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Perfect Cambridgeshire Escape: Discover Ely & Stay at The Old Hall Ely

Perfect Cambridgeshire Escape: Explore Ely & Stay at The Old Hall Ely

 

If you’re searching for the perfect Cambridgeshire escape, look no further than the historic city of Ely. With its rich heritage, riverside charm, and peaceful countryside setting, Ely is a hidden gem ideal for a weekend getaway or midweek retreat.

Just minutes from the city centre, The Old Hall Ely offers a boutique hotel experience that blends luxury, history, and warm, family-run hospitality — the perfect base for exploring everything this beautiful region has to offer.

 

Top Things to Do in Ely

1. Ely Cathedral

A masterpiece of medieval architecture, Ely Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in Cambridgeshire. Don’t miss the Octagon Tower Tour for panoramic views of the Fens.

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2. Oliver Cromwell’s House

Step into the 17th century at the former home of Oliver Cromwell. This interactive museum offers a fascinating look at life during the English Civil War.

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3. Ely Riverside Walk

Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the River Great Ouse, with charming cafés, pubs, and boat trips along the way.

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4. Ely Markets

Held throughout the week, Ely’s markets are a great place to discover local produce, handmade crafts, and antiques.

5. Wicken Fen Nature Reserve

Just a short drive from Ely, this National Trust site is perfect for nature lovers, with walking trails, wildlife, and stunning fenland views.

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Where to Stay: The Old Hall Ely

 

After a day of exploring, retreat to The Old Hall Ely — a peaceful oasis just outside the city. Our 16 individually designed bedrooms each offer their own unique charm, with creative interiors, luxurious touches, and views across the gardens or Ely Cathedral.

As a family-run, independently owned boutique hotel, we pride ourselves on offering a personal, welcoming experience. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic break, a celebration, or simply to unwind, The Old Hall Ely is the perfect base for your Cambridgeshire escape.

 

Perfect Cambridgeshire Escape
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Plan Your Visit

 

Ely is easily accessible by train from London, Cambridge, and Norwich, making it a convenient and rewarding destination. With so much to see and do, and a truly special place to stay, your perfect Cambridgeshire escape starts here.

Why Your Work Christmas Party Deserves a Venue Like The Old Hall Ely

Why Your Work Christmas Party Deserves More Than Just a Pub Booking

As the year draws to a close, the work Christmas party becomes more than just a seasonal tradition—it’s a chance to celebrate success, boost morale, and bring your team together. But with so many options available, how do you make your event truly memorable?

The answer lies in creating an experience, not just an event.

Moving Beyond the Ordinary


Today’s teams expect more than a few drinks and a buffet. They want something that feels rewarding, thoughtful, and a little bit special. That’s why more companies are choosing exclusive-use venues for their work Christmas party—spaces that offer privacy, flexibility, and a sense of occasion.


work christmas party



What Makes a Great Work Christmas Party Venue?

When planning your party, the venue sets the tone. 

A  great venue should offer:

Customisation: Tailored menus, entertainment, and timings to suit your team.
Atmosphere: A setting that feels festive, elegant, and immersive.
Convenience: On-site accommodation, easy access, and expert event coordination.

work christmas party



The Old Hall Ely: A Hidden Gem for Corporate Celebrations

 

Set in the heart of the Cambridgeshire countryside, The Old Hall Ely offers a rare blend of historic charm and modern luxury. For groups of 60 or more, the entire venue is yours—including 16 beautifully appointed bedrooms and breakfast the next morning.

Choose from three curated packages—Silent Disco, Classic Seated, or Premium Seated—or work with our team to create something entirely bespoke. Every detail is designed to reflect your company’s personality and make your work Christmas party unforgettable.

 

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work christmas



Why Planning Early Matters

 

With limited availability for 2025 and bookings already open for 2026, early planning ensures you get the date and experience you want. The best events are never rushed—they’re carefully crafted, and it all starts with the right venue.

 

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christmas dinner near me

Win a Stay for Two

WIN A STAY FOR TWO

To be in with a chance to win a stay for two, all you have to do is sign up to our mailing list!

Our winner will enjoy a deluxe room, a bottle of sparkling wine, and breakfast on us!

T&C apply. Booking subject to availability. The winner will be chosen at random in our draw and contacted by email
Our winner will enjoy a deluxe room, a bottle of sparkling wine, and breakfast on us!

