Ely Cathedral
Ely Cathedral
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
About
With its unique 14th century octagonal lantern tower, Ely Cathedral is counted among the wonders of the medieval world. Much of the Cathedral is over 900 years old and it offers a rich architectural and historical experience, including the sumptuous 13th century Quire and beautiful 14th century Lady Chapel, the largest in the UK.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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See what travellers are saying
- Clogs-in-UKEly, United Kingdom516 contributionsClimbing the West TowerWe are locals but had never climbed the west tower. We did it, the 288 steps. It wasn't at all that difficult as Adam, the brilliant tour guide, doesn't rush you up the steps. On the contrary, he stops frequently to explain what you see (and what you didn't see). It is interesting, to say the least, but once you're on top of the west tower the view is magnificent. That's because you are high enough to see the surrounding fields for miles (don't forget that the cathedral is built on a mount) but still low enough to see the details of the city below you. And you look down on the cathedral itself of course. Adam gave us ample time to take it all in, with the necessary explanation. We were a small group, which was great also. Highly recommended!Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 October 2023
- Pamela JBenfleet, United Kingdom136 contributionsVery interestingVery beautiful and large cathedral with lots to look at. There is also a very lovely garden. Unfortunately it was pouring with rain when we visited but if you were to go on a dry day the gardens would be great to walk around. The only criticism would be that I think the £10 (£9 if you book online) admission is rather expensive and I think if it hadn’t been a rainy day and we needed to have somewhere to look at indoors, we may have thought twice about paying as a family it worked out rather expensive.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 3 November 2023
- Barry BHoddesdon, United Kingdom1,313 contributionsMagnificent spaceWe went to the cathedral for their Christmad, Christmas fair, this event is set in the magnificent cathedral. Even with the bustling stalls and crowds you can see the fabric of the building and marvel at the ingenuity of the builders all those years ago. Their work has in places been update since like the large cast iron radiators which are now gas fired rather than coal. The event was well organised, at all levels, from the park and ride (cheap at£5 a car regardless of occupancy. Good coaches taking you to the side of the building and the range of stalls on offer. In addition there was a craft and food marquee which added a different dimension.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 November 2023
- Branko VStevenage, United Kingdom1,136 contributionsSpectacular CathedralThe cathedral originates from AD 672 is an outstanding cathedral both for its scale and details. Its most notable feature is the central octagonal tower, with lantern above, which provides a spectacular internal space. We visited as part of an organised coach party for the gift and food fair. This is very well organised event spread over several days, admission was £5. Great, if you want to find a special gift although it might be expensive.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 November 2023
- Aspara gustationSouth East England, United Kingdom26 contributionsA guiding lightThe ticket costing £14 each was good value as we had the added bonus of an included guided Tour. It turned out we were the only two people on the tour. Stuart, the guide had encyclopaedic knowledge of the history and construction of the beautiful cathedral. His dialogue was easy to follow and interesting . I recommend that you take advantage of this tour, as tucked away within the magnificent building are many interesting details you would miss otherwise. Additionally our tickets are valid for a year from the date of purchase .Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 February 2024
- DocDavid176 contributionsA most wonderful buildingWithout a doubt, it's one of the finest cathedrals anywhere. The famous 'lantern' is itself one of the the glories of the medieval world, and with new lighting recently installed, the whole building glows. We took advantage of a free guided tour (with trainee-guide Nigel, who adores the building, and who was so keen to engage with the group), and this was excellent. Entry is the best part of £15.00, but the ticket's valid for a year, and the guided tours (not the tower/lantern one) are free. (Put into perspective, the Warner Studios tour near Watford will set you back over 50 quid.)Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 March 2024
- joannabee1965Maulden, United Kingdom131 contributionsA truly gorgeous CathedralWhat a beautiful and stunning Cathedral, with incredible stained glass windows. The ceiling is amazing, and the Octagon Tower is breathtaking. The intricate stone work is another thing worth taking notice of. Every member of staff was helpful and kind, especially Shirley, who was enthusiastic and knowledgeable when my husband chatted to her. Due to foot surgery, I was in a wheelchair, but moving around the Cathedral was no problem (although I did get cold, so take a blanket). Definitely worth a visit, we will come back.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 March 2024
