Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Ely Cathedral

    4.9 (17 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 6:30 pm

    Ely Cathedral Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Ely Cathedral

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Outside Views
    Vivienne C.

    First time at Ely Cathedral which is what Ely is known for and I absolutely loved the experience. It's a quick train ride from Cambridge, 15 minutes, but the train station itself is a bit of a walk to the Cathedral itself. Here are some of my favorite bits in the cathedral: - It's free! Super nice because a lot of famous cathedrals like this one are not. - The inside is extremely impressive. They are famous for this part of the roof that is shaped like an octagon and I would say that this is one of my most favorite parts of the cathedral. - Got to hear the choir sing for a bit which is just absolutely magnificent the way their voices echo throughout the cathedral. It really made my experience here. Overall, absolutely fantastic place to visit and the location is pretty nice as well since it is located on the main road where there are a bunch of cute little stores to look around afterwards. The town really reminds me of the English countryside towns. Would highly recommend visiting if in Cambridge/Ely area.

    Joe T.

    Awesome cathedral. Located in Ely only 15 minutes away by rail from Cambridge. One can travel here early, visit the cathedral, and then spend the rest of the day in Cambridge. If you have more time, spending the rest of the day in Ely would be a great way to spend a day in the country side. The cathedral is magnificent. I would definitely recommend a tour to include the Octagon. It is an amazing part of the building. The engineering aspects of it are incredible. From the top you can look down inside the cathedral and just see how grand it is. On the roof, you have an excellent view of the surrounding area. It is definitely worth the trip out here.

    Sal R.

    Beautiful place to visit. A must for anyone in the area. It's a great place to visit for inner peace. There's a gift shop located inside the cathedral so that you can take something back home that will remind you of this place. General admission was 9 pounds unless you plan on visit climbing up yhto tower at an additional cost. Worth the trip.

    Lexie W.

    If you are anywhere near Ely, you MUST make this cathedral a destination to visit! Absolutely beautiful. My recommendation would be to go in on a Sunday when there is no entry price and you can do a self guided tour. If not, I'd recommend the tower tour and get the whole experience - that is, if you can make the climb up all the stairs. The view from the top of the cathedral is gorgeous when the weather is good.

    Qype User (mija61…)

    I took a day trip to Ely for the express purpose of seeing Ely Cathedral, and I am so glad I did. The cathedral is stunning! It's literally gigantic--576 feet long, with an uninterrupted nave of 248 feet. St. Etheldreda founded a monastery here in 673. The monastery was destroyed by the Danes, and bulding of the present building began in 1081 (yes, that's very old building!). In 1322 the central tower fell, and "Alan of Walsingham" took the opportunity to replace the central tower with an octagonal tower. Quite a feat of engineering in any time period, let alone in the 1300s! The interior is lovely---be sure to focus on the painted ceiling in the nave, the stained glass, and all of the decorative elements. There is also a lovely Lady Chapel, which is the largest in Britain. A guided tour is included in the price of admission. Take the tour, and then go back and wander around the areas that particuarly interest you. I'm going to add a couple of pictures---not the best in the world, but perhaps they'll get you interested. All in all, a fantastic place to visit.

    Front Entrance to Ely Cathedral
    Qype User (MrFlyn…)

    Lets face it, the landscape around this part of the country isn't ever going to be described as stunning (unless you really hate hills, or even small bumps). But, should you ever find yourself passing even remotely close, I would strongly suggest a detour to Ely, and an afternoon spent exploring the great cathedral there. To describe it as a hidden gem would be an understatement. Courtesy of the flat plains around, the cathedral rises out and can be seen from miles around. I guess they had a lot of time on their hands in the middle ages in the Fens - and it shows. The place is massive, and for a town the size of Ely, even more impressive. It is one of the best preserved monasteries in the UK, having survived Henrys great asset grab more or less intact. Inside it's vast, with some impressive stone work, and even ancient graffiti! The Lady chapel is spooky in it's demolished catholic wall carvings (head-less, and not-quite removed), and even the almost long gone cloister is quite impressive (if you like abbeys, that is!). It was Oliver Cromwells home town too, and you can visit his house (pretty much robbed of any real connection to him now). The rest of the town is the usual mixture of cutesy houses, and horrible chavy places. I'd recommend it to any of my overseas friends who might be doing a tour of the UK, and be in Cambridge as part of it. It's only 30min drive away from Cambridge, and would make a brilliant afternoon trip. It's well worth a look, even if you happen to live in Cambridge, or be up there visiting friends.

