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Ely Open Gardens

A delightful and varied group of gardens in the historic cathedral city. The Bishop's House, adjoining Ely Cathedral, has a wild area, beehives and a formal rose garden. The Bishop of Huntingdon’s garden is a family garden with a pond, herbaceous borders and an orchard. 1 Merlin Drive and 1 Robins Close are both gardens with attractive mixed plantings. The former has a collection of subtropical plants, and ferns, the latter has raised beds, a vegetable plot and a small dry garden. 42 Cambridge Road is a large, appealing town garden with delightful planting, fig-trees and a greenhouse leading to a vegetable area. Map showing all garden locations is provided.

Owner Info

Ely Open Gardens
Ely Open Gardens
Ely Open Gardens
Ely Open Gardens
Ely Open Gardens
Ely Open Gardens
Ely Open Gardens
Ely Open Gardens
Ely Open Gardens
Ely Open Gardens
Ely Open Gardens
Ely Open Gardens
Ely Open Gardens
Ely Open Gardens
Ely Open Gardens
Ely Open Gardens
Ely Open Gardens
Ely Open Gardens

About Ely Open Gardens

A delightful and varied group of gardens in an historic Cathedral city. Working in areas that have seen occupation for, in some cases, over 450 years, the gardeners have encountered a variety of challenges, from medieval walls to what was once a stable yard! Walking round the gardens gives you a chance to see how people have worked with the environment that they have inherited, and given it their own personal interpretation of what they have. The Bishop’s house is a monastic building adjoining Ely Cathedral, which can be viewed from a unique perspective. Mixed planting, including a formal rose garden and a wide open lawn with ancient mulberry tree. (Part open. Access via Porta this year). The Bishop of Huntingdon’s garden, a family garden, has a glimpse of the Cathedral. Roses, orchard, herbaceous borders and pond reflect the knowledge of those that care for it.
1, Merlin Drive, has a small collection of ferns, reflecting the owners specialist knowledge of the these. There is also a collection of plants from the Canary islands, some of which survive winter here with a little help, as well as aeoniums. All displayed in an enclosed garden, there is an intimate, quiet atmosphere. 1 Robins Close is on the same estate, and shows what can be done in a modern estate garden. With areas to sit, a greenhouse, a summer house, raised flower beds, dry bed and bordered lawns at the front of the house, there’s much to see. 42 Cambridge Road is a long well planted garden: herbaceous, shrubs, trees, leading to a town vegetable lot at the end. There are many features to enjoy here, ranging from quiet areas to sit, and a small woodland walk, it’s well worth a visit. Together with 38 Chapel St, a plant woman’s garden, also open by arrangement, this is a truly enjoyable collection of gardens.
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Ely Open Gardens features

Location details

Ely Open Gardens,
Ely,
Cambridgeshire,
CB6 1AD

Directions to Ely Open Gardens
Parking is available at Barton Rd, The Grange Council Offices, St.Mary's St, Brays Ln & Newnham St. On street parking only at 1 Merlin & 1 Robins Dr.

Ely Open Gardens openings

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Home-made teas at Ely Methodist Church and 1 Merlin Drive. Ice creams and apple juice available at Bishop of Huntingdon's Garden.
Admission Adult: £10.00
Child: Free
Opening times 12:00-18:00

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair access to areas of most gardens.
  • Share this garden

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FAQs

Yes, cashless payment is accepted.

Sorry, there is no available parking for coaches at Ely Open Gardens at this time.

Yes, dogs are welcome at Ely Open Gardens. Please keep the dogs on fixed short leads in the garden and keep in mind that you are responsible for controlling the dog’s behaviour. For any specific rules please ask the owners.

Yes, there are various plants offerred for sale at Ely Open Gardens, please enquire with the owners for more details.

Yes, one or more routes at Ely Open Gardens are accessible to wheelchair users.

Yes. Ely Open Gardens seeks to offer a sustainable refuge for nearby fauna and wildlife. These sanctuaries host diverse habitats supporting indigenous flora and fauna and nurturing local biodiversity.