Riverside Ely is a charming little city offering its guests an impressive cathedral, a medieval heart, and rows of immaculately elegant Georgian terraces. It also has a Norman castle, a Benedictine abbey and the house Oliver Cromwell inherited from his uncle and lived in between 1636 and 1646 — now a listed building and Cromwell museum. The best places to stay in Ely are ideal for a mini-break, or to use as a base for exploring the area — indeed, the best accommodation options here are more competitively priced than similar properties in Cambridge which is a short drive away. Our picks include a pub-with-rooms in the centre of town, an elegant, Georgian townhouse conversion, and an historic, Jacobean manor turned luxury B&B.

Ely is also suitable for walkers exploring the Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, and the old, drained fenlands. Also worth a visit are the Roswell Pits, a former clay quarry, and Chettisham Meadows — a medieval ridge and furrow grassland which represents one of the earliest forms of agriculture.

The city has a large number of listed buildings as well as interesting museums. Cromwell’s house, which is currently decorated as it may well have been in the 17th century is not to be missed and the 17th century Ely Gaol building has been transformed into the local museum. Ely also has a number of important churches — in addition to the majestic cathedral.

After the culture, there are plenty of independent shops to browse and a thriving food scene with bars, cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.

But don't forget that this is a popular year round destination. So if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Ely, get organised and book well ahead.