Ely: Cathedral, Fens Landscape and Waterside Trails

Ely combines an impressive religious heritage with the distinctive landscape of the Fens. Around the cathedral, in museums, along marked trails and beside the River Great Ouse, you will find a range of ways to shape your trip. This makes Ely appealing if you are looking for a place for your holiday apartment or holiday home where culture, nature observation and shared activities come together.

Culture around Ely Cathedral

One particular attraction is the Stained Glass Museum. It is the only museum in the United Kingdom dedicated to the art of stained glass. The permanent exhibition in the cathedral’s Triforium Gallery presents stained glass in chronological order. This allows you to experience the museum visit as a journey through different periods, without having to limit yourself to a single style.

The city’s architectural history is also well represented. Ely Porta was begun in 1397 and completed on the orders of Prior Poucher, who served from 1401 to 1418. Oliver Cromwell’s House, the former family home of the Lord Protector, also offers an impression of domestic life in the 17th century. The admission price includes a self-guided audio tour. Ely Museum broadens the historical perspective from prehistory to the present day and tells the story of the people and landscape of Ely and its surroundings. Original prison cells are also part of the museum; visitors can hear the stories of the prisoners there.

Towers, trails and special experiences

Anyone who wants to experience Ely from above can choose between two documented tower experiences. The Octagon Tower Tours lead up 170 spiral stairs to the wooden lantern of the Octagon Tower. The West Tower Experience involves climbing 288 steps to the tower and offers 360-degree views across Ely and far beyond. For your day planning, it is therefore clear that both options involve a climb. The Stained Glass Museum also regularly organises practical glass workshops led by professional glass artists.

Ely’s tourist information centre offers a programme of guided walks in Ely and the surrounding region. Ely Market has been part of community life for more than 800 years. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, the Eel Trail provides a circular route passing important parts of the city. Jubilee Gardens connect Ely Waterside with the city centre and offer open spaces for picnics and free play.

Fens landscape and waterside observations

Ely Country Park particularly clearly showcases the character of the Fens landscape. Two marked trails are signposted there. The trails pass through a landscape with a natural Fens character and include an area of special scientific interest where you can observe birds. Most of the park is fully open to the public; privately used areas can only be accessed via the network of public rights of way. There is a play and picnic area at the entrance by Fisherman’s Car Park.

The cathedral and the water also offer opportunities for nature observation. A pair of peregrine falcons has bred on the roof of Ely Cathedral. With a little luck, you may see peregrine falcons flying around the towers. Along the banks of the River Great Ouse, you can observe waterfowl and take boat trips. The cathedral’s Mary Garden was designed to represent Mary’s virtues and qualities through nature.

The right accommodation for planning your trip

When looking for a holiday apartment in Ely, you can first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: historic interiors and museums, tower experiences, walks through the Fens or time by the water. The information that the Stained Glass Museum is a 15-minute walk from Ely railway station provides a specific point of reference for a museum visit. This allows you to choose a holiday apartment or holiday home in Ely according to your preferred mix of culture, landscape and free activities, without having to commit to just one type of trip.

For your further destination search, you can also consider Bar Hill, Holme, Yaxley, Willingham, Comberton, Ramsey, Manea and Stapleford.

For the overarching travel overview: Cambridgeshire.