Top 10 Best Vacation Home Rentals in East Cambridgeshire

Why Choose a Holiday Home in East Cambridgeshire

East Cambridgeshire is one of England's most underrated holiday destinations. At its heart is Ely, a small cathedral city often called the Ship of the Fens because its magnificent cathedral appears to float above the flat landscape. Around it lie quiet villages, nature reserves such as Wicken Fen, miles of riverside paths along the Great Ouse and easy access to Cambridge and Newmarket, the home of horseracing.

A holiday home lets visitors enjoy this landscape at their own pace. Self-catering cottages, barn conversions, lodges and riverside apartments offer more space and privacy than a hotel, and are ideal for families, couples, walkers, cyclists and anyone wanting to explore the region's heritage. Below are ten of the best platforms and holiday letting brands for finding vacation rentals in and around the district.

The Top 10 Vacation Home Rental Options

1. Airbnb

Airbnb offers the widest variety of short-term stays in the area, from rooms in Ely townhouses to entire cottages in fenland villages and quirky stays such as converted outbuildings and shepherd's huts. Its review system and flexible search make it easy to find a place that suits your budget and travel style.

2. Vrbo

Vrbo specialises in whole-home rentals, making it a favourite for families and groups who want a private property with no shared spaces. Listings often include larger houses with gardens, which work well for multi-generational trips or gatherings around events in Ely and Newmarket.

3. Sykes Holiday Cottages

Sykes is one of the UK's leading independent cottage holiday companies, with a strong selection of properties across Cambridgeshire and the wider East Anglia region. Its detailed property descriptions, customer support and pet-friendly options are particularly popular with domestic holidaymakers.

4. Cottages.com

Cottages.com offers a broad portfolio of self-catering homes across the UK, including cottages within easy reach of Ely, Wicken and the Cambridgeshire countryside. It suits travellers who want reassurance from a well-established brand and a straightforward booking process.

5. Hoseasons

Hoseasons is known for lodges, holiday parks and boating holidays. For a truly distinctive East Cambridgeshire experience, a river-based holiday along the Great Ouse and its tributaries allows guests to see the Fens from the water while exploring riverside pubs and villages.

6. Booking.com

Booking.com lists an increasing number of apartments, guesthouses and holiday homes alongside hotels. Its free cancellation options on many properties and its loyalty benefits make it a flexible choice for travellers who want to keep plans open.

7. Holidaycottages.co.uk

Holidaycottages.co.uk brings together carefully selected properties from regional letting partners. Its curation and clear filtering, for features like hot tubs, open fires or accessible facilities, help visitors quickly find characterful stays.

8. Plum Guide

Plum Guide focuses on design-led, rigorously vetted homes. While its selection is more limited, it is a strong choice for travellers who want a stylish, high-quality stay and are willing to pay a premium for consistency and comfort.

9. Canopy & Stars

Canopy & Stars curates unusual and nature-focused stays, including treehouses, cabins and glamping retreats. It suits visitors who want to embrace East Anglia's dark skies and wildlife, perhaps combining a stay with birdwatching at nearby wetland reserves.

10. Pitchup.com

Pitchup.com covers campsites, glamping pods and caravan parks. For budget-conscious travellers and outdoor enthusiasts exploring the Fens by bike or on foot, it offers simple, affordable alternatives to traditional holiday cottages.

Best Places to Stay in the District

Ely itself is the obvious base, with the cathedral, Oliver Cromwell's House, the riverside, independent shops and regular markets all within walking distance. Staying near the river offers peaceful morning walks and easy access to boat trips and cafés.

Villages such as Wicken, Burwell and Reach suit nature lovers, with Wicken Fen, one of the oldest nature reserves in the country, on the doorstep. Sutton, Haddenham and Stretham offer rural charm with quick road links, while those visiting for horseracing may prefer villages on the southern edge of the district near Newmarket.

Tips for Booking a Vacation Rental

Book early for spring and summer weekends, major race meetings at Newmarket and the festive season in Ely, as the best properties fill quickly. Read recent reviews carefully, paying attention to comments about cleanliness, heating, Wi-Fi and the accuracy of photos.

Check practical details such as parking, step-free access, distance to the nearest shop and whether the property is pet-friendly. Many rural cottages are some distance from public transport, so travellers without a car should choose a base close to Ely or another station.

Trends in Holiday Rentals

Domestic holidays and short breaks remain popular, with many travellers choosing quieter destinations over crowded hotspots. Eco-conscious stays with solar power, heat pumps and wildlife-friendly gardens are increasingly in demand. Hosts are also responding to the growth of working holidays by offering dedicated desks and fast broadband, allowing guests to extend their stay.

Final Thoughts

East Cambridgeshire rewards visitors who slow down. Whether you book a stylish townhouse through Plum Guide, a family cottage via Sykes or a glamping pod through Pitchup.com, you will be well placed to explore Ely's history, the wild beauty of the Fens and the attractions of nearby Cambridge. Choose the platform that matches your travel style, book in good time and enjoy one of England's most peaceful landscapes.