99% (109) • 66 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Ely
The Nut Plat Retreat
1. The Nut Plat Retreat
93%
(73)
129km from Ely · 3 units · Glamping
Antique living wagons on the banks of the River Bourne, with a charming orchard setting, a pub down the lane and a history unlike anywhere else
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£88
/ night
Whitlingham Broad Campsite
2. Whitlingham Broad Campsite
98%
(164)
73km from Ely · 72 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Laid-back camping and glamping a stone's throw from Norwich and at the gateway to the Norfolk Broads
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£14
/ night
Buzzard Holt Hosting
3. Buzzard Holt Hosting
100%
(7)
99km from Ely · 13 units · Glamping
Glamping with a mini outdoor spa on the edge of Stowe Park in Buckinghamshire
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£59
/ night
Press Brook Park
4. Press Brook Park
100%
(1)
144km from Ely · 1 unit · Glamping
Press Brook Park is in the village of Holmgate near Clay Cross. The site is situated in the countryside however still within walking distance to a dog friendly pub and farm shop with tea room.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£120
/ night
Cotswolds Glamping
5. Cotswolds Glamping
100%
(6)
130km from Ely · 4 units · Glamping
Fun, laid-back, glamping that's ideal for groups, with silent discos and wood-fired hot tubs.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£96
/ night
Sleep Wild
6. Sleep Wild
100%
(20)
116km from Ely · 2 units · Glamping
Curvy cabins with hot tubs on an expansive farm in the Oxfordshire countryside
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from
£151
/ night
The Old Vicarage
7. The Old Vicarage
79%
(17)
129km from Ely · 6 units · Tents, Glamping
The Old Vicarage offers a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere for your stay for camping. We have BBQ's, camp fires to hire and have the shallow river to play in. Free Wifi. Well behaved dogs allowed on leads at all times.
Riverside site in grounds of a 17th-century house in Nottinghamshire
Close to Sherwood Forest and 25 miles from Nottingham
Cave bar on site open on Bank Holidays
You'll sense the history all around you at The Old Vicarage, from the old house to the remains of the water mill in the river bed. Stays here are in the grounds of a 17th-century house in the village of Elkesley, six miles from Worksop and 25 miles from Nottingham. Its grounds run down to the banks of the Poulter river, and are lined with stands of acacia, sycamore, ash and oak trees which were originally donated to the first vicar by the Duke of Newcastle in the 1830s.
There's plenty of space around the site for traditional outdoor activities, with a rope swing and stepping stones over the shallow river and a bridge that's perfect for playing Pooh Sticks. In the surrounding area there are animal parks and nature reserves to walk around, or to head back further in time, you could take one of the trails through ancient Sherwood Forest, around quarter of an hour's drive away.
Guest facilities on site centre around the Cave Bar, a cool little space built into an exposure of 500-million-year-old sandstone, plus an outdoor terrace for sipping drinks out in the sunshine.
Other amenities include a washing-up area and bathrooms with plentiful hot showers, toilets and baby changing facilities.
No Fire Pits
BBQ;s off the floor. No disposable BBQ;s
CHECK IN BETWEEN 2PM AND 6PM
CHECK INS AFTER 6PM INCUR A FEE OF £10.00 FOR LATE CHECK IN
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from
£28
/ night
Heygates Lodging
8. Heygates Lodging
100%
(21)
95km from Ely · 2 units · Glamping
A place to unwind in the heart of the countryside. Canalside walks are on your doorstep and nature is never far away - birds of prey such as red kites and buzzards are plentiful, and you may be lucky enough to see otters in the canal.
There's a variety of pubs and restaurants within a short drive, and the market towns of Rugby and Market Harborough area about 20 minutes away.
Unwind in the hot tub, enjoy local beers and ciders or pick from our expertly curated wine list. Our Lodges have their own fire pits and BBQs, and all fuel is provided.
