Living in Ely

Ely is known for its strong sense of community and a friendly, inclusive atmosphere. The city hosts regular events such as the Ely Eel Festival—which celebrates the town’s unique heritage—the well-attended weekly market, and local arts or food fairs. There are active community centres and groups that cater to a wide range of interests, from gardening to theatre to amateur sports.

The riverside and Jubilee Gardens provide spaces for socialising and relaxation, while the city’s green commons are perfect for picnics and casual sports. Walking and cycling paths along the fens are popular with residents and visitors of all ages, and nearby Roswell Pits nature reserve is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Ely successfully blends countryside charm with accessible urban amenities, supporting a lively and welcoming social fabric.

Safety in Ely is generally perceived as strong compared to urban centres, with the city retaining a reassuring small-town feel. The overall crime rates in Ely are lower than those in many larger Cambridgeshire towns, contributing to the area's appeal for families and older residents. Most incidents tend to be low-level antisocial behaviour or minor property crime, although the city centre can experience a busier atmosphere during major events.

Neighbourhood policing teams are visible and active, often engaging with the community via regular public meetings and safety briefings. Community safety initiatives, such as Neighbourhood Watch schemes, are established in several parts of the city. The area near the riverside and the cathedral is especially regarded as calm and safe, making Ely a reassuring environment for those seeking peace of mind.

Parking in Ely is considered relatively straightforward compared to many larger cities. The centre offers a number of council-run car parks, the majority of which provide free parking for up to several hours, making shopping and local visits convenient. Some on-street parking is available near residential areas, but resident permit schemes are in operation in busier zones or close to the railway station.

Traffic congestion tends to be modest outside of major event days or the morning school run. The A10 is the principal road link, giving quick north-south connections, and the A142 connects Ely to Newmarket and the A14. The heart of Cambridgeshire’s network makes Ely ideal for drivers looking to access other towns or main routes quickly.

Key road access times:

• Cambridge – approx. 35 minutes via A10 (16 miles)
• King's Lynn – approx. 40 minutes via A10 (28 miles)
• Newmarket – approx. 25 minutes via A142 (14 miles)
• Bury St Edmunds – approx. 35 minutes via A142/A14 (23 miles)

Ely’s food scene reflects its market-town heritage with a blend of independent restaurants, cafes, and traditional pubs. Popular spots include The Old Fire Engine House, known for local produce and British favourites, and Peacocks Tearoom, celebrated for afternoon teas. Riverside venues like The Cutter Inn offer scenic dining overlooking the Great Ouse, while a mix of bistros and brasseries line the city’s central streets.

For drinks and casual dining, The Prince Albert and The Fountain are community favourite pubs. There’s also a growing range of international options, with Indian, Chinese, Thai, and Mediterranean cuisine available. Nightlife in Ely is generally relaxed and centred around pubs and wine bars, rather than nightclubs. Cultural offerings include plays and concerts at The Maltings, as well as open-mic events and local bands in several venues.

Ely is widely regarded as family friendly, attracting parents with its quieter pace, good schools, and safe streets. School quality is a particular highlight, with multiple primaries and Ely College earning strong reputations and regular Ofsted ‘Good’ ratings. Parks such as Cherry Hill and the riverside commons provide ample green space for play, while local childcare options include nurseries and childminders based both privately and through schools.

Safety is a notable draw, thanks to low crime rates and a visible community police presence. Weekend activities often centre around riverside walks, city markets, and child-friendly events hosted at Ely Cathedral, The Maltings, or Jubilee Gardens. The city is ideal for families wanting a nurturing environment with plenty of educational, outdoor and cultural opportunities.

Pet-friendly living in Ely is particularly supported by the city’s proximity to vast open spaces and the scenic riverside. Dog-walkers and animal lovers enjoy the abundance of footpaths along the Great Ouse, as well as walks through the historic cathedral grounds and nearby common land. Roswell Pits nature reserve and Ely Country Park offer additional green areas ideally suited for off-lead exercise and wildlife watching.

The city has a number of well-established veterinary practices and pet shops, as well as several dog-friendly cafes and pubs. Attitudes towards pet ownership in Ely are positive, with many rental properties catering to responsible owners and local events often including pets as welcome participants. The overall combination of environment and community values makes Ely a comfortable spot for people and pets alike.

Ely benefits from excellent transport links for a city of its size, making it a popular choice for commuters and those looking to travel regionally or nationally. Ely railway station sits on several major lines, offering direct trains to London King's Cross and London Liverpool Street, with journey times typically around 1 hour 15 minutes. There are also regular services to Cambridge (just 15 minutes), Norwich, Peterborough, and further afield to Birmingham and Stansted Airport.

Bus services connect Ely with surrounding villages and towns in Cambridgeshire, including frequent routes to Cambridge and Newmarket. Travelling by car, Ely is close to the A10, which provides straightforward routes to both Cambridge and King's Lynn, while the nearby A14 opens up access to the Midlands and M11.

Typical public transport commute times:

• Cambridge – about 15 minutes by train
• London King's Cross – approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by direct train
• Norwich – around 1 hour 10 minutes by train
• Peterborough – approximately 45 minutes by train
• Stansted Airport – approximately 1 hour 10 minutes by train

London Stansted is the closest major airport, accessible by direct train or a short drive, with London Luton and Cambridge Airport also within reasonable reach. Thanks to these options, Ely is very well-placed for those who need to travel frequently while enjoying a quieter, fenland lifestyle.

Schools in Ely have a strong reputation, providing families with a variety of educational options. For primary education, St Mary's Church of England Primary School is well regarded, last rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2019, while Lantern Community Primary School is also popular, most recently rated 'Good' in 2020. Ely St John's Community Primary School offers another option with consistent 'Good' Ofsted outcomes.

Secondary education in Ely is anchored by Ely College, a mixed academy which has made notable improvements and was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2019. King's Ely is a prominent independent day and boarding school, catering to students aged 2-18 and renowned for academic achievements and an expansive extra-curricular programme. Other secondary options nearby include Soham Village College, also rated 'Good' in its last Ofsted inspection (2017).

For post-16 education, Bishop Laney Sixth Form, in partnership with Ely College and Soham Village College, offers a range of A-level and vocational courses. King’s Ely also provides sixth form education as part of its provision. Although there are no universities within Ely itself, Cambridge—with its world-renowned colleges and universities—is just a short train ride away, broadening higher education options for local students.