Oliver Cromwell's House, Ely: A Window into 17th Century England
Step into the historic home of Oliver Cromwell and experience the English Civil War era through immersive exhibits and interactive tours in Ely.
Oliver Cromwell's House in Ely is the only surviving residence of the English Civil War leader outside Hampton Court. This historic half-timbered home offers immersive self-guided audio tours, interactive exhibits, and period rooms that bring to life Cromwell’s family life and the turbulent times of the 1600s. Visitors can explore recreated rooms, try on costumes, and experience a mini battlefield encampment, making it a rich cultural and educational attraction.
A brief summary to Oliver Cromwell's House
- 29 St Mary's St, Ely, CB7 4HF, GB
- +441353662062
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan for a 45-minute self-guided audio tour included with admission to fully experience the house.
- Visit during weekdays or mornings for a quieter, more immersive experience.
- Check for special events or Heritage Open Days offering free or extended access.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the house and nearby attractions involve some walking on uneven surfaces.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train
Ely railway station is well connected with direct services from London King’s Cross, Cambridge, and Norwich. From the station, it is a 15-minute walk to Oliver Cromwell's House. Train journeys from London take about 1 hour. Tickets range from £10 to £25 depending on time and booking.
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Bus
Stagecoach buses serve Ely town with frequent stops within walking distance of the house. Bus routes connect Ely with surrounding towns and villages. Tickets typically cost £2 to £5. Check local timetables for service frequency and accessibility.
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Car
There is no dedicated parking at Oliver Cromwell's House. Visitors can use several public car parks in Ely town center, which are a short walk away. Parking fees vary, with options for short and long stay. Ely is accessible via the A10 and A14 roads.
Oliver Cromwell's House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Oliver Cromwell's House
A Historic Home of a Controversial Leader
Oliver Cromwell's House in Ely is a rare surviving example of a 17th-century half-timbered residence, where Cromwell lived with his family from 1636 to 1647. As one of England’s most divisive historical figures, Cromwell’s time here coincided with his rise as a Puritan leader and eventual Lord Protector. The house stands as a tangible connection to the English Civil War era, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the domestic life of a man who shaped British history.Immersive Exhibits and Interactive Experiences
The house features a completely revamped Civil War exhibition with interactive displays that vividly illustrate the period’s conflicts and Cromwell’s role. Visitors can engage hands-on by trying on period costumes and playing traditional games, enhancing the sense of stepping back in time. A new mini encampment replicates the battlefield environment, providing a sensory experience of life during the war.Self-Guided Tours with Audio Narration
Admission includes an audio handset that guides guests through the house’s rooms and exhibits with detailed storytelling for both adults and families. The approximately 45-minute tour brings to life the personal and political story of Cromwell, his family dynamics, and the wider historical context. The audio guide enriches the visit by combining factual history with engaging anecdotes.Architectural and Artistic Highlights
The house retains original features such as oak paneling and rare 15th-century wall paintings in the Parlor, which are rarely seen by the public. Visitors can explore the family room, Mrs Cromwell’s kitchen, and even a famously haunted bedroom, each space richly furnished to reflect the period’s style and domestic arrangements.Visitor Amenities and Community Engagement
Oliver Cromwell's House includes a well-stocked gift shop offering local artisan products and souvenirs. The onsite tourist information center provides helpful advice for exploring Ely and the surrounding Fenland area. Throughout the year, the house hosts events such as themed tours and escape rooms, fostering community engagement and educational outreach.Location and Accessibility
Situated at 29 St Mary’s Street in Ely, the house is easily accessible by train, bus, and car, with several public car parks nearby. Ely’s compact historic center invites visitors to combine their visit with exploring the cathedral, riverside, and independent shops. The house operates seasonal opening hours, generally from 10am to 5pm in summer and 11am to 4pm in winter, with occasional closures for maintenance.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Jesus Lock
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Historic Jesus Lock on the River Cam offers serene riverside charm and a unique glimpse into Cambridge's aquatic heritage.
Castle Park
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Historic green space featuring the Norman Cambridge Castle Mound with panoramic city views and tranquil parkland near the city centre.
Castle Mound: site of medieval Cambridge Castle
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Magdalene Bridge
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Westminster College
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Christ's Pieces
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Discover the lush landscapes and vibrant atmosphere of Christ's Pieces, a picturesque park in the heart of Cambridge, perfect for relaxation and social gatherings.
Bridge of Sighs
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A Victorian Gothic covered bridge spanning the River Cam, linking history and beauty at St John's College, Cambridge.
