13 best things to do and see in Ely

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


While Ely may be smaller than other cities like Cambridge, it is still full of wonderful things to do. Whether you are a local or just visiting the city for a day, there are plenty of historical sites and great restaurants to enjoy.

Surrounded by the Fens, Ely shares the benefits of having both beautiful countryside nearby as well as excellent shops and restaurants. The city, with everything from Oliver Cromwell's house to idyllic boat tours, will please the foodie, the historian and nature lover in your group.

If you are struggling to decide how to spend your trip to the cathedral city, this comprehensive list of the best activities and spots to visit might help to narrow down your search.

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1. The Yard by Silver Oak

People queuing to buy coffee from The Yard
The Yard by Silver Oak was voted the best café in Cambridgeshire -Credit:CambridgeshireLive

Found in a variety of old shipping containers, The Yard offers a different kind of dining experience. The laid-back ambience ensures you'll have a relaxing afternoon.

Serving up brunches, pizzas, and light bites, The Yard has something that can suit everyone if you are visiting in a big group. The venue also hosts regular events such as wine tasting and comedy nights.

Address: 35A Newnham St, Ely CB7 4PG

Website: http://www.theyardely.co.uk/

2. Ely Cathedral

The Bishops House has the most amazing views of Ely Cathedral
The Bishops House has the most amazing views of Ely Cathedral -Credit:National Garden Scheme

You may have been first introduced to Ely Cathedral in a TV programme or film, including Netflix's The Crown and Maestro.

The cathedral has a range of activities on from guided tours to their regular services. There is also a stained glass museum to visit featuring beautiful displays of stained glass artwork.

Location: Chapter House, The College, Ely CB7 4DL

Price: Tickets vary depending on the activity you choose

Website: https://www.elycathedral.org/

3. Ely Market

With three different markets, each time you visit Ely Market, you will be able to try something new. In particular, the Saturday Craft, Food & Vintage Market is filled with great stalls with food from all over the world.

The Mexican street food vendor, Al Chile, is popular with both locals and tourists. Every week, the van serves up a range of burritos, nachos, quesadillas and tacos that can be enjoyed while walking around the rest of the market.

Location: Market Pl, Ely CB7 4LS

Website: https://elymarkets.co.uk/

4. Topping & Company Booksellers

This independent bookshop offers visitors a quiet escape with the chance to find their next favourite read. The quaint shop, which has many signed author copies, has shelves bursting with books that cover a range of topics from sport to classics.

The Booksellers put on frequent events like reading groups and author visits. It might be worth planning your trip around one of these events to avoid missing out. If you are stumped on what to read next you can even buy an in-depth book consultation through the 'Coffee with a Bookseller' voucher.

Location: 9 High St, Ely CB7 4LJ

Website: https://www.toppingbooks.co.uk/

5. Bake Shop - General Store

If you have a particularly sweet tooth, a visit to this bake shop might be for you. With fresh pastries everyday and coffee supplied from The Brew Project, you can take a seat in the shop's cosy pantry room or walled garden.

The general store side of the shop is dedicated to finding quirky products and local produce for visitors to take home with them like local honey and cheese, dried Italian pasta and Spanish cured meats. The shop's wine collection is always changing to keep things interesting and the regular wine nights give you the chance to try a selection of wines and cheeses before you buy.

Location: 30 St Mary's St, Ely CB7 4ES

Website: https://www.bakeshopgeneralstore.com/

6. Oliver Cromwell's House

Oliver Cromwell's House, Ely, the venue for the new Escape Room game
Oliver Cromwell's House, Ely, the venue for the new Escape Room game -Credit:James Billings

If you want to find out more about one of the most curious figures in British history, taking a tour of his house may be the way to start. Oliver Cromwell has always been a divisive character but it is important to learn more about the man himself before making up your mind about him.

The interactive displays throughout the museum and the newly refurbished Civil War exhibition will take you through the most important events during Cromwell's life. Within the museum, there are also bookable escape rooms that are constantly changing and offer you the chance to learn about history in a more hands on way.

