Eastlife Spring 2020

Cambridgeshire
Springtime
in Ely
Written by Bob Cox-Wrightson | Twitter @bobcw
The blossom is out, and spring is in the air, and there’s
no finer city to visit at this time of year than Ely. The city
looks at its best as it shakes off the dark winter days,
so whether you’re looking for family spring-time walks,
leisurely shopping or the best of eating and drinking, the
Fenland’s Cathedral city is the place for you at this time
of the year.
Place to eat
The best way to arrive in Ely is by train, with services
spanning the East of England and beyond. Walk from
the railway station to the nearby riverside, and you’ll find
a tranquil area to explore. Eateries include the Cutter Inn,
serving drinks and meals right by the river
(www.thecutterinn.co.uk), the Riverside Bar and
Kitchen at the historic Maltings, offering a great range
of freshly prepared dishes (www.rbk-ely.co.uk), and
the award-winning Peacock’s Tearooms, where you
can enjoy a light lunch or a cream tea, with a staggering
amount of delicious brews to choose from
(www.peacockstearoom.co.uk).
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Walks in Ely
Stroll along to Jubilee Gardens and enjoy a picnic
and explore the winding paths amongst the trees
and flowerbeds. From here you can wander up to Ely
Park, with fine views of the Cathedral, and further into
the city centre. Known locally as Cherry Hill, Ely Park
incorporates an ancient castle mound, and links the
riverside to the Cathedral and City Centre.
Take a walk around the back of the Cathedral and you’ll
discover an entrance to the gardens of The Almonry
Restaurant and Tearoom. Take a seat in the 13th-century
medieval vaulted undercroft, or enjoy a picturesque
view of the Cathedral from the neat and pretty gardens
(www.elycathedral.org/visit/the-almonryrestaurant).