The second smallest city in England, Ely, is a hive of independent businesses, quaint cafes, and the
awe-inspiring Ely cathedral. It’s the perfect place for a day trip from Cambridge, London, or Liverpool. Ely train station is one of the busiest stations in the East of England with trains passing through from London, Stansted, Norwich, and Liverpool. It’s a hidden gem of East Anglia with something for everyone. Our day trip will take us to the Cathedral, the marina, antique shops and art galleries, cafes and restaurants, and the marketplace.
Marketplace
In the heart of Ely town centre the marketplace brings people together from all across the city. Tourists and residents alike converge on the marketplace, to enjoy the atmosphere, good food, and exclusive finds. There’s something for everyone at the market. Friday evenings are Foodie Friday’s with local food trucks serving up cuisine from all over the world. Every Thursday is charter market day, Saturday and Sunday are also market days, with a smaller market running Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Find out the latest about Ely Markets on the website.
The Marina
Surrounded by water and flat floodlands, the city has been reclaimed from The Fens through a system of man made waterways. Previously known as The Isle of Ely, the city has a thriving marina with beautiful boats, bustling pubs, and ducklings-a-plenty. The playpark is great for children and the famous Waterside Antiques store resides here. Three stories high, in an old factory, Waterside sells antique, vintage, and collectible items from all over the world. Whilst you’re down by the Marina don’t forget to spot “Sarafa”. No visit to Ely Marina would be complete without a stop at the Vintage Ice Cream Truck.
Cathedral
Ely Cathedral doesn’t wait to be discovered, it finds you first, standing proud above the city like a beacon that has marked this place since the 11th century. It’s the heart of Ely and the main reason many visit the city.
In medieval times the presence of a cathedral gave a town the status of city, this is how Ely became the second smallest city in England. The cathedral frequently holds services, hosts events, and is home to the Ely Imps children’s choir. The Cathedral itself is a marvel to behold, but don’t forget to visit the stained glass museum (through the front door, to the right, and up the stairs in the back corner), and take part in the maze. A family favourite, enjoyed for centuries by generations of families, you’ll spot it on the floor as soon as you walk down the ramp into the cathedral from the front doors.
The Almonry Kitchen sits in the grounds of The Cathedral, down a garden path or through a door in the wall. The stunning 13th Century architecture and thoughtfully crafted menu make for a memorable and delicious lunch. Book a table in advance to avoid the queue. The Almonry Kitchen at Ely Cathedral. The gardens and grounds are the perfect location for a picnic, with Instagram worthy photo opportunities and a diverse array of flowers. Visit Ely Cathedral website for the latest information, events, and prices.
Cafes and Restaurants
Independent bakeries, coffee roasteries, and sushi overrule the branded names in Ely. You’ll be spoilt for choice. Visit on a Friday and you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy Foodie Friday on the marketplace. The Yard is a hidden gem offering locally roasted Silver Oak coffee, bar, carefully sourced food, and live events. No two days are the same at The Yard, with a large undercover and open seating area, kids zone, and winter pods it’s a great place to unwind, enjoy a buzzing atmosphere, and feel like part of the community. Visit The Yard’s website for the latest events and more information.
Shopping
Ely is one of my favourite places to go shopping, both for fashion and home. It has a great range of independent shops, thrift stores, and my favourite book shop (Toppings). Cattywumpus, on high street passage is a beautifully curated home and fashion local owned shop that cannot be missed. Tom’s Bakes at the end of the passage serves up decadent cakes and pastries, but get in quick as they sell out early. Ely is also home to boutique thrift stores with some real vintage gems just waiting to be found. Toppings Book shop is almost as famous as the cathedral itself, the three story Aladdin’s cave offers tea and coffee with secret corners and windowsills to read your favourite book and disappear for a few hours.
For me Ely is the crown jewel of the Fens and my favourite place in East Anglia for a day out. I’ve been visiting for over 10 years now and it never bores me. I’ve spent hours by the marina enjoying the world go by, tried almost every cafe, and found some of my favourite pieces whilst shopping.
The best way to reach Ely from London is by train, but the city is also easily accessible by road up the A10. Parking is free in all of the city owned car parks. The station car park is paid, and Waitrose car park has a time limit of 2hrs. You’ll need to check the city owned car parks as some are short stay (4hrs) and others are long stay (12+)