Each lodge has its own hammock, and a designated private fishing peg at a turning point in the canal, meaning that you'll be largely undisturbed by passing boats.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£180
/ night
Lincolnshire Lanes
9. Lincolnshire Lanes
93%
(15)
118km from Ely · 31 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Old-fashioned family fun on a child-friendly campsite in rural Lincolnshire
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£21
/ night
Hickling Campsite
10. Hickling Campsite
99%
(118)
92km from Ely · 31 units · Tents, Glamping
Tent camping and glamping within walking distance of Norfolk's largest broad and less than 10 minutes' drive from the beach
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£16
/ night
Allington Lock Campsite
11. Allington Lock Campsite
100%
(3)
124km from Ely · 10 units · Tents, Glamping
Set beside a peaceful river, this family-friendly campsite offers a simple, nature-filled getaway. Pitch your own tent on one of our 8 non-electric grass pitches, or make yourself at home in one of our two cosy Scandinavian-style softwood cabins, each sleeping up to 4.
Please note: guests staying in cabins will need to bring their own bed linen.
Onsite facilities include:
Riverside setting for a tranquil stay
Hot showers and toilets
Covered eating area with BBQs
Cabins with electricity (for charging devices only)
Parking for 1 car per booking (£5 per night)
Dogs welcome
Onsite CCTV and security barriers
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from
£34
/ night
Constable Park
12. Constable Park
100%
(20)
71km from Ely · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
A holiday and leisure park ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, with premium glamping options
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£50
/ night
The Hide At Manton Bay
13. The Hide At Manton Bay
100%
(3)
72km from Ely · 18 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique hideaway surrounded by trees, apple orchards and vineyard. Sit out on your own private deck and enjoy truly magnificent views over Rutland Water. Spend your evenings star gazing, grilling on the BBQ or visiting one of our fabulous local pubs. Each of our Lotus Belle tents has it’s own private garden with fire-pit, hammock and swing chair. Serene festoon lighting creates a magical feel. Spend the colder evenings sipping cocktails in our wood-fired hot tubs when staying in one of our stunning Shepherd Huts.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£40
/ night
Blossom in the Beans
14. Blossom in the Beans
90%
(5)
121km from Ely · 3 units · Glamping
Rustic A-frame cabins on the border of Leicestershire & Warwickshire. Set amongst the rolling countryside in 5 acres of private land, you can relax & rewind in our cabins which feature a mezzanine master bedroom, kitchenette, private fire pit with BBQ grill and hot tub.
We have an array of animals on site from our friendly Shetland pony, cheeky pygmy goats and chickens. Enjoy fresh eggs in the morning and complimentary welcome gift on arrival.
There is lot to explore and do in the area from country walks, traditional village pubs, Twycross Zoo, Drayton Manor Theme Park and vintage railway which can take you to the Battle of Bosworth Heritage Site.
Your Summer adventure starts with us!
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from
£200
/ night
Twitey's Camping & Glamping meadows
15. Twitey's Camping & Glamping meadows
100%
(94)
134km from Ely · 43 units · Tents, Glamping
A family-friendly site with secluded, individual pitches hidden among the long grass and campfires permitted
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£16
/ night
Brightwell Country Park
16. Brightwell Country Park
100%
(14)
79km from Ely · 1 unit · Glamping
Bell tents and an accessible cabin, with activities right from your door
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£115
/ night
Blooms Westerby Farm
17. Blooms Westerby Farm
95%
(11)
25km from Ely · 5 units · Glamping
Camping and glamping in the peaceful Cambridgeshire Fens
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£85
/ night
Springfield Farm Campsite
18. Springfield Farm Campsite
100%
(1)
39km from Ely · 28 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A family-friendly site with farm animals in the Lincolnshire Fens
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Remote Cabin w/ Unspoiled Views
19. Remote Cabin w/ Unspoiled Views
86%
(7)
144km from Ely · 1 unit · Glamping
Escape to a truly ROMANTIC off-grid getaway, offering an awe-inspiring SUNSET view that will leave you breathless. Experience absolute serenity as the twinkling stars illuminate the night sky, creating a mesmerizing ambiance with the warmth of a crackling wood fireplace. Nestled within the Kent Downs Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just 6 miles from Canterbury, our secluded retreat provides pure tranquility. In The Guardian's list of the Top 10 Best UK Off-Grid Retreats (Dog Friendly)
