Discover Ely: Glass, History and Fenland

Ely offers several themes for a stay: stained glass and cathedral architecture, local history, or nature and walks. Options range from a chronologically arranged exhibition to guided tower tours, walking trails and boat trips. You can plan your visit around the subjects that interest you most.

Stained Glass and Cathedral Architecture

The Stained Glass Museum is the only museum in the United Kingdom dedicated to the art of stained glass. Its permanent exhibition is housed in the cathedral’s triforium gallery and presents stained glass in chronological order. This makes the historical sequence a guiding thread through the museum visit. The museum is a 15-minute walk from Ely railway station.

The cathedral’s tower experiences also differ in their routes and destinations. The Octagon Tower Tours climb 170 steps up a spiral staircase to the wooden lantern of the Octagon Tower. The West Tower Experience involves climbing 288 steps to the tower, from where visitors can enjoy 360-degree views across Ely and far beyond. Those interested not only in viewing glass but also in the practical craft can take regular workshops at the Stained Glass Museum, led by professional glass artists.

The cathedral’s Mary Garden was designed to represent Mary’s virtues and qualities through nature. It offers a different way of conveying religious themes alongside the stained-glass windows and architecture. In the past, a pair of peregrine falcons has also nested on the cathedral roof. With a little luck, visitors may see peregrine falcons flying around the towers.

Local History and Life in the Fens

Ely Museum tells the story of the people and landscape of Ely and its surroundings, from prehistoric times to the present day. Original prison cells are part of the museum, where visitors can hear the stories of prisoners. Another focus is how people have adapted their lives, occupations and leisure activities to the unusual landscape of the Fens. This connects local history with the landscape that defines Ely.

Ely Porta also offers a tangible historical connection: construction began in 1397 and was completed under Prior Poucher (1401–1418). Oliver Cromwell’s House, meanwhile, offers a glimpse of domestic life in the 17th century in the Lord Protector’s former family home. Admission includes a self-guided audio tour. If you would like to compare different ways of presenting history, Ely brings together museum galleries, a historic house and the cathedral’s architecture.

Ely Market has been part of community life for more than 800 years. For exploring on foot, the Eel Trail is a good option: this circular route passes key parts of the city. Ely Tourist Information Centre also offers a programme of guided walks around Ely and the surrounding area. Check the dates in advance if you are planning to join a guided walk.

Walks, Park and Riverside

Two waymarked trails are signposted in Ely Country Park. They pass through a landscape with a natural Fenland character and include a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) where visitors can watch 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; check access arrangements before your visit. There is a play and picnic area at the entrance by Fisherman’s Car Park.

Visitors can watch waterfowl along the banks of the River Great Ouse in Ely; boat trips are also available from the riverbank. Jubilee Gardens connect Ely Waterside with the city centre. Their open spaces are suitable for picnics and free play. The park trails, city walk and riverside offer different experiences: you can focus your time on birdwatching, a circular route through key parts of the city, or a boat trip, without treating these activities as interchangeable.

Discover more destinations: St Neots, Buckden, Girton, Papworth Everard, Pidley, Arrington, Croydon, Chatteris.

For the broader travel overview: Cambridgeshire.