Ely Museum - Image 1

Ely Museum

ELY, United Kingdom•4.5(289)•Heritage Site, Museum

Explore Ely's rich heritage from prehistoric times to the present day, housed in a 13th-century Old Gaol building with family-friendly galleries and interactive workshops.

Ely Museum invites families to discover the fascinating history of Ely and the surrounding fenlands, spanning from prehistoric creatures that inhabited ancient oceans to the modern market town. Located in the historic Old Gaol dating back to the 13th century, the museum showcases how the unique landscape shaped the lives of residents, from monastic foundations to contemporary Ely. Visitors can explore multiple galleries displaying artifacts and information about life across different historical periods. The museum offers interactive workshops covering various historical topics and age ranges, making it engaging for children and families. The Young Curator's Club provides an additional opportunity for younger visitors to get involved in museum activities. The venue is pushchair-friendly and welcomes families with children of all ages. No advance booking is required for general admission—tickets can be purchased on the day. The museum also caters to school groups with specialized learning programs, discovery boxes for classroom use, and dedicated planning resources for educational visits. With its accessible facilities and commitment to making history come alive for all visitors, Ely Museum offers an enriching indoor experience suitable for families exploring local heritage.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:30 – 17:00
Wednesday: 10:30 – 17:00
Thursday: 10:30 – 17:00
Friday: 10:30 – 17:00
Saturday: 10:30 – 17:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 17:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor

Typical visit duration

1-3 hours

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

0 months (newborn)+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly
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Google Reviews

4.5(289 reviews)
A
Angie

Angie

3 months ago

A fantastic local museum that brings Ely’s history to life from prehistoric times to the present day. The staff are so friendly and helpful and the museum is beautifully designed, modern, accessible and very well laid out. I was blown away, what a gem! It is excellent value for money too. Would highly recommend it to visitors and locals alike and learnt they have regular family and school events so can’t wait for a return visit especially as my entry ticket is valid for a year!

R
Rachel Cox

Rachel Cox

6 months ago

I've been to Ely Museum several times for Little Explorers with my daughter, and for a mindfulness workshop which included a tea ceremony and calligraphy. Every time it's a great experience, very friendly and well run.

A
Amanda Crombie

Amanda Crombie

7 months ago

I thought the museum was lovely. The lady at the welcome desk was incredibly friendly, helpful and welcoming and the museum was so clean and well maintained. The exhibits were well thought out and nicely put together. I enjoyed my trip around the museum, it is relatively small but it has a lot contained within it and the information is put across in a really well considered way so it can be understood by everyone. I was very impressed by the museum and definitely recommend, there was a lot of hands on opportunities and exhibits to attract younger visitors too.

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Traci Kennedy

Traci Kennedy

7 months ago

Really nicely done museum with extremely friendly and helpful staff! Nice stations for kids to play and learn. The history of the jail is super interesting.

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Felicity Godfrey

Felicity Godfrey

a year ago

A great local museum! Modern and accessible with lots of information. There are interactive elements and an explorers station specifically aimed at children. Look out for regular events and talks. The ticket price includes admission for a whole year making it very good value.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at Ely Museum

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 29 September 2026

Frequently asked questions about Ely Museum

Is Ely Museum free to visit?

Ely Museum is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

What ages is Ely Museum suitable for?

Ely Museum is suitable for visitors of all ages, from babies through to adults.

Is Ely Museum dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at Ely Museum.

Is there parking at Ely Museum?

Ely Museum doesn't have on-site parking, but parking is available nearby.

Is there food at Ely Museum?

Ely Museum doesn't have food on site — bring snacks or grab something nearby.

Is Ely Museum pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Ely Museum is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at Ely Museum?

Plan 1–3 hours for a visit to Ely Museum.

How do I get to Ely Museum by public transport?

Ely Museum is well-served by public transport.
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