Ely Cathedral dominates the skyline of Ely and is one of the most significant medieval cathedrals in England.
Founded as a monastery in 672, the cathedral was rebuilt in the 11th century following the Norman Conquest. It became a cathedral in 1109 and has played a central role in the region’s religious and cultural history. The cathedral is famous for its unique octagonal tower, which was built in 1342. The wooden lantern structure that sits atop the tower remains an architectural achievement of its time.
What to see at Ely Cathedral
Visitors can explore the nave, which features intricate Norman architecture and a painted ceiling. The Lady Chapel, added in the 14th century, has elaborate carvings and large stained-glass windows. The Stained Glass Museum, housed in the cathedral’s south triforium, offers insights into the history of stained glass in Britain.
The Octagon Tower can be climbed for panoramic views of Ely and the surrounding Fens. Guided tours provide further historical context, including details about the cathedral’s links to Oliver Cromwell and the English Civil War. The cathedral also hosts regular services, concerts and exhibitions.
Visiting Ely Cathedral
Ely Cathedral is in the city centre and most other points of interest in Ely are no more than a 5–10-minute walk from here.
The cathedral is open daily. Standard admission costs £14 and entry includes a digital multimedia/audio guide with tours ranging from 30 minutes to two hours. These are available in British Sign Language, English, French, German, Italian, Polish and Spanish.
There is also a range of guided tours. Of these, the one-hour ground floor and Octagon Tower guided tours are the most popular with several tours a day. There are also tours of the West Tower, which run on weekends, and the Hidden Heights tour, which only runs on selected dates. Ground floor tours are included with your admission charge but you’ll need to book a place on the tour. Other tours come at an additional charge with the Octagon Tower tour costing £11, the West Tower experience costing £9 and the Hidden Heights tour costing £35.
Children under 10 are not permitted on the Octagon Tower tour or the West Tower experience. The minimum age for the Hidden Heights tour is 16 and 16 and 17 year olds on this tour must be accompanied by an adult.
Visitor facilities include the Almonry Restaurant and the 13th-century undercroft as well as a gift shop.
A visit to Ely Cathedral typically takes one to two hours, but allow longer if you’re taking a guided tour.
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