    See all

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joe T.
    66
    2203
    20894

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    19 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Review Highlights - Ely Cathedral

    There is also a lovely Lady Chapel, which is the largest in Britain.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    Get access to customer & competitor insights.

    Verify this business

    Burghley House - Burghley House

    Burghley House

    4.4(13 reviews)
    34.5 mi

    Burghley House is one of the grandest Elizabethan stately homes in the UK, and is surrounded by…read moregardens and extensive parkland. It has been used in over a dozen films and TV productions, including "Pride & Prejudice", "The Da Vinci Code", "Elizabeth: The Golden Age"; and "The Crown". To understand the significance of the house, a little history is helpful; it was built by Sir WIlliam Cecil (1520-1598), later Lord Burghley. He was one of the pre-eminent advisors of the Tudor period, and the closest advisor to Elizabeth I for most of her reign, acting variously as Secretary of State, Lord High Treasurer and Lord Privy Seal. His impressive tomb is in St Martin's church, in nearby Stamford. The house was built to reflect his status, paid for by the wool wealth from the Burghley estates, and his substantial income from the state appointments. As such, it is sometimes referred to as a "Prodigy House", one built on a palatial scale by noble families and courtiers, and capable of housing visiting Tudor and Stuart monarchs and their extensive retinues. The house itself was built between 1555 and 1587, and the exterior is largely faithful to this period. The design reflects the transition from a mediaeval courtyard house, with the Elizabethan desire for symmetry, to the emerging classical tastes of the Renaissance. The profusion of obelisks, turrets, chimneys and pennants is, however, thoroughly Tudor in style, and gives the house its unmistakeable profile. The interiors were not completed at Burghley's death, and reflect the emerging Baroque tastes of the 17th and early 18th centuries. There are 35 major rooms, many incredibly opulent, including those painted trompe d'oeil walls and ceilings by Antonio Verrio in 1697-99. A number of the rooms include stained glass windows, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. The house also contains an impressive collection of over 300 paintings acquired by the 5th and 8th Earls of Exeter, mostly from Italy, as well as an important collection of Japanese export porcelain from the 17th century, and 18th century English furniture. Tours include the impressive Tudor kitchens, although the route doesn't enter through the main courtyard entrance, so it can be a bit puzzling. Much of the house remains in private occupation, though there is a lot to see in what is open to the public. The audio tours are very helpful at putting the interiors and collections into context, in what otherwise can a feel a slightly overwhelming experience. The gardens include a formal "Garden of Surprises" with a number of water features, a sculpture park, and more extensive parkland, modelled in the 18th century by Capability Brown. You can buy tickets just for the gardens, or a combined ticket for both gardens and the house. I'd leave at least an hour for the house, though we took two hours to go around (it all depends on your appetite for art and architecture). There's a cafe-restaurant in the Orangerie, and a smaller "Garden Cafe". We ate in the latter: it is a little pricey, but I found the food to be a cut above your average sandwich, and they had locally made ice cream as an extra treat.

