also doubles as a
tourist information centre.
Ely’s Waterside is a hotspot for visitors
wishing to relax and enjoy afternoon tea
or to take a boat trip. Stop off at one of the
traditional tea rooms or restaurants or take a
trip along the Great River Ouse on board the
Liberty Belle, Ely’s Fenland Cruiser (Easter to
October) and enjoy the live commentary.
For those with an interest in retail therapy or
those looking for something a little different,
the area offers an extensive range and mix
of traditional and contemporary gift, craft
and antique shops along with a variety of art
galleries. For those who love a bargain, Ely
holds three different sorts of markets - from
its award-winning Farmers’ Market on the
second and fourth Saturday of every month
to its regular General Market and Saturday
Craft and Collectables Market.
The city’s heritage public art Eel Trail is an
excellent way of seeing the historic city at its
best. This circular walk, self-guided by brass
waymarkes set in the ground, takes you past
the oldest parts of Ely and down to the
beautiful riverside.
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