Ely
,Ely is a historic city located in the East of England, known for its stunning Gothic cathedral dating back to the 11th century. The city is situated in the flat countryside of Cambridgeshire, offering picturesque views and a peaceful atmosphere. Ely has a charming city center with narrow streets, independent shops, and traditional English pubs.
Visitors can also enjoy a leisurely walk along the River Great Ouse, which runs through the city.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $60 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Explore Ely Cathedral
morning
:Start your day with a visit to the magnificent Ely Cathedral, known as the 'Ship of the Fens'. Enjoy the stunning architecture and explore the grounds.
afternoon
:Take a leisurely walk through the city's picturesque streets, stopping by local shops and cafes. Enjoy lunch at one of the charming eateries nearby.
evening
:End your day with a scenic stroll along the River Great Ouse. Choose a riverside restaurant for dinner and enjoy the views.
Cycling Adventure in the Fens
morning
:Rent a bike and begin your cycling adventure through the beautiful Fenlands. The flat landscape offers perfect cycling conditions.
afternoon
:Stop for a picnic at a scenic spot along the route, enjoying the tranquility of the countryside. Visit local attractions like the Ely Market.
evening
:Return to Ely and relax at a cozy pub for dinner. Share stories of your day's adventures over a pint.
Highlights
Good
- Rich historical heritage, including the famous Ely Cathedral.
- Beautiful and picturesque surroundings, with scenic waterways and parks.
- Strong sense of community and friendly residents.
- Good transport links to Cambridge and London, making it accessible for commuters.
- A range of local shops, restaurants, and markets that contribute to a vibrant local economy.
Bad
- Limited job opportunities compared to larger cities, which may require commuting.
- Higher housing costs relative to some other areas in the region.
- Fewer entertainment options, such as theaters and large shopping centers.
- Public transport options may not be as frequent or extensive as in larger urban areas.
- Risk of flooding in certain areas due to its location near waterways.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Ely Riverside Walk
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque riverside, offering stunning views of Ely Cathedral and the surrounding countryside.
Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve
Explore the unique landscape of wetland habitats, boardwalk trails, and diverse wildlife in this beautiful nature reserve.
Ely Country Park
Experience the tranquility of nature with walking trails, wildlife spotting, and peaceful picnic areas in this lovely country park.
Ely Eel Trail
Embark on a historic tour through Ely, following the fascinating Eel Trail that highlights the town's heritage and landmarks.
Boating on the River Great Ouse
Rent a boat or join a guided tour to navigate the serene waters of the River Great Ouse, taking in the scenic surroundings of Ely.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Ely with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Ely Cathedral
The cathedral offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is a great spot for photography
Roswell Pits
This nature reserve provides beautiful views of the wetlands and diverse wildlife for photo opportunities
Cherry Hill Park
A lovely park with scenic views of the River Great Ouse and the Ely Cathedral for photography
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Ely Sausages
These delectable sausages are a local specialty, known for their savory flavors and high-quality ingredients. Try them at the Ely Farmers Market or local butchers such as J H Adams & Sons.
Must-Try!
Eel Pie
Ely's historic association with the eel trade gives rise to this iconic dish. It features flaky pastry filled with tender eel and a medley of seasonings, available at The Cutter Inn and The Royal Standard.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Ely better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Ely Farmers Market
This bustling market is a treasure trove of artisanal delights, including organic produce, homemade pastries, and locally sourced meats. Don't miss the delectable street food offerings, ranging from gourmet burgers to wood-fired pizza.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect for Personal Space
In Ely, it is important to respect personal space and maintain a polite distance when interacting with others, especially in public places and queues.
Punctuality
Being punctual is highly valued in Ely. Arriving on time for social engagements, business meetings, and appointments is considered respectful.
Politeness and Courtesy
Politeness and courtesy are cultural norms in Ely. Using phrases such as 'Please', 'Thank you', and 'Excuse me' is expected in social interactions.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Ely with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Ely, United Kingdom, tipping is generally not as common as it is in some other countries. However, it is appreciated in restaurants, especially for exceptional service. A standard practice is to tip around 10% of the bill, but it is discretionary.
Payment
Payment in Ely, United Kingdom is commonly made using cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Contactless payment methods are also widely accepted in most establishments. It is always best to check with the specific vendor regarding their accepted payment methods.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Ely.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May)
Spring is a great time to visit Ely, as the weather becomes warmer and the flowers start blooming. The city is less crowded, making it a pleasant time to explore the attractions and enjoy outdoor activities.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is the peak tourist season in Ely, as the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities. The city hosts various events and festivals, and the surrounding countryside is lush and beautiful.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn brings beautiful foliage and a pleasant climate to Ely. The city is less crowded, and visitors can enjoy the colorful scenery and mild weather. It's a great time for peaceful walks and exploring the historic sites.
Winter (December to February)
Winter in Ely is quieter, with fewer tourists, but the city's historic charm is still appealing. Visitors can experience the festive atmosphere, explore the local pubs and restaurants, and enjoy cozy indoor activities.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Thetford Forest
A large forest area with numerous trails for hiking and nature walks, offering beautiful scenery and wildlife.
Wicken Fen
A nature reserve with marked trails through wetlands and rich biodiversity, perfect for hiking and bird watching.
Chippenham Fen
A lesser-known nature reserve with a variety of trails that offer a peaceful hiking experience among diverse flora and fauna.
Fens and Fields Walks
A collection of trails in the surrounding fens and countryside, ideal for a more rural hiking experience.
Thetford to Ely River Walk
A scenic walking route along the River Great Ouse, connecting Thetford to Ely with picturesque views and abundant nature.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Ely through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Ely by plane.
London Stansted Airport (STN)
An international airport located northeast of Central London, serving a wide range of destinations across Europe and beyond.
London City Airport (LCY)
An international airport in London, located in the Royal Docks in the London Borough of Newham, primarily serving business travelers.
London Luton Airport (LTN)
An international airport situated to the north of London, known for its low-cost carrier services.
Cambridge Airport (CBG)
Located to the northeast of Cambridge, this airport offers general aviation services and limited scheduled flights.
East Midlands Airport (EMA)
An international airport situated between Derby, Leicester, and Nottingham, serving both passenger and freight traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
White British
The largest demographic group, encompassing individuals of British descent.
Other White
Includes populations from other European countries and other white ethnicities.
Asian or Asian British
Comprises individuals of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and other Asian origins.
Black, Black British, Caribbean or African
This group includes individuals of Black and African descent.
Mixed or Multiple Ethnic Groups
Includes individuals with mixed ethnicity backgrounds.
Other Ethnic Groups
Encompasses various other ethnic identities not specified in the main categories.
The Soul of Ely
Discover the essence of Ely through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football
A widely popular sport in Ely, with local clubs and community participation at various levels.
Rugby
Rugby is played at clubs in the area, with a strong following and local competitions.
Cricket
Ely has a rich cricketing tradition, with local teams and leagues attracting players of all ages.
Rowing
Due to Ely's proximity to the River Great Ouse, rowing is a popular activity with clubs offering training and competitions.
Athletics
Athletics clubs in Ely promote various track and field events, engaging the community in fitness and competition.
Cycling
Cycling is a popular recreational activity in Ely, with many scenic routes appealing to cyclists.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Ely's dining scene is notably accommodating to vegetarians and vegans, with many establishments offering innovative plant-based dishes. Notable options include The Old Fire Engine House and Alimentum.
Gluten-Free Friendly
Visitors with gluten intolerance can dine with ease at various eateries in Ely. The Poets House and The Almonry Restaurant are known for their diverse and delicious gluten-free selections.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Ely with these cultural adventures.
