Ely Riverside
A scenic stretch along the River Great Ouse, offering picturesque views, charming tearooms, and the vibrant Maltings entertainment venue.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Ely Riverside
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic stretch along the River Great Ouse, offering picturesque views, charming tearooms, and the vibrant Maltings entertainment venue.
"Beautiful location at riverside for beautiful view."
🚶♀️ Riverside Walks
Enjoy scenic strolls along the river. Great for photos and a breath of fresh air. :camerawithflash:
🍽️ Dining Research
Check hygiene ratings and recent reviews before dining. Some spots are pricey with mixed food quality. :moneywithwings:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Riverside Views
Along the River Great Ouse
Enjoy picturesque scenes of boats and the tranquil river. Perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing afternoon.
The Maltings
Ely Riverside
A vibrant venue hosting live music, theatre, and diverse events. Check their schedule for unique entertainment.
Peacocks Tearooms
Ely Riverside
Savor a traditional cream tea with stunning river views. Dogs are welcome, making it a charming stop.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Dining Decisions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Riverside Walks
Enjoy scenic strolls along the river. Great for photos and a breath of fresh air. :camerawithflash:
🍽️ Dining Research
Check hygiene ratings and recent reviews before dining. Some spots are pricey with mixed food quality. :moneywithwings:
🎭 Event Listings
The Maltings hosts diverse events like drag bingo and live music. Book tickets in advance! :ticket:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Spots
Peacocks Tearooms welcomes dogs, perfect for a break with your furry friend. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Riverside Walks
Enjoy scenic strolls along the river. Great for photos and a breath of fresh air. :camerawithflash:
🍽️ Dining Research
Check hygiene ratings and recent reviews before dining. Some spots are pricey with mixed food quality. :moneywithwings:
🎭 Event Listings
The Maltings hosts diverse events like drag bingo and live music. Book tickets in advance! :ticket:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Spots
Peacocks Tearooms welcomes dogs, perfect for a break with your furry friend. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ely Riverside is praised for its beautiful river views and pleasant atmosphere, making it ideal for walks and relaxation. The Maltings venue hosts a variety of engaging events. However, dining experiences can be inconsistent, with some visitors finding prices high and raising concerns about food quality and hygiene in certain establishments.
"Had a lovely Sunday carvery roast.
I met with 5 other friends, for one of the lady’s birthdays.
The food was tasty and generous. The Yorkshire puddings immense. You are almost 3 large slices of the meats on offer. I had 1 gammon, 1 Turkey and 1 beef.
We had pre booked and were given a round table by the window overlooking the river. So we felt very happy."
Rosalyn Johnson
"We had a lovely afternoon with family and friends after our wedding. The bar provided us with a buffet for 30 guests. Everyone commented how lovely the food was! The staff were great and a great location. My only slight complaint would be the time it took for plates and glasses to be collected but it was a busy Saturday. Thanks for great afternoon."
Sarah Daniels
"The Riverside Bar and Kitchen is expensive for what it is and has a 3 hygiene rating and I have a system when eating out somewhere, it's as follows:
1-2 - Avoid at all costs
3 - play it safe (no meat or seafoods)
4 - meat but no seafood
5 - order anything I want
I always check for the rating site because not every restaurant displays their correct rating. At the time of this review Riverside displays a 2 year old 5.
Food - So as mentioned they have a 3 so I played it safe, ordered a margarita pizza and Cajun fries and honestly it was fine, the pizza was cheesy and the chips had a solid flavour. My partner went for chunky chips however and they tasted like old oil. The restaurant however is most known as a carvery. My mother in law and her partner opted for this. It looked fine but there's no chance I'd trust a hot hold in a 3 rated restaurant, they had a small range of veg which looked kind of grey but they seemed happy with it. It was also expensive, the chips where over £5 each and my pizza was £12, I'd pay that if the food was worth it but it really wasn't, I resent paying what I did my experience.
Service - It wasn't great, they were a bit absent, both me and my partner had to wander around aimlessly looking for the toilet, which isn't signposted, as the staff just stared instead of offering directions. They tried to clear the table while my mother in law was still eating and I had to flag them down more than once. They left the dead glasses and menus until after we left as well. They did box up the pizza I couldn't finish which was a nice touch.
