Ely: Local Highlights Smartphone Audio Guide
ID: GYG460340-823624
Category:
Country: United Kingdom
Duration:
45 min.
Description
Hear tales of pilgrims and merchants on a walk through 900 years of history with this in-app audio guide. Experience the magic of GPS playback as you stroll around the charming town of Ely.
Travel 900 years into the past with me on a walking tour through Ely, the heart of the Fens, a local term to describe the unique marshland in this National Character Area. I’ll show you the city’s highlights, including the independent cafes, restaurants, and shops that make it a favourite day out for Cambridgeshire locals.
Our tour starts outside The Maltings, a landmark Victorian brewery overlooking the River Great Ouse. You’ll then cut through Jubilee Gardens and Cherry Hill Park to the ancient Ely Cathedral, where you’ll hear how a near-disaster at this magnificent building became a medieval engineering triumph. I’ll point out the oldest building in the city, Priory House, before you go through the original porta (gate) to explore more of the city. I’ll also show you Oliver Cromwell’s house and tell you about his links to the city on our way back to the river, where our tour ends.
Along the way, you’ll see the Ely Museum, home to archeological finds that date back to Viking times, Ely Castle Mound, and Ely War Memorial. While you walk, you’ll find out why Ely is known as the ‘ship of the Fens’. I’ll also share a few stories about people who lived and worked here over the centuries, and some local know-how on the best way to trade live eels!
On this 45-minute tour, you’ll have a chance to:
• See ancient pottery shards reworked into modern art
• Learn how the city survived both World Wars without significant damage
• Be captivated by several views of Ely Cathedral from various angles
• Hear about the ‘Gentleman Adventurers,’ a group of wealthy landowners in 1630s who set out to transform the Fens into farmlands
• Try local delicacies at Ely Market or some of the independent cafes mentioned en route, including The Prince Albert, and Peacocks Tearoom
• Walk the same road used by pilgrims for hundreds of years
• Take in the spectacular architecture of this historic city
Join me on this walk through the heart of historical Ely, and get a taste of all the city has to offer.
Highlights
- Find out why Ely is known as the ‘ship of the Fens’
- Hear from producer Anna Granta, a Cambridge local, graduate and parent
- Do it all in 45 minutes or linger at stops along the way
- Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
- Use the virtual tour option at home
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The tour uses a mobile app. You will need to download the app and then use the voucher code provided to download the tour
It is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace
You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It is best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point
When the download is complete, you will see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point
The tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next Please note that you'll need to use your own mobile device and headphones for this tour. The tour is only available in English
Start: The Maltings, Ship Ln, Ely CB7 4BB, United Kingdom
The tour begins by the steps on the path between the Maltings and the river.
Ely is easily accessible from road and rail. If you are driving then the closest car park is ship lane car park. It is free to stay all day, provided you arrive after 8:30 am (all day on Sunday).
If arriving by train, exit the station by turning left onto station road. Turn right onto Annesdale road after the roundabout. Continue along the river from the end of Annesdale road until you reach your starting point. It is less than half a mile from the station.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
Cancellation is not possible. If you cancel it anyway or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity and the money you paid will not be refunded.
