Shepherd's huts near Ely

·

Situated on the East Anglian fens’ highest land (at an elevation of 85 feet!), Ely is arranged around a stunning cathedral while its pancake-flat surrounding landscapes are scored by waterways, many the result of drainage to create today’s fertile farmland. These flatlands ensure abundant easy walking and cycling, plus plentiful campsites—Ely’s best camping is on riverside meadows just to the northeast. Outdoor lovers can get especially excited by boating on the River Great Ouse and by the vast nearby Thetford Forest.

95% (179) 47 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Ely

Blooms Westerby Farm

1. Blooms Westerby Farm

95%
(11)
25km from Ely · 5 units
Camping and glamping in the peaceful Cambridgeshire Fens
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£85
 / night
Brakehill Lodge Farm Camping

2. Brakehill Lodge Farm Camping

100%
(45)
44km from Ely · 5 units
Small, secluded, homespun farm campsite in rural Norfolk, a short drive from Thetford Forest Park
Showers
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from 
£95
 / night
Barn Owl Camping

3. Barn Owl Camping

97%
(18)
45km from Ely · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Dog-friendly camping and shepherd’s huts in rural Suffolk
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Bircham Windmill

4. Bircham Windmill

97%
(135)
55km from Ely · 18 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Flat grassy tent pitches beneath a magnificent working windmill, all accompanied by Norfolk's best bakery
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£40
 / night
Big Sky Hideaway Camping Farm

5. Big Sky Hideaway Camping Farm

100%
(30)
73km from Ely · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Camping and glamping in the Lincolnshire Fenland with campfires, alpacas and a positive vibe
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£13
 / night
Whitlingham Broad Campsite

6. 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
Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard

7. Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard

100%
(21)
80km from Ely · 2 units
Luxury shepherds huts near the Essex coast, with beautiful, watery surroundings and a wonderfully private setting
Showers
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from 
£130
 / night
Bain View Glamping

8. Bain View Glamping

97%
(18)
89km from Ely · 4 units · Tents, Glamping
A canal-side shepherd's hut near the Lincolnshire Wolds, with an outdoor bathtub, a mini vineyard, and total privacy.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£23
 / night
Hickling Campsite

9. 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
Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes

10. Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes

97%
(66)
94km from Ely · 12 units · Tents, Glamping
Glamping and campfire-friendly camping by a pair of fishing lakes in the Leicestershire countryside
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£35
 / night
Walltree House Camping

11. Walltree House Camping

98%
(29)
111km from Ely · 34 units · Tents, Glamping
Simple camping in the grounds of a farmhouse, with thrill-seeking activities in arm's reach
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£15
 / night
Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

12. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

95%
(104)
133km from Ely · 41 units · Tents, Glamping
Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£11
 / night
Rolling Fields Glamping

13. Rolling Fields Glamping

100%
(35)
138km from Ely · 6 units
Luxury farm glamping with epic views, a 10-minute walk from the Thames
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£100
 / night
Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard

14. Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard

100%
(20)
144km from Ely · 8 units · Tents, Glamping
Simple camping and comfortable glamping amongst organic fruit trees, wild flowers and woodland, bordering an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with some of the darkest night skies in Europe. In the beautiful High Weald of Kent, Tash and Nick have been running May Tree Orchard's low-impact, nature-friendly, seasonal campsite, Plum Camping, for the last 5 years. The Soil Association certified organic land is full of wild flowers and surrounded by woodland and other orchards. Electricity and hot water for showers and washing up is solar generated. So you can charge your phone if necessary, but we'd recommend stargazing and enjoying the quiet warmth of friends and family around an evening fire instead. Bring your own tent, stay in the delightful hand-made shepherd’s hut or stylish caravan, or hire the whole May Tree Orchard space. Numbers are kept low here so that there is always plenty of room for everyone, as well as peace and quiet. The campsite is an hour and a half drive from London and a 20 min walk to the sleepy and pretty village of Goudhurst, with pubs selling great food and two local shops for self-catering. There are also two excellent farm shops within walking distance. Close to May Tree Orchard, there are walks via Sissinghurst, Scotney and Bodiam Castle, and water activities on the River Rother and at Bewl Water. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is a ten-minute drive from the campsite and the coast around Hastings and Rye is just over 30 minutes. An amazing independent food business, Growing Communities, sells pears, apples and plums grown at the orchard in their box scheme serving North and South London, and you can also buy them from the Pear Necessities stall at Stoke Newington Farmers Market. Delicious apple juice and tasty chutney made from the organic apples grown in the orchard are available to purchase on site, as well as plum preserve and orchard plums.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Hendred Farm Huts