- LH_HertsHertford, United Kingdom100 contributionsA magnificent CathedralI would highly recommend a guided tour which is now included in the price of your ticket. Our guide Stuart was very knowledgeable and explained all the history of this great building and how it has changed over the centuries. You simply cannot get that level of detail without a guide and just walking around on your own. Whilst we were there we visited the stained glass museum which is on an upper level within the Cathedral. It describes and exhibits stained glass from its origins to present day and has some beautiful examples on display. If you enjoy stained glass, this is a must. I would allow at least a couple of hours for a Cathedral tour and an hour in the stained glass museum. As a nation we are so lucky buildings like this still exist and kept in great condition for present and future generations to enjoy.Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 18 March 2024
- BraindamagedbaronNewark-on-Trent, United Kingdom1,481 contributionsWhen the Lord closes his wallet The Devil sets the admission feesStunning cathedral in the quite beautiful Ely. The building is gorgeous and very much worth the visit to admire the architecture from the outside. Certainly didn't wish to pay almost £30 for the two of us to enter and have a look around, however. If religion is your thing, then I'm sure you'll happily fork out that extortionate amount. The Lord does indeed move in mysterious ways.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 April 2024
- Paul S27 contributionsAmazing building!Amazing building - £14 entry charge is very high but worth it just as a one off. We also had the west tower tour which was good value for the incredible views. Very nice and friendly staff.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 April 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
3,037 reviews
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2,201
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568
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147
Poor
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60
NorthantsAquababe
Wollaston, UK323 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Last came on a school trip in 1973 when dressed in medieval outfits to celebrate 1000 years of the cathedral!! Did remember a lot of the inside, especially the tower. We did the tower tour which was well worth it, including entrance to cathedral, museum and free coffee/tea in cafe (which would have cost £5 for two) for £19 each so good value for money as you will spend a few hours there.
Tower tour very good - the chap who took us was very knowledgable. A little claustrophobic walking up but worth it for the view from the roof. Lucky we had a clear sunny day.
Beautiful cathedral and little city.
Tower tour very good - the chap who took us was very knowledgable. A little claustrophobic walking up but worth it for the view from the roof. Lucky we had a clear sunny day.
Beautiful cathedral and little city.
Written 23 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daru500
Halesowen, UK180 contributions
Oct 2020
We visited Ely Cathedral on the return journey from our holiday in Suffolk, and we were blown away with how magnificent the Cathedral is. It towers over the city of Ely (which is well worth having a look around, both the town and the river) and is truly breathtaking. Inside is just as wonderful and i would recommend anyone to look up, the ceilings and lantern tower are fantastic. There is some wonderful stained glass and it floods the cathedral of light and the stained glass museum is very interesting and i recommend the combined tickets.
The covid secure measures made the building safe and staff were very good in making sure people kept to the rules. All tickets are sold online at the moment and the Ely Cathedral Website is very easy to use and you can get e tickets to use straight away.
I would definitely visit again and would be good to see bits i missed this time round.
The admission fee was well worth it!
The covid secure measures made the building safe and staff were very good in making sure people kept to the rules. All tickets are sold online at the moment and the Ely Cathedral Website is very easy to use and you can get e tickets to use straight away.
I would definitely visit again and would be good to see bits i missed this time round.
The admission fee was well worth it!
Written 4 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Harnser48
Norfolk, UK169 contributions
Jan 2020
Amazing architecture very awe inspiring with it's ornate lantern tower built to replace a steeple when it fell down. Superb ceiling along the nave.
The admission is £8-00 per adult which considering this is a place of worship and prayer is disgusting. Jesus would most certainly have had something to say about this outrageous charge
The admission is £8-00 per adult which considering this is a place of worship and prayer is disgusting. Jesus would most certainly have had something to say about this outrageous charge
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg
Cambridge, UK5,215 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Ely Cathedral is simply a colossus venue with majestic features and exudes history from every angle.