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£104
/ night
Thompson Hall Retreat
20. Thompson Hall Retreat
96%
(25)
38km from Ely · 6 units · Glamping
An adult-only shepherds hut retreat in the Norfolk Brecks, with a luxurious outdoor spa area.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£275
/ night
99% (109) • 66 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Ely
The Nut Plat Retreat
1. The Nut Plat Retreat
93%
(73)
129km from Ely · 3 units · Glamping
Antique living wagons on the banks of the River Bourne, with a charming orchard setting, a pub down the lane and a history unlike anywhere else
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£88
/ night
Whitlingham Broad Campsite
2. Whitlingham Broad Campsite
98%
(164)
73km from Ely · 72 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Laid-back camping and glamping a stone's throw from Norwich and at the gateway to the Norfolk Broads
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£14
/ night
Buzzard Holt Hosting
3. Buzzard Holt Hosting
100%
(7)
99km from Ely · 13 units · Glamping
Glamping with a mini outdoor spa on the edge of Stowe Park in Buckinghamshire
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£59
/ night
Press Brook Park
4. Press Brook Park
100%
(1)
144km from Ely · 1 unit · Glamping
Press Brook Park is in the village of Holmgate near Clay Cross. The site is situated in the countryside however still within walking distance to a dog friendly pub and farm shop with tea room.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£120
/ night
Cotswolds Glamping
5. Cotswolds Glamping
100%
(6)
130km from Ely · 4 units · Glamping
Fun, laid-back, glamping that's ideal for groups, with silent discos and wood-fired hot tubs.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£96
/ night
Sleep Wild
6. Sleep Wild
100%
(20)
116km from Ely · 2 units · Glamping
Curvy cabins with hot tubs on an expansive farm in the Oxfordshire countryside
Pets
Showers
Hot Tub
from
£151
/ night
The Old Vicarage
7. The Old Vicarage
79%
(17)
129km from Ely · 6 units · Tents, Glamping
The Old Vicarage offers a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere for your stay for camping. We have BBQ's, camp fires to hire and have the shallow river to play in. Free Wifi. Well behaved dogs allowed on leads at all times.
Riverside site in grounds of a 17th-century house in Nottinghamshire
Close to Sherwood Forest and 25 miles from Nottingham
Cave bar on site open on Bank Holidays
You'll sense the history all around you at The Old Vicarage, from the old house to the remains of the water mill in the river bed. Stays here are in the grounds of a 17th-century house in the village of Elkesley, six miles from Worksop and 25 miles from Nottingham. Its grounds run down to the banks of the Poulter river, and are lined with stands of acacia, sycamore, ash and oak trees which were originally donated to the first vicar by the Duke of Newcastle in the 1830s.
There's plenty of space around the site for traditional outdoor activities, with a rope swing and stepping stones over the shallow river and a bridge that's perfect for playing Pooh Sticks. In the surrounding area there are animal parks and nature reserves to walk around, or to head back further in time, you could take one of the trails through ancient Sherwood Forest, around quarter of an hour's drive away.
Guest facilities on site centre around the Cave Bar, a cool little space built into an exposure of 500-million-year-old sandstone, plus an outdoor terrace for sipping drinks out in the sunshine.
Other amenities include a washing-up area and bathrooms with plentiful hot showers, toilets and baby changing facilities.
No Fire Pits
BBQ;s off the floor. No disposable BBQ;s
CHECK IN BETWEEN 2PM AND 6PM
CHECK INS AFTER 6PM INCUR A FEE OF £10.00 FOR LATE CHECK IN
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from
£28
/ night
Heygates Lodging
8. Heygates Lodging
100%
(21)
95km from Ely · 2 units · Glamping
A place to unwind in the heart of the countryside. Canalside walks are on your doorstep and nature is never far away - birds of prey such as red kites and buzzards are plentiful, and you may be lucky enough to see otters in the canal.
There's a variety of pubs and restaurants within a short drive, and the market towns of Rugby and Market Harborough area about 20 minutes away.
Unwind in the hot tub, enjoy local beers and ciders or pick from our expertly curated wine list. Our Lodges have their own fire pits and BBQs, and all fuel is provided.
