Shoppers, visitors and residents can do the Christmas shopping locally by discovering the wealth of independent shops, attractions and places to eat that Ely has to offer.

The Town Centres & Tourism team in East Cambridgeshire District Council have created an Advent Calendar featuring Ely’s independent shops and attractions.

The calendar, which goes live this weekend, can be found at: www.visitely.org.uk to give inspiration for anyone Christmas shopping in Ely.

The participating shops and attractions include: Amore Vita – Fore Hill, Exquisite – Market Street, Something Special – Newnham Street, Wade’s Opticians – High Street, Premier Travel – Market Place, St Mary’s Sweet Shop – St Mary’s Street, Cloisters Antiques – Lynn Road, Yarn on the Square – Market Place, Cutlack’s – Fore Hill, Tea For Two – Buttermarket, Café Carringtons – Cloisters, Eel Catcher’s Daughter – High Street, Fisher’s Jewellers – Buttermarket and Oliver Cromwell House, the Stained Glass Museum, Cathedral Gift Shop, Ely Museum Gift Shop, as well as stalls on the Farmers’ Market, Craft & Collectables Market, General Market and Special Christmas Market.

Tracey Harding, Tourism Team Leader at East Cambridgeshire District Council said: "Ely has a great wealth of independent shops where you can buy many things from your Christmas shopping list. There is a fantastic variety of places to visit to get anything from jewellery to local art, antiques to food as well the chance to rest your feet for a tea or coffee. The Ely Christmas Shopping Advent Calendar at www.visitely.org.uk is to act as a guide to highlight some of the best shops and attractions we have.

"Ely has such a wonderful atmosphere, inspired by the city’s heritage which makes it such a great place to visit. There are also award winning markets twice weekly in the centre of town which combined with the independent shops make coming to the city for Christmas shopping a terrific experience. So come along and find out the great Christmas gifts and festive experience you can have in Ely."