15. Hendred Farm Huts

99%
(37)
144km from Ely · 4 units
Shepherd’s huts in pretty parkland in the Oxfordshire countryside
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£96
 / night
Little Fleece at Folly Farm

16. Little Fleece at Folly Farm

100%
(60)
146km from Ely · 1 unit
A cosy and luxurious shepherds hut for two on a beautiful farm in the Wessex Downs.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£152
 / night
Serenity Lakes

17. Serenity Lakes

100%
(5)
39km from Ely · 3 units
Cosy shepherd's huts with hot tubs, set alongside a tranquil fishing lake.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£126
 / night
Hunstanton Camping & Glamping

18. Hunstanton Camping & Glamping

78%
(29)
56km from Ely · 110 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
🌅 Hunstanton Camping & Glamping with mYminiBreak: The Coastal Escape Hunstanton Camping & Glamping offers a relaxed, back-to-basics coastal escape in Heacham, Norfolk. The site, a former dairy farm, maintains a peaceful, natural atmosphere, perfect for those looking to unplug. 🐾 Exceptionally Dog-Friendly Haven The site is dog-friendly, welcoming companions in all accommodation types. Its best feature is the immediate access to the sea, being just a quick 2-minute walk from the vast sands of Heacham South Beach. Crucially, this beach operates with no year-round restrictions for dogs, offering unrestricted playtime. 🌊 Prime Location and Local Area The site's unique west-facing position on the West Norfolk coast means guests witness spectacular sunsets directly over the sea—a daily, breathtaking ritual. You are perfectly situated to explore North Norfolk: Hunstanton: The nearby Victorian resort offers seaside fun and the famous striped cliffs of Old Hunstanton. Nature & Walks: Enjoy direct access to the Norfolk Coast Path and close proximity to the Wild Ken Hill rewilding project and Sandringham Estate for extensive hiking and wildlife spotting. Activities: The calm, shallow local waters are excellent for watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding. 🔥 Back-to-Basics Ethos and Core Facilities The ethos of the site embraces a simple, "back-to-basics" camping philosophy. Accommodation: Pitch your own tents, campervans, motorhomes, and caravans, or choose glamping in rustic Shepherd's Huts or spacious Bell Tents. Campfires: Campfires and BBQs are encouraged and allowed, with private fire pits/braziers provided for glamping units, perfect for gatherings under the clear, dark Norfolk skies Core Facilities: Essential amenities are clean and functional: shared toilet/shower blocks with hot water; designated washing-up station and access to fresh drinking water. Limited electric hook-ups are available for pitches upon request, though the emphasis is on a connected-to-nature experience. Wifi available. This site offers an unforgettable escape, blending traditional outdoor life with coastal charm.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£18
 / night
North Norfolk Camping & Glamping

