In a contradictory claim to fame, Ely has been voted the best place to live in the UK and the worst place for a city break in the same year.

2021 has certainly put Ely in the spotlight, with The Sunday Times choosing Ely in its top places to live list. Ely even beat Cambridge to the post.

The Sunday Times’s expert judges assessed a wide range of factors, including schools, air quality, transport, broadband speeds, culture, green spaces and the high street.

It appears the judge’s developed a soft spot for Ely’s community spirit and well-designed homes at more affordable prices.

However, when it comes to just visiting the city, it seems that the Romanesque cathedral, also known as The Ship of the Fens, has clearly failed to impress some.

Listed as the 6th worst city break in the UK in a study completed by HeatingForce, it appears that its modest size, high average rainfall and lower number of top-rated outdoor activities, parks and restaurants marked the city down considerably.

The second smallest city in the country, it may not be a bustling hive of activity like other cities, but it appears its remote and quiet charm has certainly been attractive to others.

In fact, the Guardian voted Ely in their top 10 for UK culture and outdoor city breaks – praising the city’s ability to pack a lot into a small space.

Do you agree? What do you think of Ely?

Sources:

https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/local-news/ely-cambridgeshire-sunday-times-best-20261362
https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/whats-on/ely-named-one-worst-places-20677154
https://www.elystandard.co.uk/news/ely-top-10-british-city-breaks-guardian-newspaper-8024986