Ely Tourist Guide

Ely Cathedral dominates the city and the surrounding flat countryside.

The origins of Ely date from 673AD, surviving Danish raids in the 9th century and Anglo Saxon resistance to the Norman's. Oliver Cromwell lived here at the time of the English Civil War in the 17th century.

The site was an island until the Fens were drained in the 17th and 18th century, changing the landscape for ever. Ely is in the Bedford Level on the banks of the River Ouse.

If you visit here there are lots of historic building in this small city, especially around the cathedral. Take a look, from the outside only, at the Bishop's Palace near the cathedral.

Ely has a yacht harbour. The Tourist Information centre is at Oliver Cromwell's House. All parking in Ely is currently free.

Don't miss the small villages around Ely, such as Stretham and Littleport, the straight roads following the drainage pattern of the Fens