Exploring Historic Ely: A Cathedral City Heritage Guide

The Cathedral City Experience

Staying at the Lamb Hotel places you at the heart of one of England’s most distinctive cathedral cities. Ely, known as the “Ship of the Fens” for the way its cathedral appears to float above the surrounding flat landscape, offers visitors a unique combination of architectural grandeur, fascinating history, and fenland charm, all easily accessible from your accommodation on Lynn Road.

The city’s compact medieval layout means that virtually all of Ely’s major attractions lie within comfortable walking distance of the Lamb Hotel. This proximity allows visitors to explore at their own pace, returning to the hotel for refreshment or rest between sightseeing excursions.

Ely Cathedral: The Crown Jewel

Dominating the skyline just 100 yards from the Lamb Hotel, Ely Cathedral stands as one of the finest examples of Romanesque and Gothic architecture in Europe. Often described as the most beautiful cathedral in England, this magnificent structure has been a place of worship for over 1,300 years, making it an essential stop for any visitor to the city.

The cathedral’s most famous feature is its unique octagonal lantern tower, a 14th-century architectural marvel that replaced the original Norman tower after its collapse in 1322. This innovative solution, designed by the master carpenter William Hurley, creates a stunning interior space that floods the nave with natural light. The engineering achievement represented by this octagon remains impressive even by today’s standards.

The cathedral houses numerous treasures, including the Lady Chapel with its intricate stone carvings, the beautifully preserved medieval Stained Glass Museum, and the tomb of Saint Etheldreda, the Anglo-Saxon princess who founded the abbey in 673 AD. Guided tours reveal fascinating stories about the cathedral’s construction, its role during the English Reformation, and its significance in English ecclesiastical history.

During summer months, the cathedral often hosts concerts and special events, taking advantage of its exceptional acoustics. The annual Ely Cathedral Flower Festival transforms the interior into a spectacular display of floral artistry, whilst the Christmas markets in the cathedral grounds create a magical atmosphere during the winter season.

Oliver Cromwell’s House: Civil War History

Just a short walk from the Lamb Hotel stands Oliver Cromwell’s House, the former home of England’s most famous Lord Protector. This beautifully preserved medieval building provides visitors with insights into 17th-century domestic life and the tumultuous period of the English Civil War.

Cromwell lived in Ely for over a decade, serving as a tithe collector and developing his political views before rising to become one of the most significant figures in English history. The house museum presents his story through period room displays, interactive exhibits, and an extensive collection of Civil War artifacts.

The building itself is architecturally significant, representing a fine example of a Tudor merchant’s house with original timber framing and period features intact. The museum’s exhibitions explore not just Cromwell’s personal story but also the broader context of 17th-century social, political, and religious upheaval.

The house museum regularly hosts special events, including Civil War re-enactment days, historical lectures, and period music concerts. The museum shop offers an excellent selection of books on local and national history, making it a valuable resource for visitors interested in deepening their understanding of the period.

Ely Museum: Local Heritage and Fenland Life

Housed in the historic Old Gaol building, Ely Museum provides a comprehensive overview of the area’s unique heritage from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum’s location in a former Victorian prison adds an extra dimension to the visitor experience, with original cells preserved alongside historical displays.

The museum’s extensive collections cover the distinctive fenland way of life, from the prehistoric communities who inhabited the marshes to the Dutch engineers who drained the fens in the 17th century. Exhibits include archaeological finds from Roman settlements, medieval artifacts, and displays showing how the dramatic landscape transformation affected local communities.

One of the museum’s most popular features is its recreation of a Victorian cell, complete with the stories of former prisoners who were held in the building. The museum also houses significant collections relating to local industries, including eel catching, wildfowling, and agriculture, which sustained fenland communities for centuries.

The museum regularly rotates its exhibitions and hosts special events throughout the year, including archaeology open days, local history talks, and school holiday activities. Its research facilities make it a valuable resource for anyone interested in local genealogy or fenland history.

The Historic Market Square and City Centre

Ely’s market square, just minutes from the Lamb Hotel, has been the commercial heart of the city for over 800 years. The weekly Thursday market continues a tradition dating back to medieval times, offering everything from fresh local produce to crafts and antiques.

The square is surrounded by buildings spanning several centuries, creating an architectural timeline of English building styles. The Cromwell Almhouse, dating from the 17th century, stands alongside Georgian townhouses and Victorian commercial buildings, demonstrating the city’s continuous evolution whilst maintaining its historic character.

