Ely Cathedral Church

Address: The College, Ely CB7 4DL, United Kingdom

Website: https://www.elycathedral.org

Hours: Opening times vary; generally daily 9:00am-5:00pm (seasonal changes)

Admission: Suggested donation or small entry fee may apply for certain areas and guided tours

Ely Cathedral is a major medieval cathedral in Ely, Cambridgeshire, England, founded on a monastic site established in the 7th century by St Etheldreda. The present building is principally Norman in origin with significant later Gothic additions.

The cathedral’s best-known feature is the 14th-century Octagon - a large octagonal lantern and timber roof constructed by the master-builder Alan of Walsingham after the original central tower collapsed. Visitors also come to see the long nave, the carved west front and the eastern Lady Chapel.

Ely grew around the cathedral and the building served both religious and regional administrative functions through the medieval and early modern periods; it has been conserved and remains an active cathedral and visitor attraction.

The cathedral stands in the small city of Ely in Cambridgeshire, about 23 kilometres (roughly 14 miles) north of Cambridge.

• Foundation and fabric: The cathedral originated on a 7th-century monastic site founded by St Etheldreda and the present fabric is largely Norman with major 14th-century work.

What to See#

• The Octagon: A large open timber-and-stone octagonal lantern built in the 14th century after the collapse of the central tower; it is the cathedral’s most celebrated architectural feature.
• Lady Chapel and Choir: The choir, east end and Lady Chapel contain later medieval glass, carving and funerary monuments and form the liturgical heart of the building.
• West Front and Nave: The west front and nave include Norman-era masonry and Romanesque sculpture that date from the 11th and 12th centuries.

Ely Cathedral is about 13 miles north of Cambridge and a 25-30 minute drive from the city. Ely has a railway station on the Cambridge-Ely-King’s Lynn line; it’s a short walk (10-15 minutes) from the station to the cathedral. Local buses connect Ely to surrounding towns.

• Arrive early to see morning light on the cathedral's west front and to avoid mid-day coach groups.
• Look for the medieval graffiti-names and dates-on stonework if allowed; these small human marks are often overlooked.
• Attend Evensong if available; the choir and acoustics transform the nave.