Each lodge has its own hammock, and a designated private fishing peg at a turning point in the canal, meaning that you'll be largely undisturbed by passing boats.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£180
/ night
Lincolnshire Lanes
9. Lincolnshire Lanes
93%
(15)
118km from Ely · 31 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Old-fashioned family fun on a child-friendly campsite in rural Lincolnshire
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£21
/ night
Hickling Campsite
10. Hickling Campsite
99%
(118)
92km from Ely · 31 units · Tents, Glamping
Tent camping and glamping within walking distance of Norfolk's largest broad and less than 10 minutes' drive from the beach
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£16
/ night
Allington Lock Campsite
11. Allington Lock Campsite
100%
(3)
124km from Ely · 10 units · Tents, Glamping
Set beside a peaceful river, this family-friendly campsite offers a simple, nature-filled getaway. Pitch your own tent on one of our 8 non-electric grass pitches, or make yourself at home in one of our two cosy Scandinavian-style softwood cabins, each sleeping up to 4.
Please note: guests staying in cabins will need to bring their own bed linen.
Onsite facilities include:
Riverside setting for a tranquil stay
Hot showers and toilets
Covered eating area with BBQs
Cabins with electricity (for charging devices only)
Parking for 1 car per booking (£5 per night)
Dogs welcome
Onsite CCTV and security barriers
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from
£34
/ night
Constable Park
12. Constable Park
100%
(20)
71km from Ely · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
A holiday and leisure park ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, with premium glamping options
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£50
/ night
The Hide At Manton Bay
13. The Hide At Manton Bay
100%
(3)
72km from Ely · 18 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique hideaway surrounded by trees, apple orchards and vineyard. Sit out on your own private deck and enjoy truly magnificent views over Rutland Water. Spend your evenings star gazing, grilling on the BBQ or visiting one of our fabulous local pubs. Each of our Lotus Belle tents has it’s own private garden with fire-pit, hammock and swing chair. Serene festoon lighting creates a magical feel. Spend the colder evenings sipping cocktails in our wood-fired hot tubs when staying in one of our stunning Shepherd Huts.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£40
/ night
Blossom in the Beans
14. Blossom in the Beans
90%
(5)
121km from Ely · 3 units · Glamping
Rustic A-frame cabins on the border of Leicestershire & Warwickshire. Set amongst the rolling countryside in 5 acres of private land, you can relax & rewind in our cabins which feature a mezzanine master bedroom, kitchenette, private fire pit with BBQ grill and hot tub.
We have an array of animals on site from our friendly Shetland pony, cheeky pygmy goats and chickens. Enjoy fresh eggs in the morning and complimentary welcome gift on arrival.
There is lot to explore and do in the area from country walks, traditional village pubs, Twycross Zoo, Drayton Manor Theme Park and vintage railway which can take you to the Battle of Bosworth Heritage Site.
Your Summer adventure starts with us!
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from
£200
/ night
Twitey's Camping & Glamping meadows
15. Twitey's Camping & Glamping meadows
100%
(94)
134km from Ely · 43 units · Tents, Glamping
A family-friendly site with secluded, individual pitches hidden among the long grass and campfires permitted
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£16
/ night
Brightwell Country Park
16. Brightwell Country Park
100%
(14)
79km from Ely · 1 unit · Glamping
Bell tents and an accessible cabin, with activities right from your door
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£115
/ night
Blooms Westerby Farm
17. Blooms Westerby Farm
95%
(11)
25km from Ely · 5 units · Glamping
Camping and glamping in the peaceful Cambridgeshire Fens
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£85
/ night
Springfield Farm Campsite
18. Springfield Farm Campsite
100%
(1)
39km from Ely · 28 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A family-friendly site with farm animals in the Lincolnshire Fens
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Remote Cabin w/ Unspoiled Views
19. Remote Cabin w/ Unspoiled Views
86%
(7)
144km from Ely · 1 unit · Glamping
Escape to a truly ROMANTIC off-grid getaway, offering an awe-inspiring SUNSET view that will leave you breathless. Experience absolute serenity as the twinkling stars illuminate the night sky, creating a mesmerizing ambiance with the warmth of a crackling wood fireplace. Nestled within the Kent Downs Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just 6 miles from Canterbury, our secluded retreat provides pure tranquility. In The Guardian's list of the Top 10 Best UK Off-Grid Retreats (Dog Friendly)
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£104
/ night
Thompson Hall Retreat
20. Thompson Hall Retreat
96%
(25)
38km from Ely · 6 units · Glamping
An adult-only shepherds hut retreat in the Norfolk Brecks, with a luxurious outdoor spa area.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£275
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
M
Matt
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to The Nut Plat Retreat
The cabin was homely, warm and comfy. Plenty of logs provided for the burner. The hot tub is surrounded by trees and when the stars come out a lovely place to wallow. Nice country pub on doorstep. Would recommend.
