Visit Ely... and take a trip to hop-picking country
Enjoy history, character and quintessential British pastimes on a short break in this tiny but iconic Fenland city
With its cluster of medieval streets lined with traditional tearooms and pretty Georgian houses, Ely could easily be mistaken for a market town – if it wasn’t for its magnificent Norman Cathedral. As the second smallest city in England, it’s compact enough to easily explore on foot, but also large enough to fill a few days for a weekend break – with many shops, restaurants, museums and green open spaces.
FRIDAY
Check into the beautiful Poets’ House, situated in the heart of Ely’s historic city centre, created from three 1900s townhouses.
Stay in one of 21 luxurious guestrooms
– each with luxury beds, waterfall showers and freestanding copper baths – all commanding superb views of the cathedral.
Head out into the hotel’s walled garden and enjoy the afternoon sunshine before taking the eight-minute walk to the Turkish Restaurant & Meze Bar.
Hailed as one of the best restaurants in the area, it’s a great place for lovers of grilled chicken and fish, or popular dishes such as moussaka and braised lamb shank.
SATURDAY
Start your day with creamy eggs benedict, a full English, or a simple continental breakfast before heading over the road to Oliver Cromwell’s House. With a black and white half-timbered exterior, it’s hard to miss the former Lord Protector’s family home.
Originally built in the 13th Century, it houses a Civil War exhibition, interactive displays, costumes and family portraits providing insight into Cromwell’s family life.
Up for a challenge? Book onto Ely’s Cromwell Quest and go in search of treasure in recreated period rooms. After working up an appetite, enjoy a bite to eat at the
Lemon Tree Deli. A slice of blueberry and lemon cake awaits, along with other homemade bakes, cheeses, breads and artisan delights.
No trip to this city is complete without a visit to Ely Cathedral, which dominates the city with its aweinspiring setting. Admire the architecture as you wander through its 13th Century Choir and 14th Century Lady Chapel – the largest in the UK. While here, head to the south triforium and pay a visit to The Stained Glass Museum on the upper level of the cathedral, accessed by a stone spiral staircase.
The only one of its kind in Britain, it houses a collection of stained glass spanning more than 800 years from the medieval period to the 21st Century, in both historic and modern styles that you can see close-up.
Enjoy an evening meal at The Old Fire Engine House. Housed in a Georgian building, this restaurant has the feel of a family home. From soups, to meat dishes, crumbles to meringues – it boasts a menu of classic British cuisine.
Round off your dinner with a stroll in the large walled garden, stocked with many old English fruit trees, herbs and flowers, then head back inside to pay a visit to the indoor gallery space and view artwork by established and emerging artists.
SUNDAY
Enjoy a leisurely morning stroll around Ely’s quaint waterside area – with its weeping willows and moored boats – before hopping onboard a short river cruise along the Great Ouse with Captain Bob on Liberty Belle Cruises. Back on dry land, pop into Peacocks’ tearoom and collect a pre-prepared picnic for two – complete with quiche, salads, Bakewell tart, homemade jelly, shortbread and drinks.
Just a five-minute walk away, Jubilee Gardens is the perfect spot to enjoy your lunch and you can while away your final afternoon watching the boats on the river.
TV’s beloved Darling Buds of May first arrived on our screens in 1991, capturing life in rural Kent with the Larkin family. With a new six-part series being aired this year we revisit the filming locations from the original that still exist in and around the village of Pluckley
Pluckley village
Take an historic tour
The traditional Wealden village of Pluckley provided the main backdrop for the Darling Buds. Set in beautiful countryside of orchards and sheep grazing, almost every building in the village centre was used in the television series – including St Nicholas Church for the Larkins’ daughter Mariette and tax inspector Charley’s wedding, and the local butchers in the square and the post office, which was turned into the Larkins’ local grocery shop.
Folkestone Harbour
Enjoy a seafront stroll When Mademoiselle Dupont arrives for Oscar Larkin’s christening, she is first seen at Folkestone Harbour. A stroll along the promenade here offers unrivalled views of the fishing harbour and the wider coastline, including the famous White Cliffs and opportunities to take in the fresh sea air. It’s also a great place to sample some local food and drink – from champagne to gourmet coffee, to Greek mezze to hand-stretched sourdough pizzas.
Darling Buds on tour: Below left to right, visit Folkestone Harbour; Shepherd Brewery and the Leas Lift Cafe, all locations to evoke memories of the much-loved TV series!
Shepherd Neame Brewery
Sip on some Kentish hops Shepherd Neame was used as the exterior for Bristow’s Brewery – bought by Charley and Marietta. The oldest working brewery in Britain, it offers tours and tasting of Kentish ales and speciality lagers. Here, you can sample malted barley and smell locally grown Kentish hops. The 80-minute tour also includes a visit to the Old Brewery Store, where you’ll find displays of historic delivery vehicles, a recreated coopers’ workshop, pub signs and hop-picking memorabilia.
Leas Lift Folkestone
Enjoy tea and cake with a view
The Victorian Leas Cable Car Lift was used as a backdrop when filming on Folkestone’s beach for the Larkins’ seaside holiday. You can’t ride in it currently, but the lower station can still be visited today, having been transformed into The Lift Café. A popular refreshment spot for beach-goers, dog walkers and railway enthusiasts.