Ely: UNLONDON with film and TV stars

If you’re a fan of jet setting, going to places where TV or movies were filmed, Ely will give you what you at the magnificent ‘Ship of the Fens’, the 1000-year-old Norman cathedral that was built when Ely was an island surrounded by freshwater marshes.

In low-lying Fenland that was only drained to create fertile farmland 400 years ago, Ely is the second smallest city in England and one of the most beautiful with oodles of charm, not least by the Great Ouse riverside with a lovely walk.

Where is Ely in England

Ely is a small city in Cambridgeshire in the East of England, just 16 miles north-east of Cambridge. It takes around 1 hour 42 minutes to travel to Ely by train from London via Cambridge. The two make an excellent break together.

What makes Ely special

It’s a bit niche, but the only place that resisted William of Normandy after his eponymous conquering in 1066 was the area around Ely. At the time it was marshy and the inhabitants lived on tufty islands from where Hereward the Wake led the resistance. William built a mighty cathedral to remind everyone he was now in charge. The ‘Ship of the Fens’ remains and is a magnificent highlight of the now drained, fertile Fens.

Things to do in Ely

Narrow streets are lined with historic buildings, such as Oliver Cromwell’s House, now a visitor centre, and Ely Museum. Sweeping parkland leads to the riverside area with its marina and antiques centre.

The city is dominated by the spectacular Ely Cathedral, with its outstanding Octagon and Lady Chapel, and a nave that is among the longest in England with a remarkable 19^th century painted ceiling.

No wonder the cathedral doubled up as Westminster Abbey in the award-winning King’s Speech with Colin Firth and Netflix’s The Crown with Claire Foy, Jared Harris and, as Winston Churchill, John Lithgow.

It was also used in The Other Boleyn Girl with Natalie Portman and Scarlet Johansson, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, and also Maestro for which Bradley Cooper, cast and crew took over Poets House Hotel for a week during filming.

Climb the steps to the admire the view from the famous Octagon Tour or take a ground floor tour and learn just how a small island in the middle of the Cambridgeshire Fens came to have one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the country.

Ely across the seasons

Ely can be enjoyed throughout the year, its attractions open throughout.

Where to stay and eat in Ely

For lunch, try Peacocks Tea Rooms with its traditional tea room and vintage crockery; Poets House Hotel is a lovely boutique hotel with nice bar for eating; or if you’re after a traditional pub, there’s no better than the Prince Albert and The Royal Standard.

There you are then, completely UNLONDON, and, to crown it all, you’ve visited a most famous and majestic film and TV location.

Getting to Ely by train from London

You can get to Ely by train from London Liverpool Street station, the journey takes around 1 hour 42 minutes, and has 1 change at Cambridge station. Our trains are accessible and feature free Wi-fi and plug points in-between seats.

If you’re planning to stay overnight, you should check out our Weekender ticket, which lets you travel out on a Friday or Saturday, and return on a Sunday or Monday.

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FAQs about Ely

Photography courtesy of Visit East of England