See more
c
charley
2 weeks ago
With pets
wow don't know where to start Sammy was so amazing it felt like home. gorgeous pwople. made us feel very welcome outstanding. wish didn't have to leave. hot tub was so amazing even in the cold Xmas nights. gorgeous. Sammy and Joanna have got everything to a t. just out standing and his brother was so great too.
See more
A
Arturas
2 weeks ago
With pets
Really enjoyed staying in there.
The cosy cabin ar so modern, showers very great, heated floors in toilet, plenty electrical sockets with usb and c connections, king size bed with very comfortable mattress.
See moree
erin
November 2025
Weekend Trip to The Nut Plat Retreat
Highly recommend, my partner and I had a great time at Finlay’s cabin. It was exactly what we were looking for in terms of: how remote & private it was, outdoor and indoor fire & the hot tub! We also loved the unique structure and authentic feel… however a few things to note, for the cost per night(£180) I would expect: body wash & shampoo / hairdryer, better kitchen essentials, the coffee left was almost empty for example and old stuff was left in the fridge& top shelf was left completely wet.. I know it’s ‘small’ things but for the price you’d expect these things to be attended to.. for us we didn’t mind too much, but would have made the experience a lot nicer to have these things to improve the overall feel and experience. Also I felt that in terms of cleanliness, it could have been cleaner, many cobwebs & spiders, hair and dirt in the bath tub, messy outdoor porch area; we wanted to use the outdoor bbq and had to clean it very well ourselves.. for the price you would expect it to be clean and ready to use with coals etc however we had to make do with the indoor logs with no fire starter as only option was the chemical indoor one which we didn’t want to use to cook food on.. making it difficult. The hotub area is lovely, however we wanted to use it at night which proved difficult as no outdoor lightning, and indoor torch didn’t work.. some lanterns outside would be a great addition. Duncan was a kind host and has a very special plot!
See more
A
Abigail
October 2025
With pets
While the facilities are basic they are perfect as a base for exploring a truly picturesque part of Kent. We had an amazing time and really loved being able to bring our puppy along for the holiday!
See more
L
Liam
October 2025
With pets
Easy check-in, lovely area, nice guy, comfy cabin.
See more
T
Teddy
August 2025
With kids
Great place to glamp, would love to go back and would certainly recommend.
See more
L
Lottie
August 2025
Group trip
Lovely accommodation, very clean, lovely location, lovely host.
See more
K-Lee
August 2025
With kids
What can I say! This place surpassed all our expectations. It’s even more beautiful than the pictures. Kellie is a fantastic, attentive owner who is close by for anything you may need. We were staying for my husbands 40th and was greeted with a birthday banner and a lovely welcome pack with treats for us and our kids. There’s privacy for the hot tub and lots of outdoor space for the kids to play. The setting is beautiful with sheep and geese & even a Shetland pony roaming free around you. The highlight for the children was getting up and helping feed the goats and chickens in the morning. We had a sunset BBQ with our very own fire pit and seating. Very clean. Beds beyond comfy. 100% recommend. Thankyou again Kellie!
See more
A
Abbie
August 2025
2 nights at Sleep Wild
Sleep wild was such an amazing and calming experience. It has everything you need and the attention to detail makes it such a cute a cosy place to unwind. The host Ku was lovely and very helpful as well as the scenery being so beautiful. The perfect place to relax.
See more
M
Mia
August 2025
3 nights at Heygates Lodging
Had an amazing stay with Graham and Allison! They were such gracious hosts and have created a little slice of heven on their land. The lodge is so cute and well furnished, we wished for nothing. A perfect romantic destination. We will definitely be back to stay again!
See moreA
Alexandra
August 2025
With pets
This place is fantastic. Beautiful location. Super, well designed glamping accommodation. Sam couldn't have been more helpful and friendly. Felt very well taken care of. We were upgraded to the Hayloft which was like being in Little House on the Prairie! Awesome.
