Summary
In the Medieval period, this town in Cambridgeshire was situated on the Isle of Ely, an elevated area surrounded by extensive fenland.
Over time, the once impassable landscape was transformed through the creation of ditches and the implementation of pumps, initially powered by wind and later by diesel engines.
The term “Ely” is derived from eels, which constituted a crucial aspect of the local economy and diet for centuries.
It is noteworthy that Ely hosts a World Eel Throwing Competition along its picturesque riverside each May.
The cathedral stands as Ely’s majestic highlight, adorned by a remarkable 14th-century octagonal tower that has no parallel in Medieval architecture.
During the 17th century, Oliver Cromwell resided in Ely, and his home has been preserved in a manner that reflects the style of the Lord Protector’s time.
Let us delve into the most significant attractions in Ely:
1. Ely Cathedral
An inspiring amalgamation of Romanesque and Decorated Gothic architecture, Ely Cathedral’s construction commenced in 1080 and concluded towards the end of the 14th century.
This architectural marvel owes its most prominent feature to an unfortunate incident.
In 1322, while the impressive Lady Chapel was under construction, the central Norman crossing tower collapsed.
The replacement, however, was nothing short of extraordinary: The Octagon is a hollow Decorated Gothic tower, representing a feat of Medieval architectural brilliance.
A lantern crowned with eight internal archways supports the beautifully illuminated fan vaulting.
Remarkably, the timber structure supporting the Octagon could not be constructed today due to the absence of sufficiently large trees! While the Octagon is the primary highlight, it is merely the beginning of an exploration that must include the Lady Chapel, renowned for its enchanting vaulting, intricate window tracery, and decorative ogees adorned with carvings depicting the life of Mary.
2. Oliver Cromwell’s House
Oliver Cromwell, a pivotal figure in English history, inhabited Ely from 1638 to 1646 after receiving a 16th-century residence, also referred to as St Mary’s Vicarage.
Aside from Hampton Court Palace, this is the sole surviving Cromwell property.
The most ancient section of this half-timbered house dates back to 1215. The local council acquired the property in 1988 and restored it to reflect how it likely appeared during Cromwell’s occupation.
An audio tour revitalizes historical narratives as visitors traverse eight evocative period rooms.
A reputedly haunted bedroom captivates, while children may engage in the “House Mouse Trail,” donning attire from the era.
3. Stained Glass Museum
The only dedicated stained glass museum in the UK is located within the cathedral’s South Triforium Gallery.
This fascinating exhibition chronicles the history of stained glass over an 800-year period, illuminating the craftsmanship involved in its creation.
Visitors can uncover the secrets and expertise of this age-old craft, observing how the styles and techniques have evolved over time.
Approximately 125 exquisite stained glass panels are displayed in illuminated cases, allowing for the comparison of styles spanning centuries.
For those interested in learning this art form, workshops are available, catering to various aspects of the process including painting, fusing, leading, copper foiling, and glass fusing.
4. Ely Museum
The Ely Museum occupies a structure that is part historic and part contemporary.
The more ancient wing features a two-story stone and brick construction that once served as the Bishop of Ely’s jail in the 17th century.
The permanent exhibition spans nine galleries, showcasing tableaux and artefacts that narrate the natural evolution of the Fens as well as their human history, encompassing the Bronze Age, Roman period, Saxon era, Victorian times, and both World Wars.
One of the newest exhibits is an enchanting Bronze Age gold torque, discovered in the Cambridgeshire countryside in 2017 and valued at £220,000. Additionally, a morbid yet intriguing display features a Roman sarcophagus containing the skeleton of a legionary, uncovered by a farmer plowing his field in 1981. Visitors can also explore historical practices unique to Ely, such as eel catching and hunting waterfowl using large boat-mounted punt guns.
5. Ely Riverside
The most picturesque spot in Ely for a leisurely stroll is along the city’s Riverside that borders the Great Ouse, featuring a lengthy path beside the water.
This area is partially shaded by willows, where, during summer, an endless procession of narrowboats and pleasure yachts meanders by.
As will be illustrated below, the waterfront is home to an antiques centre and a major arts venue, in addition to numerous establishments for dining, drinking, or enjoying a cup of tea while reflecting on the river.
A variety of events take place along the Riverside, including the lively Ely Aquafest held on the first Sunday of July.
Equally unique is the World Eel Throwing Competition, part of Eel Day at the beginning of May.
Conveniently, no eels are harmed during this event, as participants of all ages compete to throw a stuffed toy eel as far as possible.
6. Jubilee Gardens
A charming pathway connects the Riverside to the city center through Jubilee Gardens, which was inaugurated in 2002 to commemorate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and has been awarded the Green Flag since 2005. Of note is the striking sculpture of an eel positioned by one of the benches.
This installation symbolizes Ely’s traditional eel catching trade.
During the summer, Jubilee Gardens thrives with outdoor events, including Sunday concerts at the bandstand.
The park also features a playground for young children, an intriguing water feature, and a serpentine path that replicates the route taken by merchants between the Riverside and Cathedral in bygone times.
7. Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve
The 628-acre Ramsar Wetland at Wicken Fen offers a rare glimpse into the region’s landscape prior to drainage and agriculture.
This invaluable natural habitat, recognized as one of Europe’s most significant wetlands, is primarily owned by the National Trust and designated as a National Nature Reserve.
