Ely Museum
Explore Ely's rich history from pre-history to the 20th century in a restored 13th-century gaol. Interactive and family-friendly!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Toddler group fun!
Ely Museum
Best Time
Toddler group fun!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Ely's rich history from pre-history to the 20th century in a restored 13th-century gaol. Interactive and family-friendly!
"Absolute gem of a museum - really well refurbished to a high modern standard with simple but fun interactive elements."
🎯 Year-Long Access!
Your admission ticket is valid for a whole year – incredible value! :ticket:
🔦 Interactive Fun for Kids
Kids love the interactive elements, especially the UV flashlight treasure hunt! :flashlight:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Old Gaol Cells
Ely Museum
Step back in time within the restored 13th-century gaol. Hear inmate stories and feel the history of this unique prison.
Bronze Age Gold Torc
Ely Museum
Marvel at the stunning and rare Bronze Age gold torc, a true treasure from Ely's ancient past.
Farming Implement Displays
Ely Museum
Gain insight into the demanding life of farm laborers with an impressive collection of historical farming tools.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Unlock a Year of History
Navigating Ely's Past
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Year-Long Access!
Your admission ticket is valid for a whole year – incredible value! :ticket:
🔦 Interactive Fun for Kids
Kids love the interactive elements, especially the UV flashlight treasure hunt! :flashlight:
👂 Hear the Inmates' Stories
Press buttons to hear fascinating accounts of life in the old jail. :microphone:
🗺️ Find Your Way
It can be tricky to find from the station, so use a map! :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Year-Long Access!
Your admission ticket is valid for a whole year – incredible value! :ticket:
🔦 Interactive Fun for Kids
Kids love the interactive elements, especially the UV flashlight treasure hunt! :flashlight:
👂 Hear the Inmates' Stories
Press buttons to hear fascinating accounts of life in the old jail. :microphone:
🗺️ Find Your Way
It can be tricky to find from the station, so use a map! :world_map:
📸 Instagrammable Exhibits
Great for photography, especially the historical displays. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Ely Museum as an absolute gem, highlighting its modern, accessible, and informative displays housed in a fascinating historic gaol. The year-long ticket offers exceptional value, and the interactive elements make it a hit with families. While some find the admission price slightly steep for the size, the quality of exhibits and the unique setting are consistently lauded.
"A great local museum! Modern and accessible with lots of information. There are interactive elements and an explorers station specifically aimed at children. Look out for regular events and talks. The ticket price includes admission for a whole year making it very good value."
Felicity Godfrey
"Enjoyable visit to this very local museum, describing the development, agriculture, and history of Ely.
I think my highlight was the display of farming implements, gives some idea of the hard work of farm labourers.
£6.50 admission, but ticket valid for a year."
Mick Pelling
"Quant little museum in an old jail. They kept some of the original building and interior so you can see that. Cost is £6.50 per person which seems a bit pricey for the building size.
They do however have a stunning display of items from across the centuries. They showcase what Ely was like in the past to current times. Part of the showcase is for when it was a jail. They have buttons to press so you can hear what some of the inmates said about jail life
This is definitely kid friendly as there are a few places for them to interact. When in the room with the insects, grab the flashlight to find the ultraviolet flowers on the wall.
They have a small store to get some souvenirs or other knick knacks."
Daniel Grove
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ely Museum can be a bit tricky to find from the train station, so it's recommended to use a map or GPS. While walking is possible, consider a short taxi ride if you prefer convenience. The museum is located in the city center, making it accessible once you're in Ely.
Yes, Ely Museum is accessible by public transport. The nearest train station is Ely, and from there, it's a walk or short taxi ride to the museum. Local bus services also serve the city center, bringing you close to the attraction.
The Grange car park is a convenient option for parking near Ely Museum. Visitors have noted its proximity, making it easy to access the museum after parking.
Absolutely! Ely Museum is easily reachable without a car. Public transport options like trains and buses serve Ely, and the museum is within walking distance of the city center and transport hubs.
The nearest major transport link is Ely train station. From there, you can walk to the museum or take a local bus or taxi. The city center itself is well-served by local bus routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ely Museum opening times are generally consistent, but it's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information, especially around holidays or special events.
Admission to Ely Museum is £6.50 per person, but this ticket is valid for a whole year, offering excellent value for money.
While specific online booking details aren't always highlighted, it's advisable to check the Ely Museum's official website for any online ticketing options or to confirm on-site purchase availability.
Yes, your admission ticket to Ely Museum includes re-entry for a full year, making it a fantastic deal for multiple visits.
