Ely
You won’t want to overlook this little city which sits proudly in the flatlands of the Fens - unless it’s from the top of the cathedral, of course. Ely has more sides to it than its 14th Century octagon tower.
Enjoy a real feast of culture and heritage in a place so wonderfully compact that you seem to meet history at every turn. Little shop-laden streets weave cloister and college, cathedral and craft market, gallery and greenery together like a medieval tapestry.
Take a tour of the waterside with Ely’s eel art trail - a great walk celebrating the city’s proud connection with eels.
Top tip
Try on a civil war helmet or two at Oliver Cromwell’s House and perhaps do a spot of ghost hunting whilst you’re there.
Shopping time
The historic streets close to the cathedral green are a great place to browse for gifts, with the unique independent shops rubbing shoulders with big name stores.
The Fens is an enormous market garden, so reap the rewards of market days here on Thursdays, or pick up the freshest of produce at the farmers’ markets every other Saturday. Craft markets take centre-stage on Saturdays, but don’t miss the antiques centre down by the narrow-boats, or forget to sniff out the scones in the vaulted Almonry tearooms.
Things to do
You won’t be able to take your eyes off Ely’s ‘Ship of the Fens’, so it’s best to view the cathedral from all angles. Climb the towers, walk the cloisters, check out the enormous modern Madonna in the Lady Chapel and stare longingly at the amazing lantern roof. And just when you think you’re done, you’ll find the only national stained glass museum in the country.
At the old gaol house, the City Museum has plenty to tell about the Isle of Eel’s slippery past but don’t miss Oliver Cromwell’s House with its new audio tour which really brings the whole story of the Lord Protector’s time in Ely to life. Look out for the special activities on offer this year to commemorate the 350th anniversary of his death. If you’re into contemporary art, the riverside Babylon Gallery is worth hunting out.