The Old Fire Engine House

The Old Fire Engine House sits just off the main drag in Ely - a proper piece of local heritage that most visitors to the cathedral city miss entirely. It's a working reminder of how the fire service operated in the days before motorised engines, and the building itself tells you more than any plaque could about what life was like in a Georgian market town.

Inside, you'll find exhibits covering the history of firefighting in the area, with old equipment and photographs that chart how dramatically things changed over a couple of centuries. It's not a sprawling museum - you can see the essentials in under an hour - but it's got enough character to keep anyone interested in social history properly engaged. Families with younger kids might find it a bit thin on interactive elements; teenagers usually find it dull unless they've got a genuine interest in industrial heritage.

The real draw here is how it slots into a wider Ely visit. The cathedral dominates, obviously, but this fire house gives you a grittier sense of ordinary life in the town. Since both Heatherbield Lodge and Hatters Meadows caravan sites are just a couple of miles out, it's an easy morning tick-off before heading out to explore the Fens properly. Weather permitting, the walk between here and the cathedral is pleasant enough.

If you're staying at Trelander further afield, it's worth factoring in only if you're already committed to a full day in Ely. Admission details and opening hours can be patchy, so ring ahead.