Ely, a small cathedral city in Cambridgeshire, is home to several haunted places that are sure to give you a scare, from ghostly apparitions to unexplained noises
Oliver Cromwell’s House
29 St Mary’s St, Ely CB7 4HF
Step through the half-timbered doorway of Oliver Cromwell’s House, and you’re stepping back nearly four centuries — but also, perhaps, stepping into the domain of a restless spirit. This was once home to the man who led the Parliamentarian forces in the English Civil War, and who signed the death warrant of Charles I. Some say history refused to let Cromwell rest easy.
Visitors report catching glimpses of Cromwell himself, striding purposefully through the rooms in full 17th-century garb. Others have heard the clack of boot heels on timber floors, or a stern voice echoing when no one else is near. Staff occasionally feel cold spots swirling around the house’s corridors, as if the Lord Protector is still keeping a watchful eye on his domestic realm.
Don’t be surprised if your camera picks up a shadowy figure lurking in the background of your photos…
The Lamb Hotel
2 Lynn Road, Ely CB7 4EJ
Just a short wander from Cromwell’s old home stands The Lamb Hotel, a handsome 15th-century coaching inn where the past has left more than just historical charm. Beneath its timber beams and creaking floors lie ghostly secrets.
Guests have checked in for a peaceful night’s sleep and instead been woken by spectral visitors — including a young girl glimpsed darting through hallways, a maid silently tending to rooms, and a former landlord still lingering about his beloved inn. Cold spots chill the corridors, disembodied footsteps echo on empty staircases, and some patrons have felt invisible hands brushing past them as they sip their ale.
The Lamb is a place where you might well raise a glass — and wonder who else is sharing your table.
Ely Cathedral
Chapter House, The College, Ely CB7 4DL
It’s impossible to talk about Ely without mentioning its crown jewel — the majestic Ely Cathedral. Towering above the fens, this medieval masterpiece is magnificent by day… and undeniably eerie once the sun sets.
Rumour has it that a spectral monk still wanders these ancient aisles. He’s often seen gliding silently through the gloom, his cowl drawn low over his face. Some visitors describe feeling an oppressive chill as he passes, or hearing the soft rustle of robes in the hush of the cathedral’s echoing interior.
Standing alone beneath the soaring lantern tower at night, one might feel an inexplicable sense of being watched. It’s as though centuries of worship and secrets still reverberate through the stone walls — with the resident monk keeping his eternal vigil.
The Old Fire Engine House
25 St Mary’s St, Ely CB7 4ER
Next, we head to the Old Fire Engine House — a gorgeous 17th-century building now serving as a cosy restaurant and art gallery. But not everything here is culinary delight and creative inspiration.
Staff and diners alike have reported glimpses of a man believed to be a former owner, quietly observing the goings-on in his old establishment. Plates rattle mysteriously, muffled voices drift from empty rooms, and sometimes a faint chill sweeps through the dining area as though someone invisible has pulled up a chair to join your meal.
It’s the perfect spot for those who like a touch of the supernatural with their supper — and who don’t mind sharing their pudding with a ghostly companion.
The Cutter Inn
42 Annesdale, Ely CB7 4BN
Our final stop brings us to the Cutter Inn, perched prettily on the banks of the River Great Ouse. The river view is lovely — but there’s something far more intriguing happening inside.
Legend speaks of a former landlady who refuses to relinquish her post behind the bar. Patrons have seen her spectral figure gliding through the rooms, felt an icy brush against their arm, or caught the faint scent of old-fashioned perfume lingering in the air.
Some claim she’s a protective presence, watching over her beloved inn. Others say she’s simply not ready to move on. Either way, order a pint and keep your senses sharp — you might just receive service from a barkeep from beyond the veil.
Have you seen a ghost in Ely? Tell us about it in the comments section below!