Duke House
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Kitchen Bridge, St John's College
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Newton's Apple Tree
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Medieval Ridge and Furrow
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Rose Quarter Cambridge
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Cambridge Market Square
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Cambridge Central Mosque
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Great St Mary's
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Discover the architectural beauty and historical significance of Great St Mary's, the University Church in Cambridge, a must-visit landmark for tourists.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Stained Glass Museum
0.2 km
Discover the UK’s only museum dedicated to stained glass art, nestled within the historic Ely Cathedral’s breathtaking triforium.
Ely Cathedral
0.3 km
Discover Ely Cathedral’s stunning medieval architecture and iconic octagonal lantern tower, a masterpiece of English heritage and spiritual beauty.
Ely Museum
0.3 km
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.
Ely Castle Mound
0.4 km
Explore Ely Castle Mound’s ancient Norman earthworks, panoramic cathedral views, and peaceful parkland in the heart of historic Cambridgeshire.
Jubilee Gardens
0.7 km
A peaceful riverside park in Ely featuring a bandstand, playground, and vibrant community events year-round.
The Maltings
0.8 km
A historic riverside events venue in Ely, perfect for weddings, conferences, and live entertainment with views of the cathedral and River Great Ouse.
Waterside Antiques Centre
0.8 km
Explore East Anglia’s largest antiques centre set by Ely’s scenic riverside, boasting three floors of vintage treasures and timeless curiosities.
Kingfishers Bridge Nature Reserve
7.4 km
A vibrant wetland haven in Cambridgeshire, rich in rare birds and wildlife, offering peaceful nature walks and immersive conservation experiences.
RSPB Ouse Washes
8.8 km
Explore the UK’s largest washland sanctuary, a Fenland haven for thousands of wintering waterfowl and breeding waders amid tranquil floodplain landscapes.
Wicken Fen Visitor Centre
10.0 km
Explore one of Europe’s oldest wetlands, a rich fenland sanctuary teeming with rare wildlife, historic charm, and timeless natural beauty.
National Trust - Wicken Fen Nature Reserve
10.0 km
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Burwell Fen
11.8 km
Restored fenland wilderness where nature reclaims the landscape and rare birds thrive
Denny Abbey & The Farmland Museum
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Burwell Museum and Windmill
14.8 km
Explore Burwell’s rich fenland heritage through a historic windmill, vintage exhibits, and immersive rural life displays in a charming village setting.
RSPB Ouse Fen Reserve
15.4 km
Explore the UK’s largest reedbed and vibrant wetland sanctuary where nature thrives amid tranquil trails and rich wildlife.
Essential places to dine
The Prince Albert
0.1 km
A charming traditional pub in Ely offering expertly crafted ales, fresh local food, and a welcoming atmosphere with a lively social calendar.
The Windmill
19.0 km
A welcoming traditional English pub in Somersham offering excellent food, attentive service, and a relaxed countryside atmosphere.
The Hole In The Wall
21.7 km
Historic gastropub and cozy B&B in Little Wilbraham, blending rustic charm with exceptional British cuisine and warm hospitality.
The Old Spring
22.4 km
Welcoming gastropub near the River Cam, blending traditional charm with contemporary dining in spacious, light-filled rooms.
Restaurant Twenty Two
22.5 km
Michelin-starred contemporary British dining in a cozy Victorian townhouse, blending seasonal flavors with artistic precision in Cambridge.
Midsummer House
22.6 km
Cambridge’s only two Michelin-starred restaurant, offering inventive modern British cuisine in a charming riverside Victorian villa.
Travellers Rest Beefeater
22.6 km
Traditional British pub and grill offering hearty steaks, breakfast, and a welcoming atmosphere in Cambridge’s Girton district.
Navadhanya
22.8 km
Experience exquisite Indian fine dining in Cambridge with innovative dishes, elegant ambience, and impeccable service at Navadhanya.
La Mimosa
22.9 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality by the scenic River Cam at La Mimosa, Cambridge’s cherished family-run restaurant.
Herbie's American Diner
23.0 km
Experience classic American diner charm and hearty comfort food in a lively, family-friendly setting just outside Cambridge.
The Architect
23.0 km
Cambridge’s vibrant gastropub serving classic fish & chips and pies with a modern, inclusive twist in a welcoming setting.
The Riverbar Steakhouse and Grill
23.0 km
Upscale riverside steakhouse in Cambridge with expertly cooked steaks, scenic river views, and a lively rooftop cocktail terrace.
Las Iguanas - Cambridge
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Experience a vibrant Latin American fiesta with bold flavors, lively cocktails, and riverside views at Las Iguanas Cambridge.
The Astronomer
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Modern British dining meets warm hospitality in Cambridge’s stylish Eddington village beneath the Hyatt Centric Hotel.