The museum offers great value with its year-long access policy. While specific discount categories aren't detailed, the annual pass is a significant saving for frequent visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Ely Museum offers a journey through local history, from pre-history to the 20th century, housed in a restored 13th-century gaol. Highlights include the gold torc, farming implements, and interactive displays for children.
Yes, Ely Museum is very kid-friendly! It features interactive elements, an explorer's station, and a UV flashlight activity that children love. The toddler group on Fridays is also highly recommended.
Definitely! Ely Museum has several interactive elements, including buttons to hear inmate stories from the old gaol and a UV flashlight activity for kids to find hidden ultraviolet flowers.
The museum is housed in a restored 13th-century gaol, and it retains parts of the original building and interior, offering a unique historical context for the exhibits.
Yes, Ely Museum is described as 'Instagrammable' and great for photography shoots, so feel free to capture the historical displays.
🍽️ 🍴 Food & Dining
Information about an on-site cafe at Ely Museum is not widely available. Visitors often mention taking a break for coffee and tea cake nearby, suggesting external options are common.
Yes, there are several places to eat near Ely Museum. Visitors often enjoy coffee and tea cakes in the vicinity, and the city center offers various dining options.
Specific policies on bringing outside food and drinks into Ely Museum are not detailed. It's generally advisable to consume these outside the exhibition areas to preserve the artifacts and displays.
Ely city center offers a range of dining options, from cafes serving coffee and tea cakes to restaurants providing various cuisines. You'll find plenty of choices to suit different tastes.
Many visitors enjoy a relaxing break for coffee and tea cake after their museum visit, suggesting that local cafes are a popular choice for a post-exhibit treat.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, Ely Museum is considered very 'Instagrammable' and is great for photography shoots, particularly due to its historical displays and unique setting in a former gaol.
The restored gaol cells, the stunning gold torc, and the detailed farming implement displays are all excellent subjects for photography at Ely Museum.
While generally encouraged, it's always a good idea to check for any specific signage regarding photography, especially for flash use, within certain sensitive exhibit areas of Ely Museum.
Yes, you can use your phone camera to capture the exhibits at Ely Museum. The venue is noted for being photogenic, making it ideal for sharing your visit online.
Photography at Ely Museum often focuses on historical artifacts, the unique architecture of the old gaol, and the interactive elements that appeal to families.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the 'Little Explorers' toddler group on Fridays for the little ones. With clean facilities and baby changing, it's a stress-free outing. The old gaol cells and historical displays are fascinating for all ages.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider purchasing the Ely Passport if you plan to visit other heritage sites like Ely Cathedral and Oliver Cromwell's House. This bundled ticket can offer further savings and a more comprehensive experience of the city's history.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Capture the details of the farming implements or the interactive elements designed for children. The museum's blend of history and engaging displays offers diverse subjects for your portfolio.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Ely's Past: The Museum's Collection
Key highlights include the stunning Bronze Age gold torc, a rare and precious artifact that speaks to the area's ancient past, and an impressive display of farming implements that vividly illustrate the hard work and ingenuity of farm laborers. The museum also preserves elements of its former life as a jail, allowing visitors to step into the old gaol cells and even hear recorded accounts of inmate experiences, offering a poignant and immersive historical perspective.
For younger visitors, Ely Museum excels with its interactive elements. These are designed to engage children and make learning fun, featuring an explorer's station and a special UV flashlight activity where kids can discover hidden ultraviolet flowers on the walls. This blend of historical depth and engaging interactivity makes Ely Museum a compelling destination for all ages.
Family Fun and Value at Ely Museum
Beyond the immediate activities, the museum's ticket policy offers exceptional value for families. Your admission grants you access for an entire year, meaning you can return multiple times without additional cost. This makes it an ideal spot for a regular family outing or for revisiting favorite exhibits. Furthermore, the museum provides clean and available toilets, including baby changing facilities, catering to the needs of families with very young children.
For those with toddlers, the 'Little Explorers' toddler group held on Fridays once a month is highly recommended. This dedicated session provides a structured and fun environment for little ones to engage with the museum's offerings. The warm welcome and continuous learning opportunities make Ely Museum a highly recommended activity for children of all ages.
The Ely Passport: Exploring More of the City
The Ely Passport includes admission to the Ely Museum, the magnificent Ely Cathedral, the historic Oliver Cromwell's House, and the Stained Glass Museum. By bundling these attractions, visitors can enjoy a more comprehensive and cost-effective exploration of the city's landmarks. This collaboration highlights the strong sense of heritage preservation within Ely.
This initiative is perfect for day-trippers or anyone wanting to make the most of their visit to Ely. It encourages visitors to discover the interconnected history of these sites and appreciate the unique stories each venue tells. The Ely Passport is a testament to the city's commitment to showcasing its historical treasures.
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