19. North Norfolk Camping & Glamping

89%
(14)
76km from Ely · 198 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
🌲 North Norfolk Camping & Glamping Holt Hollow - Lakeside Forest Retreat North Norfolk Camping & Glamping, known as Holt Hollow, provides a rare, tranquil, and back-to-nature escape in the heart of the Norfolk countryside. Nestled in a wooded area on the outskirts of the AONB, the site's most distinctive feature is its beautiful natural lake and surrounding peaceful woodlands, ideal for walks and wildlife spotting. 🔥 Back-to-Basics & Off-Grid Ethos The site strongly emphasizes its back-to-basics philosophy: Off-Grid Living: Holt Hollow operates off-grid with limited to no phone coverage, promoting full disconnection from technology. Glamping units (Shepherd's Huts/Bell Tents) utilize gas-powered showers and solar lighting, with log burners for heat. Campfires: Campfires and BBQs are encouraged and allowed. Glamping units include private fire pits/braziers for evening gatherings under the clear, dark Norfolk skies, which are excellent for stargazing. Core Facilities: Essential amenities are kept clean and functional, including shared shower/toilet blocks and fresh drinking water stations. 🐾 Dog-Friendly Woodland & Accommodation The campsite is proudly dog-friendly, welcoming companions on all pitches (tents, campervans, caravans) and in most glamping units. The open meadows and surrounding woodlands provide ample space for walks, and the lake allows for safe paddling. Some pitches even allow dogs to be off-lead. 🗺️ Local Area: Holt Village and the Coast The site’s rural location is conveniently close to key North Norfolk highlights: Holt Village: The charming Georgian market town of Holt is just a short 5-minute drive away (or a longer walk). It is perfect for exploring independent shops, cafes, and art galleries, and for accessing local gems like Holt Country Park. The Coast: The stunning North Norfolk Coast (part of the AONB) is only a short drive (approx. 20 minutes) away, providing access to: Blakeney Point (famous for seal watching boat trips). Wells-next-the-Sea and Holkham Bay (vast sandy beaches). Coastal walks along the Norfolk Coast Path. North Norfolk Camping & Glamping offers an authentic outdoor adventure, blending rustic living with the comfort of having the best of the Norfolk coast and countryside within easy reach.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
North Farm

20. North Farm

88%
(4)
80km from Ely · 1 unit
North Farm is situated in the beautiful Norfolk countryside, between the villages of Skeyton, Oxnead and Burgh. . Guests can spot all sorts of wildlife during the day and stargaze at night, with no streetlights to spoil the view. Being centrally located in Norfolk means that Norwich, the famous Norfolk broads and the Norfolk coast are all a short car ride away.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£75
 / night

Situated on the East Anglian fens’ highest land (at an elevation of 85 feet!), Ely is arranged around a stunning cathedral while its pancake-flat surrounding landscapes are scored by waterways, many the result of drainage to create today’s fertile farmland. These flatlands ensure abundant easy walking and cycling, plus plentiful campsites—Ely’s best camping is on riverside meadows just to the northeast. Outdoor lovers can get especially excited by boating on the River Great Ouse and by the vast nearby Thetford Forest.

95% (179) 47 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Ely

Blooms Westerby Farm

1. Blooms Westerby Farm

95%
(11)
25km from Ely · 5 units
Camping and glamping in the peaceful Cambridgeshire Fens
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£85
 / night
Brakehill Lodge Farm Camping

2. Brakehill Lodge Farm Camping

100%
(45)
44km from Ely · 5 units
Small, secluded, homespun farm campsite in rural Norfolk, a short drive from Thetford Forest Park
Showers
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from 
£95
 / night
Barn Owl Camping

3. Barn Owl Camping

97%
(18)
45km from Ely · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Dog-friendly camping and shepherd’s huts in rural Suffolk
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Bircham Windmill

4. Bircham Windmill

97%
(135)
55km from Ely · 18 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Flat grassy tent pitches beneath a magnificent working windmill, all accompanied by Norfolk's best bakery
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£40
 / night
Big Sky Hideaway Camping Farm

5. Big Sky Hideaway Camping Farm

100%
(30)
73km from Ely · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Camping and glamping in the Lincolnshire Fenland with campfires, alpacas and a positive vibe
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£13
 / night
Whitlingham Broad Campsite

6. 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
Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard

7. Unique Shepherds Huts on a Vineyard

100%
(21)
80km from Ely · 2 units
Luxury shepherds huts near the Essex coast, with beautiful, watery surroundings and a wonderfully private setting
Showers
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from 
£130
 / night
Bain View Glamping

8. Bain View Glamping

97%
(18)
89km from Ely · 4 units · Tents, Glamping
A canal-side shepherd's hut near the Lincolnshire Wolds, with an outdoor bathtub, a mini vineyard, and total privacy.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£23
 / night
Hickling Campsite

