Ely Museum in the Old Gaol
Step into Ely’s past in a historic gaol: explore the Fens’ story from prehistoric seas to prison cells and a dazzling Bronze Age gold torc.
Housed in a former 17th-century Bishop’s Gaol in the heart of Ely, this engaging local museum tells the story of the Fens and the people who shaped them. From prehistoric seas and Roman settlers to fenland farming and prison life, its nine galleries mix archaeology, social history, and hands-on activities. A highlight is the Bronze Age gold torc, one of the largest ever found in Britain. The museum’s modern, airy galleries make history accessible and fun for all ages, with an annual ticket offering excellent value.
A brief summary to Ely Museum
- The Old Gaol, Market St, Ely, CB7 4LS, GB
- +441353666655
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Friday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-5 pm
Local tips
- Buy an annual ticket – it’s valid for a full year, so you can return multiple times, making it excellent value for families or repeat visitors.
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the busiest times; the museum is small enough that you can see everything comfortably in under an hour.
- Don’t miss the Bronze Age gold torc – it’s one of the largest ever found in Britain and a real highlight of the collection.
- Check the museum’s events calendar for family activities, especially the toddler group on Fridays, which is perfect for young children.
- Combine your visit with a walk around Ely’s market square and a look at the cathedral – the museum is right in the historic heart of the city.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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On foot from Ely city centre
From Ely’s market square, walk along Market Street for about 5 minutes; the museum is on the right, clearly marked as the Old Gaol. The route is flat and paved, suitable for all ages and mobility levels.
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By train from Cambridge
Take a direct train from Cambridge to Ely (around 15–20 minutes); from Ely station, walk through the town centre to Market Street in about 10–12 minutes. Trains run frequently, and the walk is straightforward and well signposted.
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By car
From the A10 or A142, follow signs into Ely town centre and then to the museum; there are several public car parks within a 5–10 minute walk of the Old Gaol. Parking is paid and can be busy on weekends and market days.
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By bus from surrounding villages
Local bus services from nearby towns and villages connect to Ely; from the main bus stops in the town centre, it’s a short, flat walk along Market Street to the museum, taking about 5–7 minutes.
Ely Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Ely Museum
History in a Gaol
Ely Museum occupies the atmospheric Old Gaol, a building with roots stretching back to the 17th century when it served as the Bishop’s prison. Before becoming a museum, this stone structure held debtors and felons, its cells echoing with stories of hardship and injustice in the Fenland past. Today, those same walls shelter a lively, modern museum that traces Ely’s story from the warm Jurassic seas that once covered the region to the rich farmland and market town of today. The building itself is part of the experience, with its thick walls and historic layout adding character to the displays.Life in the Fens
The museum’s nine galleries explore how people have lived on the Isle of Ely and in the surrounding fens over thousands of years. Exhibits cover prehistoric life, Roman occupation, Anglo-Saxon settlement, and the medieval monastic community that grew around Ely Cathedral. You’ll learn about eel fishing, fen skating, and the unique challenges of farming on land that was once marsh. Displays of farming tools, household objects, and local crafts reveal how communities adapted to the watery landscape, turning the Fens into the fertile ‘black gold’ fields seen today.Stories of Prison and Protest
One of the most evocative parts of the museum is its exploration of the gaol’s own past. Original cells and prison records tell the stories of inmates, from debtors pleading for mercy to rioters like the Littleport Martyrs, whose protests for bread in the early 19th century were met with harsh punishment. The museum doesn’t shy away from the darker side of history, using letters, graffiti, and personal accounts to bring the lives of ordinary people into sharp focus. This blend of social history and local justice makes the museum a powerful place to understand how law, poverty, and resistance shaped the region.A Treasure from the Bronze Age
Among the museum’s standout objects is a magnificent Bronze Age gold torc, one of the largest ever discovered in Britain. This stunning piece of ancient craftsmanship is a highlight for many visitors, offering a tangible link to the skilled metalworkers of prehistoric times. Alongside it, finds from Roman and Anglo-Saxon periods – including jewellery, tools, and everyday items – help build a vivid picture of life in this part of East Anglia across the centuries. Temporary and special exhibitions often focus on particular themes, from wartime evacuees to local industries, adding fresh perspectives with each visit.Family-Friendly Discovery
Ely Museum is designed to be welcoming and engaging for visitors of all ages. Interactive displays, dressing-up areas, and hands-on activities encourage children to explore history through play. There are opportunities to try on period clothing, handle replicas of ancient tools, and even use UV flashlights to discover hidden details in exhibits. The museum runs regular family events and a popular toddler group, making it a great destination for a relaxed, educational outing. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, happy to share stories and answer questions about the collections and the building’s past.Modern Galleries in a Historic Setting
Following a major redevelopment funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the museum’s galleries have been transformed into light, airy spaces that make the most of the historic building. The displays are well-organised and clearly explained, blending artefacts, images, and multimedia to tell the story of Ely and its people. The museum’s annual ticket – valid for a full year – offers excellent value, especially for local families or those planning to return. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a curious visitor, or a family looking for an interesting indoor activity, Ely Museum provides a rich, accessible introduction to the unique landscape and heritage of the Fens.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Essential places to dine
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Family Friendly
- Educational
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
