Ely Cathedral from King's Walk in the sunshine

Ely Cathedral. Photo: Ian Dinmore

Enjoy rolling countryside, wildlife havens and historic market towns.

Start your journey in historic Peterborough after exploring the city. Journey on to Whittlesea, the proud home, each January, of the old tradition of Straw Bear dancing. Continue along the line to arrive at the historic market town of March before reaching Manea where self-guided walks let you explore at your own pace. As you approach Ely station look out for the majestic cathedral.

See some of the unique views from along the journey in a special video produced by Hereward Community Rail Partnership here.

Highlights

Explore Peterborough Museum located in one of the city's most historic buildings

Crossing the dramatic Ouse Washes during flood season

Discover the grandeur of Ely Cathedral

Find out more

Local line website

Getting there

Train/bus Car Plane

Depending on your direction of travel, you can park at either Peterborough Station (PE1 1QL) or at Ely Station (CB7 4BS). The railway stations at Peterborough and Ely are both situated in central locations with a range of other car parking facilities within a short distance of the station.

Should you wish to travel by car into the Hereward Line area, car parking facilities are available in March and Whittlesey.

Peterborough is on the East Coast Mainline. Direct railway services run frequently from London, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Leicester, Birmingham, Cambridge and Stansted Airport. Look up times.

BY BUS

There are a range of bus services from Peterborough City Bus Station some of which are also direct from the front entrance of Peterborough Railway Station. Find out more.

There are bus services from March and Whittlesey along the Hereward Line. These services can give you access to the villages along the Hereward Line along with the towns of Chatteris and Wisbech. Find out more.

Route

Peterborough - Ely

Cost

£13.80 Off-Peak Day Return

Opening times

7 days a week | all year

Journey time

41min

Distance

29 miles | 47 km

Time from London

1:45 hours (see itinerary)

Plan your trip

Suggested itinerary

Take the train from London Kings Cross to Peterborough. Trains leave regularly throughout the day (look up times) and the journey takes approximately 46 minutes.

Attractions along the Hereward Line include:

Peterborough Museum

Located in one of the city's most historic buildings, Peterborough Museum has a wealth of stories to fascinate and enthral all the family.

Journey time – 8 minute walk from Peterborough station

Peterborough Cathedral

With a fascinating history interpreted by expert Cathedral tour guides, Peterborough Cathedral welcomes visitors throughout the year.

Journey time – 10 minute walk from Peterborough station

RSPB Ouse Washes

In the heart of The Fens, the Ouse Washes forms the largest area of washland (grazing pasture that floods in the winter) in the UK.

Journey time – 1 hr 12 minute countryside walk

Manea Walks

Discover the area at your own pace with one of these self-guided walks.