Ely Train Station

Ely train station has been serving the community of Cambridgeshire for over 150 years with routes running North, South, West, and around the local area. The station connects key East Anglian cities and towns like King’s Lynn, Peterborough, and Norwich all to Ely.

The station was originally opened in 1845 and was built on marshy swampland. The station itself was designed by Francis Thompson, though Sancton Wood was the chief architect and is often given credit for designing the station building. When Ely train station opened, it featured two extravagantly designed Italianate towers – one on the North end and another above the booking office – as well as cubed pavilions and an arcade.

In the late 1920s and 1930s, the station was rebuilt by LNER in a similar style, which is likely when the decorative towers were removed. Although the rest of the structures remained through this remodel, more significant changes were made in the 1990s as the station was overhauled once more. The changes in the 1990s occurred at the same time as the broad-scale electrification of train lines by British Rail, so represented the coming of a new era in train travel around the UK.

Ely train station operates services by EMR, Thameslink, Greater Anglia, Great Northern, and CrossCountry, running around East Anglia and the rest of the UK. Popular CrossCountry routes include Birmingham to Ely, Leicester to Ely, Hinckley to Ely, and Cambridge to Ely.

Things to do in Ely

Ely is a city in the heart of Cambridgeshire, in East Anglia, and it is packed with culture and heritage – not to mention shops, cafes, and restaurants. Whether you’re planning a quiet weekend away or finding ways to fill school holidays with kids, there’s plenty to keep you entertained!

Ely is famous for being the home of Oliver Cromwell from 1636-46 before he was Lord Protector of the country. On your trip to Ely, you can visit Oliver Cromwell’s House – a heritage site marking the impact of the republican rule over England in the 17th century and exploring the man at the helm of it all. With exhibitions on the civil war, as well as interactive learning and games to explore this fascinating history, there is a lot to learn about Oliver Cromwell and his time in power.

A visit to a British city is nothing without a grand place of worship, so Ely Cathedral is a must-see spot in the city. Ely Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral with origins dating back to 672, with the present building dating back to 1083. With exuberant decoration and casting a commanding presence over the city, the Cathedral is an important site to the community; for religious worship, communal history, and architectural beauty. Whilst visiting the cathedral, why not check out the Stained Glass Museum? With exhibitions tracking historical glass staining practices and exploring the religious and cultural significance of stained glass, it offers an interesting insight into art, culture, and religious heritage.

If you’re looking for a quiet day out with a bit of shopping, eating, and walking, there’s a no better option than a visit to Ely market. With market days every Thursday and Saturday, you’ll find crafts, antiques, homemade baked goods, beautiful flowers, unique clothes, special gifts, and much more. With around 150 stalls to explore, you’re sure to find something special to take home with you. Once you’re finished admiring all of the wonderful market offerings, why not stop into a café or restaurant for some lunch? The perfect way to kick back and enjoy your day off and weekends is a visit to Ely market followed by something delicious in a local eatery.