    It's okay. Very expensive for not great touring…read more Your ticket gets you into the gardens and house but only a very small portion of the home is available for viewing. In this section there are an astounding number of paintings but most are copies or unattributed. The furniture is beautiful. The gardens are pleasant but garden is a loose term. The best part was the mirror maze and the lake overlook but there were sparse plantings and almost no flowers. The orangery is one food option but the food is incredibly esoteric for a small, over priced cafe. The chicken tenders are a mediocre but safe option. Not impressed, wouldn't go back

    Photos
    Burghley House - Garden of Surprises, Burghley House

    Garden of Surprises, Burghley House

    Burghley House - Garden of Surprises, Burghley House

    Garden of Surprises, Burghley House

    Burghley House

    See all

    Oxburgh Hall / National Trust - Near the entry gates/walkway to the hall

    Oxburgh Hall / National Trust

    5.0(1 review)
    18.0 mi

    Oxburgh Hall is a place that shouldn't be missed when visiting the area. It sits within a moat and…read moreis a great example of English brick gatehouses of the 15th century. It was originally built circa 1482 by Sir Edmund Bedingfeld and has been continuously occupied by the family ever since. There have been several upgrades as well over the years...centuries. There are Victorian additions that were added later in the 1800's like the terracotta chimneys and windows along with amazing gardens to name a few. It has always been used as a home, and not a fortress. The home has seen the War of the Roses, survived a fire and near demolition prospects and still stands. It is truly an amazing place to visit and I'm happy it's under the care of the National Trust. The hall is known for its "Priest hole". In the event of a raid a priest could hide in the wall and couldn't be found. This is open to the public, whereas most like it are closed. That makes this is a fantastic historical opportunity alone. I must say, it is a little unsettling to go into the hole and you definitely get the idea of how the priest must have felt. The home is also known for the needlework on display by Mary, Queen of Scots while imprisoned in England and Bess of Hardwick. You can also tour the Kings Room where King Henri VIII stayed when visiting. Photos are not allowed inside...darn it, but you are welcome to take pictures of the grounds and such. You can obtain books and postcards in the gift shop. This review was overdue and I simply can't believe that I didn't finish it. But I'm even more surprised that no one else has reviewed this place when it is so extraordinary. It shouldn't be missed if you are in the area. If you are a history buff like us, then you'll truly enjoy it. Gee Whiz info...the name is pronounced: "OX bru" Note: I also recommend becoming a member of the National Trust. They do great things and keep history alive. Whether you are from or live in the UK or just visiting from outside the country...it's well worth it and goes to a great cause...it's a win/win for all!

    Crowland Bridge

    Crowland Bridge

    5.0(1 review)
    26.3 mi

    Trinity Bridge, Crowland, England was built 1360. This is an unusual 3-way bridge that now sits…read morehigh & dry in the center of Crowland. Sure enough, the River Welland now flows on a dead straight course to the west of the town along what is termed the Deeping High Bank. The Trinity or Triangular Bridge is said to be unique. Certainly, it is unusual and rather special. It stands in the middle of the town, at the junction of North, South, East and West Streets. Before the town was bypassed by the A1073 leading south to Peterborough, it was a familiar landmark for through traffic. It holds at least one mystery the identity of its mysterious carved stone figure, which people still argue about. The story of the bridge goes back to the 7th century when this part of the country was very different a time when England was divided into many kingdoms and when lonely saints found their way to remote islands. Some say it is King Ethelbald, complete with royal orb. Far more likely is that the statue is a representation of God or Jesus holding the world in His hands. If so, it bears a striking resemblance to statues on the surviving west front of the abbey and it is more than likely taken from there and placed in a more lowly position on the bridge. The current bridge dates to the 14th century (built between 1360 and 1390) and replaced previous wooden bridges but the earliest known mention of the bridge is by Ethelbald of Mercia in 716. The early bridge was probably made of timber, and not a trace survives. What we see today has an odd triangular design it has three arches but is one structure hence its name 'Trinity' or three in one. This came about because in those days it stood at the point where the River Welland divided into two streams. One led past the abbey at the water gate on the south side of the abbey site and the townspeople used it for sanitary and sewerage purposes. It drained into the River Nene. The main branch of the Welland meanwhile carried on northwards towards Spalding. These waterways were eventually covered over by the current street pattern. Arched over, they now serve as sewers. The bridge at one time had a large cross at its apex. It may have been used as a platform by preaching monks and as a centre of devotion for pilgrims approaching the abbey. During the Middle Ages it had gentle slopes leading upwards in more recent times steep steps have been substituted. If you are close by it is well worth taking time out to see the bridge and the abbey.

