Attractions
The Ely area has a wide range of attractions from National Trust properties to independent museums where you can learn more about the area's rich heritage and landscape.
Ely Cathedral
Ely Cathedral is widely acknowledged as ‘one of the wonders of the Medieval world’. There is plenty to do on your visit from climbing 170 steps up a tower, experiencing a private tour, taking afternoon tea in a 14th century undercroft or simply enjoying the magnificent parklands surrounding the precinct. As well as being a major visitor attraction, the Cathedral is a cultural focal point for East Anglia and a venue for the arts, music, exhibitions, concerts and theatre. More recently Ely has gained global recognition a prominent film location including Elizabeth: The Golden Age, The Other Boleyn Girl, Macbeth, The King’s Speech and The Crown.?
Stained Glass Museum
'A Gem in the Fens'. The Stained Glass Museum is a hidden treasure within Ely Cathedral. An independent museum, it is uniquely dedicated to the art of stained glass. A display of over 100 original stained glass panels dating from the early 13th century to the present. Also more modern work by William Morris, John Piper and Brian Clarke.
https://stainedglassmuseum.com/
Oliver Cromwell's House
Oliver Cromwell was one of the most divisive individuals in British History and spent a decade of his life living in Ely. Visit the former Lord Protector's family home and experience what domestic life would have been like in the 17th Century. In a variety of re-created period rooms learn abou the English Civil War, Mrs Cromwell's kitchen,and the Family Room where you'll learn about education, fashion and see some family portraits. If you are brave enough, wander through the haunted bedroom, but be brave!
We are re-opening from 10am May 17th with a brand new self guided audio tour included with admission. Family Tickets are £14 and include the Cromwell Quest game. Guided tours and group visits welcome. We also have a well stocked gift shop, and tourist information centre where our advisors will furnish you with ideas for the perfect day in Ely.
Ely Museum
Now open following a £2.2m redevelopment
Ely Museum, in the historic Bishops Gaol, tells the story of the Fens and the people who live here. From the warm Jurassic seas that once covered this region to the rich farmland we see today, enjoy exploring exciting exhibitions, hands-on activities and fun for all ages. Whether you find a cure in the Wise Woman’s hut, marvel at the amazing Bronze Age torc, one of the largest ever found, or learn more about the men and women incarcerated in the gaol, a visit to Ely Museum is not to be missed.
To find out more and book tickets at www.elymuseum.org.uk
Babylon Gallery
The former brewery warehouse on Ely’s Waterside is home to the Babylon Gallery - a contemporary art gallery with regularly changing exhibitions throughout the year. There is a small gift shop filled with work from local and regional artists. Open 12-4pm daily (Closed Monday). Free entry. Here at Babylon we focus on developing creativity and connecting communities with arts and culture.
Babylon ARTS is a charity committed to inspiring, developing and delivering quality arts events and activities to engage communities in Ely and beyond. They run Babylon Gallery together with Babylon Cinema at The Maltings and numerous rural arts projects.
Ted Coney's Family Portraits Art Gallery
www.tedconeysfamilyportraits.co.uk
Artist , Ted Coney is reopening his pop-up gallery for guided tours from Sunday 10th October for a short season until early December.
This is the first time he has been able to take guided tours around his grade 2 listed cottage on Ely’s Waterside since 2019.
However he has not been idle. As well as continuing to paint family themed canvases, he has also displayed his work in other ways. In 2020 he launched his Virtual Tour for 99p per view (still available on his website) giving the £200 total to NHS Charities at Addenbrookes Hospital .
Earlier this year he also opened his new garden gallery (and studio and garage) for the Ely Arts Festival and Cambridge Open Studio events during weekends in July and had over 260 visitors.
Ted hopes to combine his guided tours around the house and with a visit to the new outside gallery. ‘I want to make it as Covid secure as possible, so I will only be chatting about my pictures in the more open parts of the house’, he said
Visitors will need to book a tour as soon as possible as only limited spaces available. (his September was fully booked) Details of admission charges and times are on his website.
Ely's Liberty Belle River Cruises
From the first weekend in March until the end of October, cruise the river Great Ouse on the Liberty Belle. 30 minute cruises depart regularly from the riverside near the Maltings starting from 11 am daily. Specialist evening cruises are also available, please enquire for details.
07927 390380
Please contact Bob (above number) regarding summer 2021 cruises
Ely's Escape Room
This international craze is now entering into it's THIRD Puzzle !
Gather friends, family or colleagues together and see how well you work together in this fun but challenging activity that will be a talking point for weeks to come. This is the perfect activity to bring friends and families together or the corporate market, work parties or even young people's parties (aged 13 to 16).
The year is 1910 and the Vicar of St Mary's Church has rented out the Tithe Room to his dear friend, Cornelius Chadwick! However, after a few weeks, the enigmatic Curator simply disappears. Come and solve the puzzles, hunt for clues and assist the troubled Vicar discover what exactly has happened to him!
www.olivercromwellshouse.co.uk
Now available to book from May 22nd onward. Four sessions over the weekend, and during the week upon request.