Atmosphere - it's pretty, it's a glass box overlooking the canal and if you just want a drink I'd recommend coming down, just don't bother eating there. All level access but the airlock toilet doors would make access hard to the toilets so bear that in mind, they were also a bit hrubby. Disabled parking is available close by but it is a small walk maybe 3 minutes to an able bodied person."
Ash Grey (Eating_Out_Norwich)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ely Riverside is accessible by car, with parking available nearby. It's also a pleasant walk from Ely city center. Public transport options include local bus routes that stop close to the riverside area.
Yes, there is parking available near Ely Riverside. Disabled parking is also located close by, though it's a short walk to the main areas.
Absolutely! Ely city center is within walking distance of Ely Riverside, offering a scenic route along the river.
Local bus services operate in Ely and have stops near the riverside, making it accessible via public transport. Check local timetables for specific routes.
The riverside area is generally accessible, with level access in many parts. However, some toilet doors might be narrow, posing a challenge for wheelchair users.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ely Riverside itself is a public area and doesn't require tickets. However, events held at venues like The Maltings will have specific ticket requirements.,
Tickets for events at The Maltings, Ely Riverside, can often be booked online through their website or ticketing partners. Links are usually provided in event announcements.
No, enjoying a walk or simply relaxing by Ely Riverside is free of charge. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy.
Ely Riverside is accessible at all times as it's an outdoor public space. Specific venues like The Maltings or restaurants will have their own operating hours.
Availability for on-the-day tickets can vary depending on the event and venue. It's always best to check with The Maltings or the event organizer for their specific policies.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Ely Riverside features several dining establishments, including The Riverside Bar and Kitchen, known for its carvery, and Peacocks Tearooms for cream teas.,
Reviews indicate that some dining options, like The Riverside Bar and Kitchen, can be expensive for the quality and portion sizes offered.
While specific menus vary, many riverside eateries offer a range of options. It's advisable to check individual restaurant menus or inquire directly about vegetarian and vegan choices.
Yes, there are bars and pubs along Ely Riverside where you can enjoy a drink with river views. The Riverside Bar and Kitchen is one such option.
Some establishments, like The Riverside Bar and Kitchen, have received mixed hygiene ratings. It's recommended to check the latest ratings before dining.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire riverside offers beautiful scenery. Capture boats on the River Great Ouse, the architecture of The Maltings, and the charming tearooms.,
The west-facing views along the river can be stunning at sunset, offering warm light and picturesque reflections on the water.
Photography policies for events at The Maltings can vary. It's best to check the specific event guidelines or ask venue staff.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide river scenes and details. A tripod can be useful for low-light or long exposures. :camerawithflash:
Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted. However, commercial photography or filming may require permission. Always be mindful of others.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific playgrounds directly on the immediate riverside, the general atmosphere is family-friendly. Keep an eye on local event listings at The Maltings, as some family-oriented events might be scheduled.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Pack a picnic to enjoy by the river, or opt for more affordable takeaway options from local shops rather than dining at pricier riverside restaurants. Checking for free community events at The Maltings can also offer entertainment without cost.
couples
Consider a relaxed cream tea at Peacocks Tearooms or find a cozy spot at one of the riverside pubs for a drink. If there's a performance at The Maltings, it could be a perfect evening out.,
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring The Maltings
, Recent events have included rock tribute shows, drag bingo, and even pagan and alternative fayres, showcasing the venue's versatility. Checking their schedule in advance is highly recommended to catch specific performances or unique gatherings.,
This venue is a key reason many visitors flock to Ely Riverside, providing a cultural and social focal point for the area. Its riverside location adds to the appeal, offering a scenic backdrop for an evening out.
Dining Experiences: A Closer Look
For a more relaxed experience, Peacocks Tearooms provides a quintessential English cream tea by the river, and is noted as being dog-friendly. Other establishments like RBK have undergone renovations to enhance their 'American Flair and Italian warmth,' aiming to provide comfortable seating and stunning views.,
It's crucial for visitors to do their research, checking recent reviews and hygiene ratings, especially if planning a meal. While the riverside setting is undeniably attractive, the dining experience itself can vary significantly between venues.
Riverside Walks and Scenery
These walks provide a perfect opportunity for photography, with opportunities to capture the natural beauty and the unique character of the riverside. The area is also a great spot for a relaxing afternoon, simply enjoying the ambiance and watching the world go by.
Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll or a scenic backdrop for a casual outing, Ely Riverside delivers a refreshing dose of natural beauty and riverside tranquility.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit