East of England · England
Ely area guide
Population
92,906
East Cambridgeshire
Avg. house price
£338,848
+0.8% /yr
Avg. rent (pcm)
£1,024
+0.2% /yr
Rental yield
3.6%
gross
Ely sits within East Cambridgeshire; property and population figures shown are for the wider East Cambridgeshire area. Sources: ONS mid-2024 population, HM Land Registry / ONS house prices and ONS private rents.
About Ely
Ely is a small cathedral city in East Cambridgeshire, in the East of England, set within the flat, fertile landscape of the Fens on the banks of the River Great Ouse. Its name is thought to derive from the eels once caught in the surrounding wetlands. The city has a long history stretching back over a thousand years, with Ely Cathedral, begun in the 11th century, standing as its defining landmark and visible for miles across the surrounding countryside. Often described as one of England's smallest cities, Ely retains the feel of a historic market town, with a compact centre of independent shops, riverside walks and buildings dating from medieval times onward, including Oliver Cromwell's former house, now a museum.
Schools & education
Ely has a range of state primary schools serving the city and surrounding villages, along with Ely College, the main state secondary school. King's Ely is a well-known independent school with historic links to the cathedral, offering education from nursery through to sixth form. There is no university based in Ely itself, but the city sits within easy reach of Cambridge, home to the University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University, making higher education accessible for local residents via a short train or road journey.
Transport & airports
Ely railway station is a notable railway junction, with services connecting to Cambridge, London (King's Cross and Liverpool Street), Norwich, Peterborough and King's Lynn, making the city well placed for commuters and travellers. Road links include the A10, which runs south to Cambridge and north towards King's Lynn, and the A142, connecting Ely to Newmarket and Chatteris. The nearest major airport is London Stansted, roughly an hour's drive away, with Cambridge Airport also nearby, primarily used for smaller and private flights.
Economy & jobs
Ely's economy reflects its setting amid some of the country's most productive agricultural land, with farming remaining an important part of the local economy alongside food production and related businesses. Tourism is another significant contributor, driven by Ely Cathedral and the city's heritage attractions, which support local shops, cafes and hospitality businesses. Many residents commute to Cambridge, around 15 miles away, for work in its universities, hospitals and technology and life sciences sectors, while the city itself also has a base of public sector, retail and small business employment.
Living in Ely
Ely offers a quieter pace of life than nearby Cambridge, with a strong sense of heritage and community centred around the cathedral and riverside. The city hosts events through the year, including festivals celebrating its eel-catching history and folk music traditions, and its markets and independent shops give the centre a traditional market-town character. It tends to appeal to families and commuters seeking a more affordable, less built-up alternative to Cambridge while retaining good rail links, alongside those drawn to its history, cultural attractions and access to the surrounding Fenland countryside.
Ely FAQs
What is the population of Ely and the surrounding district?
Ely itself is a small city, often cited as having a population of around 20,000, while the wider East Cambridgeshire district has a population of 92,906 (ONS mid-2024 estimate).
What is the nearest major airport to Ely?
London Stansted is the nearest major airport, around an hour's drive away, with the smaller Cambridge Airport also located nearby.
Is there a university in Ely?
Ely does not have its own university, but it is close to Cambridge, home to the University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University, both reachable by a short train or car journey.
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This guide is provided for general information. Statistics are from official sources on the dates shown; other details are an overview and may change. Browse all UK city guides →