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
We pride ourselves in offering a warm welcome to all visitors to this magnificent building, whether your interest is religious, historical and architectural or simply to explore and experience this wonderful place.
Thousands of visitors come to Ely Cathedral each year from all over the world. Few are ever disappointed, for there is something here for everyone. It gives a vision of continuity and worship down the centuries. Lovers of architecture will rejoice in the many different styles, blending to make the whole. History abounds around every corner, and the beauty created by artists in wood, stone and glass is everywhere.
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, one of the most divisive individuals in British History, spent a decade of his life living in Ely. Visit the former Lord Protector's family home which has been extensively refurbished this year. Experience what domestic life would have been like in the 17th Century in a variety of re-created period rooms as well as as exhibition detailing the Civil War. Visit Mrs Cromwell's kitchen, try dressing up or playing with the toys of the time or ventuure into the Haunted Bedroom if you dare!
Audio handsets bring the story of this impresive House to life. Guided tours and group visits welcome. Also Gift Shop and Tourist Information Centre.
Ely Museum
PLEASE NOTE - ELY MUSEUM IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO HERITAGE LOTTERY FUNDING REFURBISHMENT. DUE TO RE-OPEN JANUARY 2021
The Museum is the history centre for the Isle of Ely and the Fens and it takes you on a journey through time from prehistoric to the twentieth century. Displays include original prison cells, fossils that can be touched, Roman remains and an archive film of the Fens, including punt guns and eel catching. There is also a programme of special events and temporary exhibitions running throughout the year.
Babylon Gallery
A small arts centre, located in a 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.
'Putting arts, culture and entertainment at the heart of everyday life.' Babylon Arts is run by arts charity ADeC, who are committed to inspiring, developing and delivering quality arts events and activities to engage communities in Ely and beyond. ADeC run Babylon Gallery together with Ely Cinema and numerous youth and rural projects.
Please refer to website and social media for re-opening news
Ted Coney's Family Portraits Art Gallery
www.tedconeysfamilyportraits.co.uk
Ely’s first pop-up gallery sadly can't offers physical tours due to the pandemic, however, Ted is offering virtual tours for just 99p (all proceeds to NHS Charities) Book throught the website link and enjoy over 50 years of wonderful family portraits, lasting 9 minutes and for a wonderful cause!
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
Opening again soon !! Keep checking social media and website
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 open weekdays 11a - 3pm (services and events allowing) an offer a space for reflection. You may like to explore the History of Ely, admire the 19th Century stained glass, and parts of the Church building which date back to the 12th Century. Please do visit our website to find out more about our regular services and groups, and other special events.
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/
Little Ouse Moorings
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.littleousemoorings.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/
