The Best of Ely Tour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Explore Ely at your own pace with The Best of Ely Tour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour. Priced at $8.99 per person, this tour offers a flexible way to uncover the city’s highlights without joining a group. The typical booking is made 9 days in advance, and the tour lasts for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. It begins outside The Maltings, a Victorian brewery overlooking the River Great Ouse, and concludes at Peacocks Tearoom.

Designed for those who prefer to explore independently, this tour provides complete control over start and end times. You can access the tour before your trip and afterward, thanks to unlimited use, and enjoy the virtual tour option at home. For the price, it offers good value, especially for visitors keen to learn about Ely’s unique history and landmarks without a large group or guide.

Key Points

• Self-guided audio tour allows flexible exploration of Ely
• Price of $8.99 per person offers affordability and value
• Duration of 45 minutes to 1 hour makes it easy to fit into any schedule
• Includes lifetime access with offline maps, directions, and narration
• Highlights include Ely Cathedral, Ely Museum, Oliver Cromwell’s House, and local cafes
• Designed for moderate physical activity and those comfortable with using a smartphone app

Starting Point Outside The Maltings in Ely

The tour kicks off from outside The Maltings, a recognizable Victorian brewery situated along the River Great Ouse. This location provides an easy-to-find meeting point with clear instructions provided after booking. The VoiceMap app guides you through directions to this spot, ensuring a smooth start. The tour is ideal for visitors already in Ely or those arriving by nearby transport, with no need for pre-arranged guides.

Since the tour is self-paced, you have the freedom to begin whenever suits you, and the offline access ensures no worries about losing signal. The $8.99 cost covers this convenience, making it an accessible way to explore Ely independently.

Discover Ely’s Historic Landmark: Ely Cathedral

A central highlight is the Ely Cathedral, an iconic structure visible as you walk through Jubilee Gardens and Cherry Hill Park. The narration shares stories about a near-disaster that threatened the cathedral’s construction and how it became a medieval engineering success. Visitors get a vivid sense of the building’s importance and resilience, along with details of its intricate architecture.

This stop offers a chance to appreciate the magnificent medieval design and learn about the engineering feats involved. The tour’s pacing allows enough time to admire the views around the cathedral, making it suitable for those with a moderate level of mobility.

Exploring Ely’s Viking and Medieval Past at the Museum and Castle Mound

Along With the cathedral, the tour guides you past Ely Museum, which houses archaeological finds from Viking times. As you walk through the city, you’ll also see Ely Castle Mound and the Ely War Memorial. These spots offer a glimpse into Ely’s long-standing history as a settlement and its significance in different eras.

The museum visit provides context about Ely’s early inhabitants and historical development. The castle mound remains a prominent feature, giving insight into medieval defenses. These stops require only brief stops but enrich your understanding of Ely’s past.

Visiting the Oldest Building and City Gate

The tour points out Priory House, the oldest building in Ely, and takes you through the original porta, the city’s historic gate. These features highlight Ely’s ancient architecture and offer tangible links to its medieval origins. Walking through the city gate gives a sense of the city’s historic layout and defenses.

While brief, these landmarks complement the overall story of Ely and are accessible during your self-guided walk, fitting well into the 45-minute to 1-hour timeline.

Sampling Local Delicacies at Ely Market and Cafes

A unique aspect of this tour is the opportunity to try local foods at Ely Market or relax at well-known cafes such as The Prince Albert and Peacocks Tearoom. The narration suggests these spots as enjoyable places to pause, offering local delicacies and a taste of Ely’s vibrant community life.

This added element makes the experience more than just sightseeing; it encourages engaging with Ely’s local culture and culinary scene. The cafes are noted as dog-friendly, making them suitable for visitors with pets.

Oliver Cromwell’s Connection to Ely

The tour highlights Oliver Cromwell’s house, sharing stories about his links to the city. This connection adds another layer of historical depth to the walk, especially for those interested in Cromwell’s legacy. The narration guides you back toward the river, wrapping up the experience with a view of Ely’s significant historical figures.

The inclusion of Cromwell’s house enriches the story of Ely, making it valuable for history buffs and curious visitors alike.

Walking through Jubilee Gardens and Cherry Hill Park

Repeated segments mention walking through Jubilee Gardens and Cherry Hill Park to reach the cathedral and other sites. These green spaces provide a peaceful environment for reflection and photos, making the tour more relaxed and scenic.

The self-guided nature allows visitors to linger or move quickly, according to personal preference. These parks serve as natural connectors between the key sights, enhancing the overall flow of the walk.

Practical Details: Booking, App, and Accessibility

Booking is straightforward: after purchase, a ticket with instructions and a unique code is received. The VoiceMap app is compatible with Android and iOS, works offline, and provides automatic GPS playback with turn-by-turn directions.

The tour is designed for moderate physical fitness, suitable for most visitors comfortable walking and using a smartphone. Since no tickets or transportation are included, visitors should plan to arrange their own access to Ely’s sites and cafes.

The non-refundable policy means booking should be confirmed with confidence, but the lifetime access allows revisiting the tour at any future date.

Final Thoughts on the Ely Self-Guided Audio Tour

This self-guided tour of Ely offers a well-rounded way to discover the city’s landmarks, history, and local culture at your own pace. The $8.99 price provides good value for a personalized experience that fits into a short visit or a relaxed afternoon. Its offline maps and narration make navigation simple, and the stops cover Ely’s cathedral, museum, historic buildings, and parks.

While some users note that the map clarity could improve and advise careful navigation, the knowledgeable narration and flexible schedule compensate for this. The tour is particularly suitable for those comfortable with smartphone apps and moderate walking, especially if you want an independent exploration without a guide.

Visitors who appreciate local history, architecture, and the chance to enjoy Ely’s cafes will find this tour a practical and engaging way to see the city. It’s a no-fuss option for a short, informative outing that brings Ely’s character to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour is designed to be completed in 45 minutes to 1 hour, but the flexible nature allows you to extend your visit or move quickly.

What is included with the tour?
You receive lifetime access in English, the VoiceMap app, and offline maps and audio. No tickets to attractions or transportation are included.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins outside The Maltings and ends in front of Peacocks Tearoom. The route covers key sights in between.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It requires moderate physical activity. The route includes walking through parks and city streets, so accessibility depends on individual mobility.

Can I do this tour at any time?
Yes, once purchased, you can start the tour whenever you like. The tour is available any day, any time, with no restrictions.

What if I want to revisit the tour later?
The lifetime access allows you to revisit the tour at any future date, making it easy to explore Ely again or share it with friends.