Côte Cambridge
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Classic French brasserie charm meets modern dining in the heart of Cambridge, with inclusive menus and a warm, romantic atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Vintage Peacock
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Discover unique vintage-inspired gifts and stylish apparel in a cozy, artisan-focused boutique in the heart of Somersham.
Romsey Barbers Ltd Cambridge
21.9 km
Classic cuts in Cambridge's Romsey: friendly barber shop delivering sharp fades and shaves with neighborhood warmth.
Victoria Store
22.6 km
Experience the convenience of Victoria Store in Cambridge, your one-stop shop for snacks, essentials, and local goods.
Beehive Centre
22.9 km
A dynamic shopping centre in Cambridge offering diverse stores, dining, and free parking for a convenient retail experience.
Sense
23.0 km
Affordable finds in central Cambridge, supporting a national disability charity with every purchase.
The Works
23.0 km
Bargain-packed paradise of books, crafts, toys, and gifts on Cambridge's Fitzroy Street—creative treasures at unbeatable prices.
Jemporium Vintage
23.1 km
Discover timeless style and unique vintage treasures from the 50s to the 90s in the heart of Cambridge’s vibrant fashion scene.
Primark
23.1 km
Discover affordable fashion and home essentials at Primark Cambridge, your budget-friendly style destination in the city center.
Fridge
23.1 km
Discover timeless designer vintage fashion and expert service at Fridge, Magdalene Street’s iconic boutique in Cambridge.
Bowns
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Discover luxury and elegance at Bowns, Cambridge's premier designer clothing boutique, where haute couture meets personalized service.
Typically British
23.1 km
Discover authentic British and Cambridge souvenirs in a welcoming shop full of heritage and charm at 29 Bridge Street.
Lilac Rose
23.3 km
Discover unique British fashion and accessories in a charming independent boutique in the heart of Cambridge.
Robert Graham 1874 - whisky & cigars
23.3 km
A refined Cambridge haven for whisky lovers and cigar connoisseurs, where heritage meets expert curation in a relaxed, intimate setting.
All Saints Garden Art & Craft Market
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Bring It Back Cambridge
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Discover premium vintage and streetwear fashion with a sustainable edge at Bring It Back Cambridge on Green Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Brewers Inn
18.4 km
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Unique Bar Newmarket
19.9 km
Experience the lively vibes and weekend dance nights at Unique Bar, Newmarket’s hotspot for great drinks and energetic fun.
Plough Cambridge
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The Mad Cat Inn
20.6 km
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The Corner House
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The Tivoli
22.5 km
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Fort St George
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The Fox Bar Hill
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The Burleigh Arms
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Sir Isaac Newton
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The Castle Inn
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The Geldart
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The Blue Moon
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Pickerel
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Champion Of The Thames
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
EBC Shop
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Cambridge Pop-up Speakeasy Jazz
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Free live jazz pop-ups in a historic Cambridge pub: intimate sets, diverse musicians, speakeasy vibes on select Wednesdays at 7:30pm.
Vinyl Cambridge
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Dance through decades on a glowing LED floor at Vinyl Cambridge's throwback haven—2-for-1 drinks, VIP vibes, and non-stop retro anthems await in the city center.
MASH
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Cambridge’s vibrant independent nightclub offering themed music nights and a welcoming, safe party atmosphere until the early hours.
High Five
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Cambridge's electrifying gay nightclub where themed nights, drag glamour, and inclusive dance floors ignite unforgettable evenings in the city heart.
Cambridge Lola Lo
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Step into Cambridge Lola Lo, a vibrant tiki-themed nightclub with tropical vibes, lively dance floors, and a stunning rooftop terrace in the city centre.
Salisbury Club
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Cambridge's cozy Mill Road club: retro discos, pool tables, cheap drinks, and community spirit in a true local gem.
The LAB
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80s karaoke bar
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Neon-lit, 80s-themed karaoke on Hills Road—compact, group-friendly singalongs from the early evening into the night.
Tall Trees
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The Lounge
24.2 km
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OutOut Nightclub
24.2 km
Vibrant nightlife hub in St. Ives offering dynamic club nights, private events, and a lively atmosphere from 10pm to 4am Fridays and Saturdays.
The Calling
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Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Calling, Cambridge's premier event management venue, perfect for unforgettable experiences and fun times.
Sing Dizzy
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Sing Dizzy offers Cambridge a lively karaoke bar experience with costumes, props, and an extensive song list for unforgettable nights of fun and music.
Cambridge Junction
24.6 km
Discover the heart of Cambridge's nightlife at Cambridge Junction, a dynamic venue for live music, comedy, and unforgettable performances.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Educational
- Interactive
- Tranquil
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly