Ely is weird. Not bad weird, just "how is this a city?" weird. It is basically a tiny, beautiful island made of clay and gravel that sticks out of the flat, watery Cambridgeshire Fens. People usually drive through on their way to Cambridge or Norfolk and think, "Oh, nice church," and keep going.
Big mistake.
If you're looking for things to do in Ely England, you have to realize this place isn't just a satellite of Cambridge. It has a vibe that’s way more ancient and, honestly, a bit spookier. It was the last stronghold of the English resistance against the Normans. It’s where Oliver Cromwell—the man who literally ended a monarchy—raised his kids and probably grumbled about the damp.
The "Ship of the Fens" and the Octagon
You can’t miss the Cathedral. Like, physically, it’s impossible. It towers over the flatlands for miles. Locals call it the "Ship of the Fens" because when the mist rolls in, the massive stone structure looks like it’s floating on a grey sea.
Most people walk in, look up at the nave, and leave. Don't do that. You’ve got to book the Octagon Cupola tour. It’s a 14th-century engineering miracle. After the original central tower collapsed in 1322, they didn't just rebuild it; they built an eight-sided lantern made of massive oak beams. Standing under it feels like looking into a kaleidoscope made of wood and glass.
Quick heads-up for 2026: if you're planning a trip in mid-January, the Cathedral actually shuts down for maintenance (specifically Jan 12–15). Also, if you’re here on Friday, Jan 16, they’re doing an "Evening of Radiohead" rehearsal. It’s going to be loud. Maybe cool if you like Thom Yorke, maybe annoying if you wanted a quiet prayer.
Inside the Cathedral, up a tiny, 40-step spiral staircase, is the Stained Glass Museum. It’s the only one of its kind in the UK. They have panels dating back to the 1200s. It’s surprisingly metal—lots of vibrant colors and strange medieval imagery that looks better at eye level than 50 feet up in a window.
Cromwell’s House and the Haunted Bedroom
Oliver Cromwell lived in Ely for about ten years. His house is right next to the Tourist Information Centre. It’s the only one of his residences still standing besides Hampton Court.
It’s not a stuffy museum. They’ve gone full interactive lately. You can try on Civil War helmets—they are heavy, by the way—and wander through 17th-century rooms. There’s a "haunted bedroom" that supposedly has a resident ghost. Honestly, the creepiest part is the kitchen; it’s so realistic you can almost smell the 400-year-old pottage.
If you’re a fan of puzzles, they even run a "Cromwell-themed" escape room in the house. It’s a bit of a weird pivot for a historical site, but it’s genuinely fun.
The Riverside and The Great Ouse
The walk from the Cathedral down to the river takes about ten minutes, but the atmosphere changes completely. The River Great Ouse is the soul of the city.
- Waterside Antiques: This place is huge. It’s an old maltings building packed with everything from Victorian jewelry to weird taxidermy. You can lose three hours in here easily.
- The Cutter Inn: This is the spot for a pint by the water. It gets packed on sunny Saturdays, but the views of the boats moving through the locks are worth the wait.
- Jubilee Gardens: A nice, chill spot for a picnic if you don't want to spend money at a cafe. There are sculptures and a lot of space for kids to burn off energy.
If you want to get on the water, you can rent a boat or take a guided cruise. In 2026, the boat season usually kicks off in spring. If you're feeling ambitious, there’s a boat route that takes you all the way to Wicken Fen.
Wicken Fen: The Wild Side
Wicken Fen is about 15 minutes outside Ely, and it’s essentially what England looked like before we drained everything for farmlands. It’s the National Trust’s oldest nature reserve.
You walk on these raised wooden boardwalks because the ground is basically a giant sponge. It’s home to over 9,000 species. In the summer, the dragonflies are everywhere. It’s quiet in a way that’s almost uncomfortable if you’re used to city noise.
👉 See also: Nie: What Most People Get Wrong About This Ghost Town
For 2026, take note:
- Cycle Hire: Reopens in Spring 2026. They have e-bikes and even dog trailers if your pup is too lazy to run.
- Admission: It’s about £11-£12 for adults unless you’re a National Trust member.
- The Docky Hut: The cafe there is great for a post-walk scone.
Drinking and Eating Like a Local
Forget the chains. Ely is all about independents.
The Drayman’s Son is a micropub on Fore Hill. It’s tiny. No music, no fruit machines, just real ale and people talking. It’s probably the best pub in the city if you actually like beer.
If you want food with a view, RBK (Riverside Bar & Kitchen) does a New York-Italian thing. Their Sunday carvery is a local legend, so you definitely need to book that in advance. For something more historic, The Royal Standard is the oldest pub in Ely (15th century) and does great seafood and steaks.
Practical Logistics
Ely is one of the easiest "hidden gems" to reach. It’s only about 1 hour and 15 minutes from London King's Cross by train. If you’re coming from Cambridge, it’s a 15-minute hop.
Parking is surprisingly decent for an old city. There are several large free car parks (like Forehill or Barton Road), but they fill up fast on market days.
Market Days: - Thursdays: The big charter market.
- Saturdays: The craft and food market.
- Sundays: Usually a farmers' market or food fair.
The city is small enough that you don't need a car once you're there. Everything—the Cathedral, Cromwell’s House, and the Riverside—is within a 15-minute walk of each other.
Actionable Next Steps
To make the most of a trip to Ely, start by checking the Ely Cathedral website for their specific tour times, especially for the Octagon or West Tower, as these sell out days in advance. If you're staying overnight, book a table at The Cutter Inn or RBK for a riverside dinner to catch the sunset over the Ouse. Finally, download the "Visit Ely" app or head straight to Oliver Cromwell’s House upon arrival to grab a physical map of the Eel Trail, which is a self-guided walking route that hits every major historical spot in the city center.