See moreA
Anita
August 2025
With kids
Absolutely amazing retreat! We stayed at Finlays cabin, sadly for only couple of nights. Really lovely, peaceful, private wooden cabin. The owner just let us be! Reccomend to anybody who wants to get escape from daily life.
See moreS
Simon
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Cotswolds Glamping
We had a fantastic weekend stay at the Glamping site. We stayed in The Hayloft which was a truly unique experience and one we absolutely loved! The views across the countryside were awesome and the hot tub to end the night in made it truly special aswell. The host made us both feel very welcome. Would highly recommend!
See more
J
Jasmine
July 2025
2 nights at Buzzard Holt Hosting
I stayed in Otter’s Holt which was a cute Shepard’s Hut in the country side. Really cosy, had a fridge, mini oven, utensils, outdoor toilets and showers and also booked a slot at the communal spa. Would definitely recommend, great value for money and in a good location close to the local town as well as countryside!
See more
L
Luke
July 2025
D
Donna
June 2025
With pets
Amazing location making it the perfect place to recharge & reset. The pod offered everything we needed for our few days away. Lovely evening stroll to the local village pub offering great food and service with a smile. Will be recommending to everyone we know. Thanks for making us feel so welcome xx
See more
J
James
June 2025
Weekend Trip to Buzzard Holt Hosting
Quiet, back to nature location which will only get better as the site matures.
Lots of private space for the Shepherds Retreat with a BBQ and firepit.
See more
P
Piotr
June 2025
With kids
We loved camping at Cornflower! It's a great location, views are amazing and the hut charming and cozy providing a peaceful escape. The surrounding environment was beautiful allowing for a truly relaxing break and reconnect with nature. I highly recommend those huts for anyobe looking for a tranquil getaway!
See more
J
Jake
May 2025
Weekend Trip to Blooms Westerby Farm
We stayed one night at Waterbury Farm and it was pure bliss. The camping shed was cozy and clean, with the kettle in a separate shed—making the sleeping space feel roomy. The highlight was the hot tub, perfectly placed for stunning sunset views. Soaking under the stars in total peace was unforgettable. A calm, beautiful escape with thoughtful touches and lovely hosts. Highly recommended—we’ll definitely be back!
See more
Cabins near Ely guide
Where to go
River Great Ouse
The UK’s fifth-longest river flows right by Ely and is the city’s go-to outdoor playground. For boaters, the draw is the Ely marina and a waterway navigable from Bedford all the way to the coast at King’s Lynn in Norfolk. Walkers, meanwhile, relish long-distance paths like the Ouse Valley Way: via the Great Ouse and the River Cam’s riverbanks you can walk or cycle off-road to Cambridge. Look out for riverside camping in wildflower meadows a few miles northeast of Ely.
Thetford Forest
Thetford Forest (together with The King’s Forest to its south) spills over the flat heathland of North Suffolk and South Norfolk, 18 miles east of Ely. Here are well-maintained hiking and biking routes, including the Icknield Way, supposedly Britain’s oldest road. There are also prehistoric sites like Grime’s Graves flint mine (in the forest’s north). Thetford Forest’s northern edge, above Ickborough, contains two good campsites.
The Kings Forest
Divided from Thetford Forest only by a brief break of farmland, the King’s Forest is another arboreal wonderland. The long-distance Icknield Way trail passes through, while a reconstructed Anglo-Saxon village sits by West Stow Country Park in the south. Check out the trio of excellent camping possibilities toward the forest’s south, which is bounded by the delightful River Lark.
River Lark
The River Lark meanders to Isleham from its confluence with the Great River Ouse before continuing upstream to Bury St Edmunds and beyond. Navigable for about 10 miles until Jude’s Ferry between Isleham’s marina and Mildenhall, the waterway sees plenty of pleasure boaters. Footpaths flank the river as far as Mildenhall, and there are several waterside campsites nearby.
When to go
Ely can be explored any time of year, but the busiest time for camping is during the July and August school summer holidays, when parking can be hard to come by, especially at hotspots like Thetford Forest. Average monthly temperatures max out at 23°C at this time. One of Britain’s leading folk music extravaganzas, Ely Folk Festival, marks July as an especially lively time to visit.