Ely Cathedral - ELY

Ely Cathedral: A Majestic Historical Gem

Nestled in the heart of Ely, a town in the county of Cambridgeshire, England, Ely Cathedral stands as one of the country's most significant religious and architectural landmarks. Commissioned in the 11th century by King Edward the Confessor, it was intended to be a magnificent shrine for his murdered queen, Emma of Normandy. While the original plan was ambitious, the completion of this awe-inspiring structure was undertaken by her successors, including William the Conqueror, who contributed significantly to its grandeur. Today, this Grade I listed building is not only an active place of worship but also a major cathedral, a popular historical landmark, and a must-visit tourist attraction drawing visitors from across the globe.

Architectural Splendour and Historical Significance

The Cathedral's architecture is predominantly Norman, featuring a massive nave, transepts, a towering Lady Chapel, and an imposing western frontispiece. The most striking feature is the magnificent Lady Chapel, which houses the magnificent tomb of Edward the Confessor. Its innovative ribbed vaulting and the vast array of polychrome marble bosses depicting biblical scenes are considered amongst the finest examples of Norman craftsmanship in the country. The intricate stone carvings and the overall scale of the building convey a sense of immense power and spiritual significance from a bygone era.

Beyond the exterior grandeur, the interior is just as impressive. The wide, uncluttered nave allows for a sense of openness and reverence. The Cathedral boasts a rich musical heritage, often hosting choral evensong and other services that fill the space with resonant sounds. Its long history includes periods of rebuilding and restoration, notably by Sir George Gilbert Scott in the 19th century, who added the current tower and spire, blending seamlessly with the earlier structure.

Location and Accessibility

Located in the charming market town of Ely, the Cathedral is easily accessible by various means of transport. Its central position makes it a convenient point of interest for visitors exploring the area. The specific address for inquiries and directions is Chapter House, The College, ELY CB7 4DL, United Kingdom. A dedicated phone line, reachable at 1353667735, provides direct contact for general information, booking inquiries, or specific details about visiting the Cathedral. Furthermore, comprehensive information and updates can be found on their official website, elycathedral.org.

Accessibility is a key consideration for modern visitors. Ely Cathedral is committed to ensuring a positive experience for everyone. The site features a wheelchair-accessible car park nearby, providing ample space for visitors with mobility needs. The main entrance itself is designed to be wheelchair accessible, allowing easy access to the Cathedral grounds and nave. Inside, accessible toilets are conveniently located, notably next to the Lady Chapel, catering to diverse visitor requirements. These thoughtful provisions reflect the Cathedral's dedication to inclusivity, as evidenced by numerous positive reviews highlighting these features.

Visitor Information and Experiences

Visiting Ely Cathedral offers a wealth of experiences for tourists and history enthusiasts alike. Regular services, including the famous Evensong, provide an opportunity to witness the beauty of the acoustics and the solemnity of the space. For those seeking a deeper understanding of its history and architecture, various guided tours are available. These range from general explorations of the Cathedral building to more specific themed walks focusing on its rich past. Audio tours are often provided, sometimes included in the ticket price or available for an additional fee, allowing visitors to delve into the stories behind the stones at their own pace.

Groups travelling together can often benefit from dedicated group tours, which are usually arranged for an extra charge. These tours offer a more personalized and informative experience, led by knowledgeable guides familiar with the Cathedral's history and significance. The Chapter House, located nearby (as indicated in the address), is another point of interest, often open to the public and offering insights into the daily workings of the medieval chapter.

On-site services cater to the needs of visitors, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable visit. From ticket purchasing and tour bookings to refreshments and information, the Cathedral aims to provide a seamless experience. The overwhelmingly positive feedback, reflected in an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 from over 6,287 reviews on Google My Business, consistently praises not only the stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere but also the helpful staff and excellent accessibility features. Visitors frequently express their delight and enjoyment during their time at the Cathedral, making it a truly memorable experience. Planning a visit allows one to step back in time, appreciate masterful craftsmanship, and experience the enduring spiritual atmosphere of one of England's most cherished cathedral sites.

Planning Your Visit

When planning to visit Ely Cathedral, it is advisable to check the official website (elycathedral.org) for the most current information regarding opening hours, ticket prices, specific tour availability, and any special events or exhibitions that might be taking place during your intended visit. The Cathedral is generally open daily, with variations in opening times for services and specific events, so confirming details beforehand is recommended. The accessibility features are consistently highlighted in visitor feedback as being excellent and well-maintained, ensuring that all visitors, regardless of mobility, can fully appreciate its wonders. Bringing comfortable footwear is often recommended for exploring the grounds and the length of the nave. Whether you are a devout visitor, a history buff, or simply someone seeking a beautiful and historic place to visit, Ely Cathedral promises a rewarding experience.

👍 Reviews of Ely Cathedral

Jill B.

5/5

Wonderful cathedral with handy disabled parking nearby. Audio headset provided with ticket price of £14 pp. Group tours provided for an extra charge. Accessible toilets next to the Lady Chapel. Enjoyed our visit immensely.

Yoav G.

5/5

Possibly one of the most interesting and historically significant Cathedrals in the country. Built on a site of an Anglo-Saxon church 20 years after the Norman invasion, this Cathedral presents the very best of Romanesque and gothic architecture alongside renovations made by the Victoria's. Of significance is the octagon tower, a feat of building at its time with wooden beams so large, local roads needed reinforcing to carry them in. A real jewel in the crown of Cathedrals

Clive W.

5/5

I've visited quite a few Cathedrals in my life, but Ely is the one for me, don't get me wrong they are all beautiful in one way or another, but Ely was the whole package, the sheer size of it was mine boggling.
Honestly the history of these Cathedrals is not a big deal for me, like who built it and in what century,I just want to see it in the flesh and enjoy it for the spectacle that it is and just how many years it took to build without actually knowing.
All I can say is,it was a mind-blowing achievement by hundreds of people and it is a truly beautiful structure whatever religion you believe in.♥️

IOAN F.

5/5

Magnificent, outside and inside. The Octagon is a marvel of innovation and beauty. If you have time, do the Tower tour you will not regret it. And the guide is knowledgeable and very proud of his town and its history.

ivy

5/5

What a place if your in Ely definitely visit this cathedral you can get a year's entry ticket so worth getting, plenty to see and lots of information from the electronic guide you can get which has a touchscreen so easy to use. Can be chilly inside even on a hot day so tack a top. And the good thing is it's free to park in the carparks.

John M.

5/5

We enjoyed our visit. Lovely cathedral. Our ticket price included return visits for a year. We also paid for a tower tour, which was excellent. The chap taking us on tour was brilliant, sorry i cannot remember his name.

The only negative was on both visits we were accosted about buying a ticket. We had and went through the ticket area, but felt as if we were be accused of pulling a fast one. The layout possibly does not help with this and they may need to rethink how you enter the cathedral. We have never had this issue in other cathedrals we have visited.

Emma H.

4/5

Lovely cathedral. Really beautiful with a fascinating history, which is well described. Only snags are..no free av guides if you don't pay (ie children's, surely the ones who will benefit the most, carers etc). Cafe is well outside and was shut for refurbishment. Being disabled with no notice till we got there was not great (and you then have to walk ALL the way round the cathedral to get back in)

Richard T.

5/5

Beautiful cathedral set in some lovely grounds. The surrounding area has some nice walks and places to eat and drink by the river. Inside the cathedral are stunning ceiling works, and there are beautiful stain glass windows.