This was my first visit and I was fascinated by the sheer size and length of the Cathedral. At one end, the High Altar is a marvel to behold and the ornate nave and Octagon are also quite mesmerising. The stained glass windows are something else too!
The 8 GBP admission fee is well worth paying to visit - and goes towards the 6,000 GBP daily upkeep costs. During my visit, I was able to see the Crowns & Gowns exhibition which showcases props and costumes from the likes of The Crown, Macbeth and The King’s Speech, all of which were filmed at Ely Cathedral. The Stained Glass Museum is also worth a visit but costs and additional 4.50 GBP.
All in all, this was a sensational visit.
This was my first visit and I was fascinated by the sheer size and length of the Cathedral. At one end, the High Altar is a marvel to behold and the ornate nave and Octagon are also quite mesmerising. The stained glass windows are something else too!
The 8 GBP admission fee is well worth paying to visit - and goes towards the 6,000 GBP daily upkeep costs. During my visit, I was able to see the Crowns & Gowns exhibition which showcases props and costumes from the likes of The Crown, Macbeth and The King’s Speech, all of which were filmed at Ely Cathedral. The Stained Glass Museum is also worth a visit but costs and additional 4.50 GBP.
All in all, this was a sensational visit.
Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
N H
Kingston upon Thames, UK1 contribution
Aug 2021
Not worth the money. £8 per adult - to see half of the Cathedral, the rest is closed for service - you are not allowed to take picture of the service site.
I feel ripped off for paying 2 adults + 2 teen, to see exactly what we saw while queuing to enter any buy tickets.
Yes, as per others comments, it is filled with large plastic balloon of earth.
Obviously it is a magnificent building with characters and architecture to admire, but £8 to see half of it - not worth it.
I feel ripped off for paying 2 adults + 2 teen, to see exactly what we saw while queuing to enter any buy tickets.
Yes, as per others comments, it is filled with large plastic balloon of earth.
Obviously it is a magnificent building with characters and architecture to admire, but £8 to see half of it - not worth it.
Written 3 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shirley and Pau... D
March, UK468 contributions
Mar 2020
We had a great and very interesting visit. A beautiful building with free tour guides to inform you about all aspects of the cathedral. Also we paid to see the stain glass museum on the upper level. Beware there are 45 steps to reach the upper level where the stain glass is housed. Also on show right now are copies of the original costumes used by actors in the ‘ Crown ‘ tv series. Adult entry is £8 for the cathedral interior but worth paying an extra £4.50 to have access to the stain glass museum and the ‘ Crown ‘ costumes.
Written 3 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allyson W
14 contributions
Jan 2022
We visited on a quiet Wednesday in January and spent almost three hours in total. Absolutely beautiful building with stunning architecture. We picked up the art guide leaflet to take round with us as there are some really interesting pieces to explore. The volunteers on duty were very welcoming.
We also booked tickets for the Stained glass museum - well worth the extra £4.50 - this is located at gallery level and access is via a stone spiral staircase. Fantastic collection of glass through the ages and really interesting panels taking you through the history of stained glass. Lovely shop up there.
The refectory was closed.
At the time of our visit the site team were packing up the Christmas decorations and hoisting them up to the gallery - lovely to see a team who are usually behind the scenes. We tried to leave a donation using the tap to donate point at the main entrance but it was out of order.
We also booked tickets for the Stained glass museum - well worth the extra £4.50 - this is located at gallery level and access is via a stone spiral staircase. Fantastic collection of glass through the ages and really interesting panels taking you through the history of stained glass. Lovely shop up there.
The refectory was closed.
At the time of our visit the site team were packing up the Christmas decorations and hoisting them up to the gallery - lovely to see a team who are usually behind the scenes. We tried to leave a donation using the tap to donate point at the main entrance but it was out of order.
Written 14 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike J
Chepstow, UK881 contributions
Aug 2021
We visited this stunning Cathedral and were surprised at it’s size considering how small the city of Ely itself is.
