Ely

narrowboat holiday ely

narrowboat holiday ely

Well known for its antique centres, ancient narrow streets, timbered houses and medieval gateways. The attractive waterfront is a focal point for walkers, cyclists and boating.

Ely Catherdral - Wikipedia Cr-Soloist

Ely Catherdral – Wikipedia Cr-Soloist

Attractions

Ely Cathedral

The city’s crowning glory is the cathedral whose famous lantern tower can be seen for miles around. The cathedral is also renowned for its other 14th century addition, the Lady Chapel with its delicate carved stonework. The Stained Glass Window Museum is a hidden treasure within the cathedral with a display of over 100 original stained glass panels.

ely-cathedral-wiki-licencedThe main development of the city originates from the late 11th century when construction of Ely Cathedral commenced. Ely was the stronghold of Hereward the Wake, who used the largest island site in the fens to stage the final Anglo Saxon resistance to the Norman invasion.

oliver cromwells house

oliver cromwells house

Near by discover the birthplace museum of Oliver Cromwell. The house has been completely refurbished and boasts a re-vamped Civil War Exhibition with impressive interactive displays. Audio handsets bring the story of the impressive Oliver Cromwell House vividly to life.

YouTube Tour Taster

Activites

Fishing

coarse fishing fens river boating

coarse fishing fens

For both the keen seasoned angler and novice alike, the tradition of taking fish from the waters of the Fens lives on. Excellent fishery dominated by roach and bream, the best catches have tended to be around Ely and Free fishing is permitted on the Ely Ouse River in the town centre.

Eating

boat holiday cutter inn ely

cutter inn ely

If you simply want to just step of your boat, there are a couple of restaurant choices right on the main water front including the Cutter Inn

 

fire engine house ely boating holiday

fire engine house ely

One of our favourites eateries is in a converted fire engine house, where second helpings of the main course is frequently offered, it also doubles as an Art gallery, with paintings always on display.

antique barn ely

antique barn ely

Antiques, antiques and more antiques, with the largest collection in East Anglia found on the waterside front. Stocking up for provisions is less than half a mile away and proves to be a regular shopping point for holiday makers.

For details about the Ely town trail
For details of a pub walk around Ely

Visit Ely has a wealth of information about what is on in the city.

Ely Fox Blog Articles

Boating on the Middle Level in May 1984 Part 1 with John Revell (7 Jan 2024) - Discover John Revell's adventure narrowboating the Middle Level waterways back in 1984. This is Part 1 of 3. John purchased his first boat at the Shropshire Union navigated the River Nene including meeting lock keepers, eating at some of the best waterside pubs and decribes the things that did not go according to plan. John met Charlie Fox and moved his boat to Foxes Marina. Read more ›
Your Perfect 2023 Narrowboat Holiday Destination (10 Feb 2023) - Should you book your 2023 holiday now to avoid increasing prices? Read more about Ely; a charming cathedral city, for a holiday destination that won’t break the bank.Read more ›
As Ely hosts the Boat Race looking at the course on the Ely Ouse. (4 Apr 2021) - Today as the river Great Ouse hosts the boat race we are fortunate to have a guest post from David Goode Fellow and Praelector of Wolfson College Cambridge regarding the boat race channel on the river Great Ouse. My friend,Read more ›
What’s in a name ? (3 Jan 2020) - Fox Boat owner Chris shares his thoughts on Fenland names throughout time. What’s in a name ? Fenland has been described by many nicknames over the years – and each one sheds a different light on various aspects of itsRead more ›
Why You Should Hire a Narrowboat for the Day near Ely (13 Jul 2018) - Do you live in Peterborough, Wisbech, Ely or Huntingdon? Want to get together with some friends and family? Have you thought about hiring a narrowboat, just for a day? A relaxing boat trip on the Cambridge river network could beRead more ›