Crimean War Cannon

There's a Victorian-era cannon sitting on the edge of Ely that takes you right back to the Crimean War. This is the real thing - cast iron, weathered, and pointing out across the Cambridgeshire flatlands like it's still keeping watch. It's one of those pieces of military history that feels oddly personal when you're standing next to it, imagining the hands that worked this thing over 170 years ago.

You won't spend hours here. Ten minutes, maybe fifteen if you're reading the plaque properly and taking photos. But it's absolutely worth a quick stop if you're in the Ely area, especially if you've got an interest in Victorian Britain or military history. Kids might find it mildly interesting - it's a proper cannon, after all - but they won't be entertained for long.

The cannon works perfectly as part of a wider Ely trip. The town itself has got the cathedral, the river, and plenty of character. If you're based at one of the nearby caravan sites - Heatherbield Lodge or Hatters Meadows are both rated exceptionally well and just a couple of miles away - you can easily walk to this in an hour or so and tie it in with exploring the town centre.

Free to see, no entrance fees. Best visited during daylight hours if you want to read the inscription properly and take decent photos. Weather-wise, any season works fine - it's outdoors and exposed, so dress for the Cambridgeshire wind.