Ely has several appealing B&Bs , the best being the handy Cathedral House , 17 St Mary's St (tel 01353/662124; A?50-60), an attractive Georgian town house with three comfortable, en-suite bedrooms. Several other good options are concentrated along Egremont Street, about five minutes' walk north from the cathedral via the Lynn Road. Possibilities here include the spacious Old Egremont House at no. 31 (tel 01353/663118; A?40-50), with cathedral views and a walled garden, and the more modern, spick and span Posthouse at no. 12a (tel 01353/667184; under A?40).

Of the numerous tearooms in town, The Almonry (daily 10am-5pm), in the grounds to the north of the cathedral, is by far the best sited, with garden seats granting great views of the cathedral. Two other good choices are the Steeplegate Tea Rooms at 16-18 High St (closed Sun), backing onto the cathedral grounds, and Dominique's , 8 St Mary's St (closed Sun). The pick of the town's restaurants is the Old Fire Engine House , 25 St Mary's St (tel 01353/662582; closes 9pm, 5pm on Sun), a gourmet English restaurant of some local repute. Ely's friendliest pub is the Prince Albert , 62 Silver St.