Festive Dining at The Orangery Restaurant

Festive Dining at The Orangery

With only 10 weeks to go, Christmas is definitely starting to creep up! 

We have had lots of exciting sittings in The Orangery this autumn and that is even before anything gets festive. So let’s take a look at what Festive Dining we have taking place in December.

What's on this December

Festive Sunday Lunch

December starts off on an exciting note with our first Festive Sunday Lunch Sitting on the 1st. As we happen to be closed on two Sunday’s of the month for private events, our other Festive Sunday Lunch date falls on the 15th.

Sunday Lunch

Festive Set Lunch and Festive Set Dinner

Our Festive Set Dinner falls on the evening of Wednesday, 18th December. Being the week before Christmas, we know spirits will be high all around and it is the perfect opportunity to gather your friends and family for some early celebrations. 

For those who can’t make the 18th, we are running the same menu on Friday, 20th for a Festive Set Lunch – the perfect sitting for those who are finishing up for Christmas at the end of the week. 

Festive Afternoon Tea

On Saturday, 21st December we have our Festive Afternoon Tea event. Our seasonal Afternoon Tea menu takes on an incredible festive twist, for a joyful afternoon sitting.

Sparkling Afternoon Tea with Organic Cava
View our Restaurant Page
Book Your Table
Call us 01353 663275

View Our Calendar and Browse Our Menus

December 2024 restaurant calendar, The Orangery

To view our Festive Menus for the sittings mentioned above, please click each icon below.

Festive Set Lunch and Dinner in The Orangery
Festive Sunday Lunch Icon
Festive Afternoon Tea

Around our Special Dining Experiences, we’re also hosting Breakfast and Grazing Boards on selected dates as usual. Between Christmas and New Year’s Eve on the 27th, 28th and 29th we are hosting our NEW Carte De Jour Sitting – an intimate À La Carte style dinner sitting. 

Whichever sittings you choose to dine with us for, we cannot wait to celebrate with you this Festive Season. The Old Hall Ely and The Orangery Restaurant both provide the most magical experience at Christmas Time. Admire our extensive decor, our vast collection of Christmas Trees and enjoy a crisp walk around our gardens and grounds.

View our Restaurant Page
Book Your Table
Call us 01353 663275

The Orangery Restaurant

The Orangery Restaurant at The Old Hall Ely

Before things become festive, The Orangery Restaurant has got lots of seasonal sittings in our calendar that we can’t wait to welcome you to.

Let’s take a look at what we having coming up in The Orangery this October and November.

This October, we have our usual Breakfast and Grazing Boards most Monday’s through to Thursday. Breakfast is included complimentary to our hotel guests but we also welcome external bookings from 7am to 9:30am.

For our Grazing Boards, we have a choice between a cheese board, charcuterie board and seafood board which can be enjoyed in the evening with a view of Ely Cathedral and a lovely glass of your drink of choice.

When we aren’t closed for a private event over the weekends, we have an array of openings including:

Sunday, 13th, 20th and 27th October – Sunday Lunch
Friday, 18th October – A La Carte
Saturday, 26th October – Afternoon Tea and Steak Night

October 2024 Calendar - Afternoon Tea, Steak Night and Sunday Lunch
View our Restaurant Page
Book Your Table
Call us 01353 663275

Moving into November, the same applies for our Breakfast and Grazing Board sittings. 

Fridays to Sundays, when we aren’t closed for a private event, we have a number of special sittings such as:

Pasta Evening, Afternoon Tea, A La Carte, Sunday Lunch and our first Shared Christmas Party evening!

Take a look at our November calendar below for our full restaurant arrangements. 

November 2024 Calendar - A La Carte, Pasta Evening, Sunday Lunch
View our Restaurant Page
Book Your Table
Call us 01353 663275

Our December calendar is already up on our Restaurant & Dining page for you to see our sittings over Christmas, however, we will go into more detail around what is coming up this Festive Season in The Orangery soon!

2025

Looking ahead to the New Year

As our restaurant calendars become busier this season, this feels like only the beginning of what is to come here at The Orangery. As of January 2025, we will be introducing even more exciting sittings for our visitors and hotel guests to enjoy. 

We will be announcing something very special at the start of November, so be sure to sign up to our mailing list to be the first to hear!

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The Orangery Restaurant in Ely, Cambridgeshire
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