While in Wicken Fen, visitors can traverse extensive or shorter trails that guide them through standing water, reedbeds, marshlands, farmlands, and watercourses shaped by human activity. The last remaining wind pump in the Fens, constructed around 1912 and relocated here in 1956, is also visible in this area. The ecological diversity of Wicken Fen is astounding, boasting a record of 8,500 species.
Common avian residents comprise great crested grebes, kingfishers, sparrowhawks, and five varieties of owls, while winter months attract wading birds such as golden plovers, snipes, and bitterns, among other species.
8. River Cruises
From early March until the end of September, visitors can venture to the Riverside to board the Liberty Belle for a serene 30-minute cruise on the River Great Ouse.
These excursions begin near The Maltings, a Victorian-era brewhouse transformed into a performing arts venue.
During this journey, passengers enjoy unique perspectives of the cathedral while observing a variety of wildlife along the riverbanks. A pre-recorded commentary onboard shares insights into civil engineering projects within the Fens and stories involving 18th-century highwaymen.
Your skipper will possess extensive knowledge of Ely and the Fens, sharing numerous fascinating facts and anecdotes.
9. Cherry Hill Park
Also known simply as Ely Park, this green area extends across Broad Street from Jubilee Gardens.
Among the towering trees, visitors are treated to uninterrupted views of the cathedral.
Look for a replica of an eel hive (a tunnel-like apparatus used for catching eels in the Fens); this is one of 18 locations along an Eel Trail established in the town.
The park once housed Ely Castle, constructed by William the Conqueror in 1070 but destroyed in 1268 following its capture from rebels during the Second Barons’ War during Ely’s island phase.
Only remnants of the castle exist today, yet excavations conducted in the 2000s uncovered a variety of intriguing artifacts including bowls, jugs, and hunting and farming implements from the period when Ely was evolving from a Viking into a Norman settlement.
10. Waterside Antiques Centre
A paradise for collectors and treasure hunters alike, the Waterside Antiques Centre ranks as the largest antiques emporium in East Anglia.
Within this spacious Georgian malthouse, over 65 antiques dealers display their diverse offerings.
As you explore the stalls, you’ll encounter an extensive array of items, including traditional farming tools, porcelain, silverware, historical weaponry, eclectic ephemera like matchboxes and postcards, vintage apparel, military medals, antique glass, and notable furnishings ranging from grandfather clocks to armoires.
The building itself possesses a rich history, having served as a morgue during World War II and is rumored to be haunted.
The centre operates seven days a week from 09:30-17:30 Monday through Saturday and opens at 11:00 on Sundays.
11. Ely Country Park
Located on the eastern side of the Fens, the Ely Country Park offers ample open space managed by the town.
This park serves as an excellent way to experience the countryside without venturing too far from the urban area of Ely.
It encompasses a Site of Special Scientific Interest, featuring two main marked trails (Kingfisher and Bulrush) with informative boards detailing the various bird species that can be observed.
A picnic area is situated by the Fisherman’s Car Park, while there is also an adventure playground for younger visitors, equipped with a zip-line and challenging climbing apparatus.
12. Burwell Museum
Located approximately ten miles to the south, this agricultural museum focuses on the history of farming at the edge of the Fens.
The surrounding area features the Grade II* listed Steven’s Mill (1820), along with various rural buildings, some historic and relocated to this site, and others constructed more recently using traditional methods.
A timber barn dating from the 1700s serves as one of the older buildings, and visitors can explore Steven’s Mill for interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations.
The museum’s impressive collection includes vintage buses, cars, motorcycles, carts, prams, and agricultural machinery, as well as reconstructions of a historic blacksmith’s forge, a Victorian schoolroom, and a Roman potter’s workshop.
13. WWT Welney Wetland Centre
A further expedition into the Fens can be made at this Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust centre located north of the town in Welney.
This expansive nature reserve features five bird hides, the largest of which is equipped with central heating—an appreciated comfort during winter months.
During this season, guided tours allow visitors to view the swans as they feed.
Winter visitors also include countless ducks and wading birds, such as the rarely observed water rail.
In the summer, visitors can witness house martins and swallows tending to their young among lush meadows adorned with wildflowers.
The visitor center offers an inspiring view over this water-laden landscape and includes a café, providing an ideal spot to pause for coffee while observing the waterfowl in winter or hares in playful skirmishes during early spring.
14. Prickwillow Engine Museum
Situated just minutes from Ely along the River Lark, this museum at a former pumping station offers insight into the history of the Fens and their dependence on human intervention.
Pumping stations such as this and their impressive engines have played a crucial role in maintaining the habitable nature of this landscape.
The Prickwillow Engine Museum showcases a selection of diesel pumping engines, all in functioning condition.
The museum is accessible Saturday through Tuesday from Easter until early October.
Visitors can interact with an engineer who has experience operating these machines and witness the engines in action.
Themed days throughout the season, including the ploughing festival in October and the “1940s Event” in August, enrich the experience.
15. Newmarket
Located to the south, Newmarket has been synonymous with British horse racing since the 17th century.
It houses the largest collection of racehorse training facilities in the area, alongside the National Stud and two prominent racecourses.
Notably, these venues collectively host nine out of the UK’s 36 Group 1 races each year.
If you have an interest in equestrian affairs, there are ample reasons to visit, particularly the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and British Sporting Art.
This facility was inaugurated by passionate racing enthusiast Elizabeth II in 2016 and is located within the remaining wing of Charles II’s Palace House.
A wealth of artefacts, including silks worn by renowned jockeys such as Lester Piggott and Frankie Dettori, is displayed alongside interactive exhibits that highlight the physical traits of elite equine athletes.