Location: 29 St Mary's St, Ely CB7 4HF

Price: £7.50 for adults, £5.20 for children aged 6 to 16, children under 6 go free

Website: https://www.olivercromwellshouse.co.uk/

7. Sushi and Salad

If you need a lunch or dinner stop on your day out, Sushi and Salad has to be a contender. Its menu features fresh sashimi, noodle dishes, and inventive sushi choices.

The resturant is always heaving as it has cracked the perfect recipe of a welcoming atmosphere, beautiful traditional Japanese artwork decorations and exceptional food. Booking is advised.

Location: 9 High St Passage, Ely CB7 4NB

Website: https://sushiandsalad.com/pages/ely-cambridgeshire

8. Waterside Antiques

Waterside Antiques has an incredible collection of antiques to explore. It has a floor space of 10,000 square feet, making it the largest antiques centre in East Anglia.

With over 65 antique dealers, you are sure to find a piece that you love. Waterside Antiques has been owned by the Peters family since it first opened in 1986 and is based around honest service to make the antiquing experience as enjoyable as possible.

Location: 55a to 55b Waterside, 65 Waterside, Ely CB7 4AU

Website: http://www.watersideantiques.co.uk/

9. Peacocks Tearoom

The proposed hotel is around the corner from the well known Peacocks Tearoom
The proposed hotel is around the corner from the well known Peacocks Tearoom -Credit:Warren Gunn

Opened 20 years ago, this family-run tearoom overlooks the River Great Ouse making it a great place to spend an afternoon with a cuppa and a cake. The small garden area is nice soak up the sun in during the summer but the inside is just as lovely if the weather is not on your side.

The cream tea is particularly popular or you might like their chocolate scones. Peacocks Tearoom has a wide range of teas too with options from all over the world.

Location: 65 Waterside, Ely CB7 4AU

Website: http://www.peacockstearoom.co.uk/

10. The Drayman's Son

Originally called the Liberty Belle, the micropub was a go-to place for real ales. The tradition of carrying quality beers continued with a name change and new ownership, becoming a regular winner of CAMRA awards. Today it is run by the owners of the Three Blind Mice Brewery and has cemented its reputation of serving a wide range of excellent beers.

Built in an old shop, the pub evokes nostalgia and is covered in old railway and enamel signs to create a homely atmosphere. The pub stocks 12 different ales mostly sourced from its brewery, the Three Blind Mice based in Little Downham.

Location: 29a Fore Hill, Ely CB7 4AA

Website: https://draymansmicropub.wixsite.com/home

11. Ben's Yard

For younger visitors, there's an Ely Cathedral-themed play area
For younger visitors, there's an Ely Cathedral-themed play area -Credit:Ben's Yard

If you don't mind venturing a little further out of Ely, Ben's Yard on the Stuntney Estate makes for a great day trip. The beautiful retail village is filled with independent shops to explore and the delicious Amelie cafe and restaurant. It even has an Ely Cathedral-themed playground and wildflower trails.

Ben's Yard is known for its many community-focused events throughout the year including workshops, markets, and even an outdoor cinema experience. Whether you want to attend a specific event or just fancy wandering around the quaint shops, Ben's Yard has something for everyone and is continuing to grow all the time.

Location: Stuntney, Estate, Ely CB7 5TR

Website: https://www.bensyard.co.uk/

12. Ely Museum

If you want to learn more about the historic city, Ely Museum is a great place to do so. The museum will allow you to find out about the people and landscape of the area and how it has changed from prehistoric times to the present day.

The museum has a great range of interactive exhibitions and historical artefacts dotted around the building. The museum also has special events throughout the year that will keep the whole family entertained.

Location: The Old Gaol, Market St, Ely CB7 4LS

Price: £6.50 for adults, £2.50 for children, free for children under 5

Website: https://www.elymuseum.org.uk/

13. Visit Ely's Riverside and take a boat tour

A cruise on the River Great Ouse is a leisurely way to enjoy the city on a sunny day. You can hire your own boat or take a tour. More information can be found on the Visit Ely website.