It is necessary to prebook admission tickets online and the admission charge is currently £8 per adult. We chose to have a guided tour and for only an additional £1.50 per person it is certainly recommended. Our guide was very informative and was able to tell us a lot of the history of this magnificent building. The ticket permits visitors to spend as long as they like in the building after the guided tour. The Cathedral is really impressive and must certainly be one of the best in Britain. Pity about the shrieking disruptive children whose parents clearly cannot control them.. Why on earth they drag them along to view religious sites when they clearly do not want to be there heaven only knows.
It is necessary to prebook admission tickets online and the admission charge is currently £8 per adult. We chose to have a guided tour and for only an additional £1.50 per person it is certainly recommended. Our guide was very informative and was able to tell us a lot of the history of this magnificent building. The ticket permits visitors to spend as long as they like in the building after the guided tour. The Cathedral is really impressive and must certainly be one of the best in Britain. Pity about the shrieking disruptive children whose parents clearly cannot control them.. Why on earth they drag them along to view religious sites when they clearly do not want to be there heaven only knows.
Written 25 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TonyM67
Marlow, UK117 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
Ely cathedral is the main feature of this small city. It stands like a sentinel in the fens and has done so since about 1100. It has majestic architecture both inside and out. Standard admission is £8, but guided tours of the main cathedral and tower are also available. Currently, seating and pews are limited as a precautionary Covid measure. A huge globe is currently suspended in the nave which makes for a spectacular exhibit.
Written 4 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shawn M
Abbots Langley, UK97 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
This the second Cathedral in my "quest" to see all pre 1500 CE (AD in old money) Cathedrals and/or Abbeys. Such a lovely building. So much to see inside.(I didnt pay for the 2nd floor "Stain glass tour/museum" as would have had to pay £12+ instead of the £8 entrance fee... The staff are VERY friendly and are always ready to talk and give information. Take you time to look around.. to look at the stain glass windows, to look at the entrance ceiling - it shows the 72 generations from Adam to Jesus.. (Now I don't believe in all that but it is still fantastic to look at) and especially look at the Octagon Tower. Great building..oh and note that the Forehill Car Park is free, (up to 4 hours) which is a very short walk away from the Cathedral
Written 23 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind review and good luck with your Cathedral quest!
Written 2 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Don O
Cardiff, United Kingdom
We are thinking of going on a Monday so do you know if it will be busy then.What is a good time to go.
Written 24 July 2022
Definitely Sunday I found it was the Best Day I tried again on Monday and it was really Busy
Written 25 July 2022
Starting in London thinking of taking the train to Cambridge to visit the Fitzwilliam Museum, then a train trip to Ely to visit the Cathedral, then a return trip to London. Is this possible as a day trip ?
Written 25 June 2019
Would agree with Dan you would need to stop overnight in one of those places. There is much more to do and see in Cambridge so would spend your fullest day there., If you choose to overnight in Ely I can recommend Poets House hotel. Ely Cathedral is a must plus lovely setting by the river for a walk. Cambridge is a bigger town, more choice of restaurants, Fitz William museum,walking around the colleges and maybe a punt on the river as well!!
Written 24 July 2019
What is the cost of the guided tours.
Written 30 September 2016
A basic tour on the ground is included with the admission charge. There is an additional charge for each of the towers. There is an overall charge for a package of ground tour, one tower, the stained glass museum, and a cup of tea. Suggest you look at the website as prices may change.
Written 30 September 2016
If I take the train from London to Ely to visit the cathedral, when I get off the train, is it considered walking distance from the train station to the Cathedral? Thank you.
Written 28 August 2015
Not too far, about ten or fifteen minutes, along the river, then through the gardens and park, and along The Gallery to the West door.
Written 30 September 2016
Hi, bit confused here, we bought our tickets inside the Cathedral, nothing to do with TA office. We have family n Ely, and whoever told you to go to the tourist office was simply wrong, there is no connection.
were misled by the previous posting? Talk to the lovely ladies and chaps on the tills inside the church, they couldn't be more helpful, he even phoned up and found a visit to the Kings chapel for us in Cambridge too.
Written 14 March 2015
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