Soham Recreation Ground

If you’re local to Ely and want somewhere that doesn’t feel chaotic on a weekend, Soham Rec is genuinely one of the better spots in the area. The enclosed play area keeps younger kids contained while adults actually get to sit down at the picnic tables and breathe for a minute — there’s decent shade too, which matters more than people think come July. The open grass field is big enough that older kids can kick a ball around without being on top of everyone else. Parking is right there, loos are on site, and the whole place sits in a quiet neighbourhood so it never gets that overwhelming fairground energy. It hosts community events through the year as well, so worth keeping an eye on what’s on locally.