The nearby High Street and Fore Hill offer a pleasant mix of independent shops, galleries, and cafés housed in historic buildings. Many of these establishments occupy medieval plots, maintaining the ancient street pattern that gives Ely its distinctive character. The mix of local businesses and specialist shops makes browsing these streets a rewarding experience for visitors seeking unique purchases or souvenirs.

Ely Riverside and Waterside Heritage

The River Great Ouse, which historically made Ely accessible when it was truly an island, continues to play an important role in the city’s character. The riverside area, easily reached from the Lamb Hotel via a pleasant walk through the city centre, offers visitors a chance to appreciate the fenland landscape that defines this unique region.

The Waterside area features converted warehouses that once stored goods transported along the river system connecting Ely to the sea and to inland markets. Today, these historic buildings house the Waterside Antiques Centre, one of the largest antique centres in East Anglia, offering visitors the chance to browse through an extraordinary variety of collectibles and period items.

The riverside walk provides excellent views across the fens, helping visitors understand the geographical factors that shaped Ely’s development. On clear days, the horizon stretches for miles across the flat landscape, giving some sense of what medieval travellers would have experienced as they approached the “Ship of the Fens” rising from the marshes.

Parks and Green Spaces

Despite its compact historic core, Ely offers several pleasant green spaces perfect for relaxation between sightseeing activities. Jubilee Gardens, located near the cathedral, provides a peaceful retreat with well-maintained flower beds and benches offering views of the cathedral’s exterior architecture.

Cherry Hill Park, a short walk from the city centre, offers more extensive grounds for walking and recreation. The park’s elevated position provides excellent views over the surrounding fenland and towards Cambridge in the distance. During spring, the park’s numerous cherry trees create a spectacular display of blossom, making it particularly popular with photographers and nature lovers.

Ely Country Park, slightly further from the city centre but still easily accessible, offers extensive walking trails through recreated fenland habitat. The park’s visitor centre provides information about local wildlife and the history of fen drainage, making it an educational as well as recreational destination.

Local Dining and Traditional Pubs

While the Lamb Hotel offers excellent dining facilities, Ely’s compact size makes it easy to explore the city’s various restaurants and traditional pubs. Many of these establishments occupy historic buildings, adding architectural interest to the dining experience.

The city centre features several traditional pubs dating back centuries, each with its own character and history. These establishments often serve locally sourced food and regional ales, providing visitors with an authentic taste of Cambridgeshire hospitality. Many of these pubs have literary or historical connections, having served everyone from medieval pilgrims to Victorian railway workers.

The city’s restaurants reflect both traditional English cuisine and more contemporary dining trends, with several establishments focusing on locally sourced ingredients from the fertile fenland farms. The weekly farmer’s market provides an opportunity to sample local produce and specialities directly from the producers.

Seasonal Events and Festivals

Throughout the year, Ely hosts various events and festivals that add extra dimensions to the visitor experience. The annual Eel Day in early May celebrates the city’s historical connection to eel fishing with street entertainment, food stalls, and family activities throughout the city centre.

The Ely Folk Festival, held in July, transforms the city into a hub for traditional music and dance, with performances in venues ranging from the cathedral to local pubs. This event attracts visitors from across the UK and provides an excellent introduction to English folk traditions.

During December, the Ely Christmas Market creates a festive atmosphere around the cathedral, with craft stalls, seasonal food, and entertainment. The combination of the historic setting and seasonal celebration makes this one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets in East Anglia.

Getting Around and Practical Information

The compact nature of historic Ely makes walking the most practical and enjoyable way to explore the city’s attractions. Most locations mentioned in this guide are within a 10-minute walk of the Lamb Hotel, and the flat terrain makes walking accessible for most visitors.

For those preferring not to walk, the city operates a local bus service connecting the main attractions, though the short distances make this option less necessary than in larger cities. Bicycle hire is available for those wishing to explore the surrounding fenland countryside or visit attractions further from the city centre.

The city’s tourist information services, located near the cathedral, provide detailed maps, event information, and assistance with planning visits to local attractions. Many of the city’s historic buildings offer guided tours, which can be particularly valuable for understanding the complex history and architectural details of this unique cathedral city.

From your base at the Lamb Hotel, you are perfectly positioned to experience all that this remarkable fenland city has to offer, from its world-famous cathedral to its unique landscape heritage, creating memories that will last long after your visit to this special corner of England.