Visiting Ely

Disability access information for Ely. Note that information regarding museums, galleries, restaurants and places to visit in Ely can be found in the other sections of this guide. Full helpful and up to date advice on Ely, call the Ely Tourist Information Centre on 01353 662 062 or visit the website www.elyeastcambs.co.uk

Getting here and getting around

Ely is approximately 16 miles from Cambridge, straight down the A10. There are regular train and bus services to and from Cambridge and the surrounding area. Traffic is not too much of a problem except right in the city centre.

Ely itself is based on a large hill which runs between the city centre and the riverside. If you have difficulty walking or are in a chair, you’ll find it easier to travel by car between the two. However, the city centre is fairly flat, compact and easily navigable.

A shopmobility service now operates on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10.30am-1pm and 2pm-4pm.

Wheelchairs and power scooters are available free of charge, and can be picked up from the Ely museum. Call 01353 666 655 to book.

Parking

All public car parks in Ely are currently free of charge. There are free long stay (23 hours) car parks in:

  • Forehill
  • Barton Road
  • Ship Lane
  • Fishermans
  • Cresswells Lane
  • Newnham Street

There are also 3hr stay car parks in:

  • Forehill
  • Newnham Street

and 2hr stay car parks in:

  • Brays Lane
  • St. Mary’s Street

All have designated disabled badge holder bays. Except in summer, parking in Ely is usually not a problem.

However, due to the steepness of some of the roads, it might be best to park in a designated disabled parking bay if you know where you are going and hold a blue badge. These offer 3 hour parking and are located as follows:

  • High Street (6 spaces)
  • Market Street (5 spaces)
  • Minster Place (3 spaces)
  • Gallery (2 spaces)
  • Annesdale (3 spaces)
  • Quai d’Orsay (3 spaces)
  • Newnham Street (2 spaces)

Taxis

The following taxi services offer wheelchair access, larger and adapted vehicles:

  • Alan’s Taxis: 01353 667 518 or 665 050
  • A10 Taxis: 01353 661 010 or 666 150
  • Fencabs of Ely: 01353 669 966

Public Toilets

Disabled public toilets, operated by RADAR key and open 8am-5.45pm, are available in:

  • Barton Road Car Park
  • Cloisters Shopping Centre just off Market Square
  • Newnham Street car park
  • Sacrist Gate by the side of the Cathedral
  • Ship Lane car park near the riverside

RADAR kets are available from the Tourist Information Centre, from The Maltings centre on Ship Lane, or from Council offices

Entertainment and culture in Ely

Babylon Gallery

  • Address: Waterside, Ely, CB7 4AU
  • Tel: 01353 616 993
  • Website: www.babylongallery.co.uk
  • Wheelchair Access: Yes
  • Visual Impairments: Large print leaflets on request
  • Hearing Impairments: Small and quiet
  • Disabled toilets: Large toilet on request. Disabled toilet in nearby Ship Lane car park
  • Parking: Free parking in Ship Lane car park, 200m from door along the river
  • Other: The Maltings is a nice fully accessible cafe/restaurant just along the riverfront.

Ely Cathedral

  • Address: The Chapter House, The College, Ely, CB7 4D7
  • Tel: 01353 667 735
  • Website: www.cathedral.ely.anglican.org
  • Wheelchair Access:Yes, through West Door. Almost all areas inside ramped and accessible, except the tower . Two wheelchairs available to borrow from the information desk, if booked in advance
  • Visual Impairments: Service sheets and some leaflets available in large print on request
  • Hearing Impairments: No induction loops or hearing enhancement systems. Large and echoey
  • Disabled toilets: Accessible public toilets just outside the Cathedral, operated by RADAR key
  • Parking: Designated disabled parking near the South door
  • Other:

Ely Museum

  • Address: Market Street, Ely, CB7 4LS. Located next to the Lamb Hotel, on the corner of Market Street
  • Tel: 01353 666 655
  • Website: www.elymuseum.org.uk
  • Wheelchair Access: Yes. Stair lift to upper floor. Wheelchairs available to borrow
  • Visual Impairments: Well-lit
  • Hearing Impairments: No special arrangements. Generally quiet
  • Disabled toilets: No
  • Parking:
  • Other:

The Maltings, Ely

  • Type: Multi-purpose cinema/theatre/workshop
  • Address: The Maltings, Ship Lane, Ely
  • Tel: 01353 669022. 24 hour cinema information line: 01353 666 388
  • Website: www.adec.org.uk
  • Wheelchair Access: Yes. Several wheelchair spaces at front of theatre. Wheelchair lift to upstairs meeting room
  • Visual Impairments: Well-lit
  • Hearing Impairments: Induction loop fitted
  • Disabled toilets: Yes
  • Parking: Free parking in Ship Lane car park, or two disabled spaces just outside the entrance
  • Other:

Eating and Drinking in Ely

The Boathouse, Ely

  • Type: English/mediterranean restaurant
  • Address: 5-5A Annesdale, Ely, CB7 4BN. Next to the river
  • Tel: 01353 664 388
  • Website: www.cambscuisine.com
  • Wheelchair Access: Yes, to all areas. Plenty of space
  • Visual Impairments: Well-lit and airy. Clear menus
  • Hearing Impairments: Generally quiet. No music
  • Disabled toilets: Free parking immediately outside restaurant: 9 ordinary bays and three designated disabled bays
  • Parking: Yes
  • Other: Good view of the river

The Maltings, Ely

  • Type: Bar, cafe and restaurant
  • Address: Ship Lane, Ely, CB7 4BB
  • Tel: 01353 662 633
  • Website: www.themaltingsely.co.uk
  • Wheelchair Access: Yes. All areas accessible, and very spacious
  • Visual Impairments: Bright and airy, with large windows. Large menus
  • Hearing Impairments: Generally fairly quiet. No music
  • Disabled toilets: Yes
  • Parking: Free parking in Ship Lane car park, 50m from door
  • Other: Good view of river and grass area for playing outside

The Old Fire Engine House, Ely

  • Type:Traditional English restaurant
  • Address: 25 St. Mary’s Street, Ely, CB7 4ER. Opposite the tourist information office, near to St. Mary’s Church and the Cathedral. The entrance is not obvious – look for the large white house on the corner
  • Tel: 01353 662 482
  • Website: www.theoldfireenginehouse.co.uk
  • Wheelchair Access: Possible but difficult. Two steps to main entrance. Ramp available on request. Access to larger dining room at rear via back door, but rather cramped and difficult. No access to upper lever, where picture gallery is
  • Visual Impairments: Ask staff for menu, as always small and freshly prepared
  • Hearing Impairments: Generally quiet. No music
  • Disabled toilets: No
  • Parking: Private free parking in the back yard immediately to the left of the main entrance
  • Other: Rather pricey and old-fashioned, but maintains a good reputation. Try the eel. Also picture gallery on first floor