St Mary's Church, Ely
St. Mary’s Church Ely
Whoever you are, wherever you have come from you are welcome here! Whether your interest is spiritual, historical or architectural, or a combination of all three, come along and discover St Mary's Church. We are now re-open for Sunday worship with three services at 8.30am, 9.45am and 11am. Please do visit our website to find out more about these services and the groups and events at St. Mary’s. We haven’t yet reopen for general visiting, please see our website for the latest information:
Prickwillow Museum
The Museum, in its picturesque setting close to Ely on the River Lark, holds a unique collection of large working diesel engines that played a vital part in maintaining the drainage of the once uninhabitable fens nearby. Displays or artefacts, photographs and interactive media illustrate the story of fen drainage and the social history of the local area. The highlight of a visit can be seeing and hearing one of the old engines in action and talking to engineers who have worked with the engines.
Please refer to website regarding re-opening times 2020
Dojima Sake Brewery
The magnificent eighteenth century estate of Fordham Abbey, around ten miles south of Ely, is home to Dojima Sake Brewery, the UK’s first Japanese owned sake brewery. Dojima produce just 10,000 bottles per year using traditional recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation. Brewery tours and tastings are available by appointment only but there are also plans for a café/restaurant, event hall and Japanese garden to be completed by Spring 2020. The majestic main house is also available for meetings and functions.
Visit their website for more details.
https://www.dojimabrewery.co.uk/
Brandon Creek Boat Hire
All aboard for a Fun, Relaxing Day Out with all the family!
Experience Self-drive Day Boat Hire from our base at Brandon Creek, near Littleport. Choose from our immaculate 36ft Cruiser Stern Narrowboat `Matilda` or our beautiful 22ft River Cruiser `Daisy`.
Our location on the junction with the River Great Ouse provides an excellent base for you to explore the peaceful and rural Anglian Waterways to Ely, Denver or Brandon. All routes offer lock-free cruising.
Whether you are a novice or an experienced skipper you will receive a full induction and handover before your departure.
Pre-bookings only via our website – www.brandoncreekboathire.co.uk
Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve
Wicken Fen provides a window on a 'lost landscape' - a unique remnant of un-drained fenland which once covered the vast lowlands of East Anglia. It is one of Britain's oldest nature reserves and was the first to be cared for by the National Trust.
Today Wicken Fen, is one of Europe's most important wetlands, home to over 9000 recorded species including many rare species of plants, birds and dragonflies. Throughout the year there's an amazing array of wildlife to see and hear, from booming bitterns and cuckoos in spring, rare orchids and dragonfles in summer, to hen harriers and short-eared owls in winter.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wicken-fen-nature-reserve
Now open - please check website for details
WWT Welney Wetland Centre
The friendly welcome our visitors receive is the perfect start to a day exploring wetlands, where incredible wildlife encounters take place in the heart of the Fens. We offer the perfect setting for you to create lasting memories with your family as you explore the great outdoors.
In winter join us for commentated wild swan feeds from our heated hide, watch as the birds fly in at dusk against dramatic Fenland sunsets or enjoy delicious treats from the café as you look out across the Fen landscape. In summer explore the further reaches of the reserve to witness breeding birds caring for young, an array of beautiful dragonflies and damselflies in the air or explore for underwater creatures at the pond dipping stations. Book onto events for more intimate encounters with wildlife at dawn in winter or after sunset in summer!
www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/welney/
Burwell Museum
Set among beautifully preserved historic buildings, Burwell Museum tells the story of a bustling fen-edge village. Experience life in a Victorian mill, schoolroom and an old village shop, and imagine wartime in an original Nissen hut (siren included!). With vintage vehicles, historic farm machinery, traditional craft demonstrations and a Seventies telephone exchange to play on, Burwell Museum offers an amazing day out for families and everyone interested in fen village life.
Please check website for details on re-opening
Discover Newmarket
Discover Newmarket offers a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes ar racing's headquarters to learn about the fascinating history, heritage and culture of the town.
Please refer to website link regarding information on re-opening Newmarket
The Farmland Museum and Denny Abbey
A fascinating place to visit for all ages.
Celebrating Cambridgeshire farming and village life in a beautiful rural setting with the chance to explore English Heritage's 12th Century Abbey.
Picnic and play area, Gift shop, tearooms (open on weekends, bank holidays and childrens activity days) Hot drinks avaliable from the museum shop. Parking is free.
View our website for full details of opening times, events and admission prices.
Stretham Old Engine
Close to the village of Stretham, near Ely, this land drainage pumping station (now disused) is scheduled as an Ancient Monument and has been restored by the Stretham Engine Trust. It contains a fine steam powered, double-acting rotative beam engine built in 1831 and is the last surviving complete example of its kind in the Fens. The Site is open to visitors every Sunday from 1pm to 5pm from April to October (incl).
For group bookings and information please call 01353 648578
Please follow us on our Facebook page and for further information, please check our website.
https://strethamoldengine.org.uk/