9. 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
Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes

10. Purple Badger Camping&Fishing Lakes

97%
(66)
94km from Ely · 12 units · Tents, Glamping
Glamping and campfire-friendly camping by a pair of fishing lakes in the Leicestershire countryside
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£35
 / night
Walltree House Camping

11. Walltree House Camping

98%
(29)
111km from Ely · 34 units · Tents, Glamping
Simple camping in the grounds of a farmhouse, with thrill-seeking activities in arm's reach
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£15
 / night
Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

12. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

95%
(104)
133km from Ely · 41 units · Tents, Glamping
Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£11
 / night
Rolling Fields Glamping

13. Rolling Fields Glamping

100%
(35)
138km from Ely · 6 units
Luxury farm glamping with epic views, a 10-minute walk from the Thames
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£100
 / night
Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard

14. Plum Camping in May Tree Orchard

100%
(20)
144km from Ely · 8 units · Tents, Glamping
Simple camping and comfortable glamping amongst organic fruit trees, wild flowers and woodland, bordering an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with some of the darkest night skies in Europe. In the beautiful High Weald of Kent, Tash and Nick have been running May Tree Orchard's low-impact, nature-friendly, seasonal campsite, Plum Camping, for the last 5 years. The Soil Association certified organic land is full of wild flowers and surrounded by woodland and other orchards. Electricity and hot water for showers and washing up is solar generated. So you can charge your phone if necessary, but we'd recommend stargazing and enjoying the quiet warmth of friends and family around an evening fire instead. Bring your own tent, stay in the delightful hand-made shepherd’s hut or stylish caravan, or hire the whole May Tree Orchard space. Numbers are kept low here so that there is always plenty of room for everyone, as well as peace and quiet. The campsite is an hour and a half drive from London and a 20 min walk to the sleepy and pretty village of Goudhurst, with pubs selling great food and two local shops for self-catering. There are also two excellent farm shops within walking distance. Close to May Tree Orchard, there are walks via Sissinghurst, Scotney and Bodiam Castle, and water activities on the River Rother and at Bewl Water. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is a ten-minute drive from the campsite and the coast around Hastings and Rye is just over 30 minutes. An amazing independent food business, Growing Communities, sells pears, apples and plums grown at the orchard in their box scheme serving North and South London, and you can also buy them from the Pear Necessities stall at Stoke Newington Farmers Market. Delicious apple juice and tasty chutney made from the organic apples grown in the orchard are available to purchase on site, as well as plum preserve and orchard plums.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Hendred Farm Huts

15. Hendred Farm Huts

99%
(37)
144km from Ely · 4 units
Shepherd’s huts in pretty parkland in the Oxfordshire countryside
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£96
 / night
Little Fleece at Folly Farm

16. Little Fleece at Folly Farm

100%
(60)
146km from Ely · 1 unit
A cosy and luxurious shepherds hut for two on a beautiful farm in the Wessex Downs.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£152
 / night
Serenity Lakes

17. Serenity Lakes

100%
(5)
39km from Ely · 3 units
Cosy shepherd's huts with hot tubs, set alongside a tranquil fishing lake.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£126
 / night
Hunstanton Camping & Glamping

