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.

The Best Places to stay in Ely

For a Romantic Mini-break

• Poets House is a 21 room hotel converted from a row of three Georgian townhouses just opposite the cathedral. The location is excellent, and the hotel brings a certain bling to Ely — a boutique hotel vibe that this lovely little city was missing! Expect deep copper baths (and butlers who will draw them for you), lots of surfaces that reflect, and fancy toiletries. There's also a buzzing cocktail bar and lounge.

Best Pubs-with-Rooms

• The Royal Standard is a historic pub in the centre of town. The pub and its restaurant are popular with locals, and known for good local ales, a classic pub menu, and an eclectic wine list. Upstairs there are five rooms, all individually decorated, but mixing their original features with a contemporary collection of furnishings and colours. Good value too.

For a Countryside Escape

• The Old Hall is an historic, Jacobean manor house turned luxurious, 14 room, adults only B&B. The rooms range from simple singles to rather grand suites with four-poster beds and free-standing baths. There are some lovely antiques set alongside more recently handcrafted furniture, and our favourite rooms have views over the mature gardens. There’s a lovely terrace too.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• London’s airports are Ely’s closest, with London Stansted Airport being just forty five minutes away by rail, or 50 minutes by car. London City Airport is next closest, at about two hours away by train, or around and hour and 20 minutes by car. If you’re coming via London there’s a direct rail route to Ely, leaving from Kings Cross, and taking around an hour and a quarter.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• If you want to visit Ely when the weather is warm and dry, the best months to visit are May through September. Cambridgeshire gets rain throughout the year, so whenever you’re visiting it’s worth packing your waterproof gear. Ely’s largest events include the Eel Festival, held in May, and Etheldreda’s Fair, which runs for seven days on either side of the 23rd of June.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to our Gurus’ recommendations for all of the best places to stay in Cambridgeshire
• Expand a little further to include Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds or Newmarket
• Refine your search by the kind of accommodation you’re looking for. Consider our recommendations for the best pubs-with-rooms in Cambridgeshire
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.