18. Hunstanton Camping & Glamping

78%
(29)
56km from Ely · 110 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
🌅 Hunstanton Camping & Glamping with mYminiBreak: The Coastal Escape Hunstanton Camping & Glamping offers a relaxed, back-to-basics coastal escape in Heacham, Norfolk. The site, a former dairy farm, maintains a peaceful, natural atmosphere, perfect for those looking to unplug. 🐾 Exceptionally Dog-Friendly Haven The site is dog-friendly, welcoming companions in all accommodation types. Its best feature is the immediate access to the sea, being just a quick 2-minute walk from the vast sands of Heacham South Beach. Crucially, this beach operates with no year-round restrictions for dogs, offering unrestricted playtime. 🌊 Prime Location and Local Area The site's unique west-facing position on the West Norfolk coast means guests witness spectacular sunsets directly over the sea—a daily, breathtaking ritual. You are perfectly situated to explore North Norfolk: Hunstanton: The nearby Victorian resort offers seaside fun and the famous striped cliffs of Old Hunstanton. Nature & Walks: Enjoy direct access to the Norfolk Coast Path and close proximity to the Wild Ken Hill rewilding project and Sandringham Estate for extensive hiking and wildlife spotting. Activities: The calm, shallow local waters are excellent for watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding. 🔥 Back-to-Basics Ethos and Core Facilities The ethos of the site embraces a simple, "back-to-basics" camping philosophy. Accommodation: Pitch your own tents, campervans, motorhomes, and caravans, or choose glamping in rustic Shepherd's Huts or spacious Bell Tents. Campfires: Campfires and BBQs are encouraged and allowed, with private fire pits/braziers provided for glamping units, perfect for gatherings under the clear, dark Norfolk skies Core Facilities: Essential amenities are clean and functional: shared toilet/shower blocks with hot water; designated washing-up station and access to fresh drinking water. Limited electric hook-ups are available for pitches upon request, though the emphasis is on a connected-to-nature experience. Wifi available. This site offers an unforgettable escape, blending traditional outdoor life with coastal charm.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£18
 / night
North Norfolk Camping & Glamping

19. North Norfolk Camping & Glamping

89%
(14)
76km from Ely · 198 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
🌲 North Norfolk Camping & Glamping Holt Hollow - Lakeside Forest Retreat North Norfolk Camping & Glamping, known as Holt Hollow, provides a rare, tranquil, and back-to-nature escape in the heart of the Norfolk countryside. Nestled in a wooded area on the outskirts of the AONB, the site's most distinctive feature is its beautiful natural lake and surrounding peaceful woodlands, ideal for walks and wildlife spotting. 🔥 Back-to-Basics & Off-Grid Ethos The site strongly emphasizes its back-to-basics philosophy: Off-Grid Living: Holt Hollow operates off-grid with limited to no phone coverage, promoting full disconnection from technology. Glamping units (Shepherd's Huts/Bell Tents) utilize gas-powered showers and solar lighting, with log burners for heat. Campfires: Campfires and BBQs are encouraged and allowed. Glamping units include private fire pits/braziers for evening gatherings under the clear, dark Norfolk skies, which are excellent for stargazing. Core Facilities: Essential amenities are kept clean and functional, including shared shower/toilet blocks and fresh drinking water stations. 🐾 Dog-Friendly Woodland & Accommodation The campsite is proudly dog-friendly, welcoming companions on all pitches (tents, campervans, caravans) and in most glamping units. The open meadows and surrounding woodlands provide ample space for walks, and the lake allows for safe paddling. Some pitches even allow dogs to be off-lead. 🗺️ Local Area: Holt Village and the Coast The site’s rural location is conveniently close to key North Norfolk highlights: Holt Village: The charming Georgian market town of Holt is just a short 5-minute drive away (or a longer walk). It is perfect for exploring independent shops, cafes, and art galleries, and for accessing local gems like Holt Country Park. The Coast: The stunning North Norfolk Coast (part of the AONB) is only a short drive (approx. 20 minutes) away, providing access to: Blakeney Point (famous for seal watching boat trips). Wells-next-the-Sea and Holkham Bay (vast sandy beaches). Coastal walks along the Norfolk Coast Path. North Norfolk Camping & Glamping offers an authentic outdoor adventure, blending rustic living with the comfort of having the best of the Norfolk coast and countryside within easy reach.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
North Farm

20. North Farm

88%
(4)
80km from Ely · 1 unit
North Farm is situated in the beautiful Norfolk countryside, between the villages of Skeyton, Oxnead and Burgh. . Guests can spot all sorts of wildlife during the day and stargaze at night, with no streetlights to spoil the view. Being centrally located in Norfolk means that Norwich, the famous Norfolk broads and the Norfolk coast are all a short car ride away.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£75
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Shepherd's huts 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.