    Photos
    Crowland Bridge
    Crowland Bridge

    See all

    Anglesey Abbey and Gardens - Anglesey Abbey: Long Gallery

    Anglesey Abbey and Gardens

    4.4(5 reviews)
    11.3 mi

    Anglesey Abbey is a National Trust property, comprising a country house, 100 acres of landscaped…read moregrounds, and a working water mill. It is immensely popular, and has one of the Trust's largest restaurants. The site began life early in the 12th century as a priory of Augustinian Canons (it was never actually an Abbey). At the dissolution, it was sold, and much of the stone was removed to build nearby Madingley Hall. In 1595 it was acquired by the Fowkes family, who turned the remains into a Jacobean-style house, incorporating the Chapter House and Monk's warming room. It passed through a series of owners over the next 300 years, who added further wings and developed the grounds as an arboretum and garden. In 1926, it was acquired by two Anglo-American brothers, Urban Huttleston Broughton and his brother, Henry Rogers Broughton, who had recently inherited a fortune from their maternal grandfather. Broughton also inherited the title Lord Fairhaven, which had been granted to his father, who died before it could be conferred. On his marriage, Henry vacated the house and his older brother, now Lord Fairhaven, set about making further alterations and extensions, turning it into a comfortable and modern aristocratic country home, filled with his growing collection of antiques. These include an important collection of tapestries, paintings (notably a large number of landscapes of Windsor Castle), furniture, books and clocks. A notable item is the famous, late 18th Century "Pagoda Clock", regarded as one of the treasures of the National Trust. On chiming the hours, it comes alive with rotating obelisks and jewelled pineapples. On his death, the house was bequeathed to the National Trust. As well as the house itself, visitors can walk the extensive grounds, and visit the Lode Mill, a working mill rebuilt in the 18th century. Converted in 1900 to grind coprolites, it has now been converted back to grind flour. The entrance is off the main B1102 road on the Cambridge side of the village of Lode. There is a series of car parks, with disabled parking closest to the modern entrance buildings. These include a large cafe and a shop, which also sells plants. A small cabin holds second hand books, also for sale. The cafe - one of the largest on the NT estate - serves hot and cold meals as well as the cakes the Trust is known for.

    Anglesey Abbey is a stunning place. I offen go for a walk around the gardens…read more The mill is fully working and produces very good brown flour, which i use for making bread. The gardens have many hidding places for the children to explore. The house is lovely and i would recomend watching the clock strike its magical. The resturant is good serving meal, snacks and drinks.

    Photos
    Anglesey Abbey and Gardens - Siberian Squill

    Siberian Squill

    Anglesey Abbey and Gardens - Anglesey Abbey: Library

    Anglesey Abbey: Library

    Anglesey Abbey and Gardens - Anglesey Abbey: bedroom

    See all

    Anglesey Abbey: bedroom

    Audley End House and Gardens - Audley End House & Gardens

    Audley End House and Gardens

    4.5(2 reviews)
    26.2 mi

    Beautiful property that even the Queen visits some times during her travels in the UK. I did not…read morehave time to see the inside of the property unfortunately, however the outside is beautiful and it has amazing gardens. They even have a train going around one of the gardens for children. It is open longer hours in the summer and you can spend 2-3 hours here.

    This is a fantastic day out for young kids, my 1 year old and 3 year old loved it. Audley House…read moreitself and the grounds are spectacular, and there is a car park right next to the train station. Tickets for the trains are very reasonably priced, and the trains go roughly every 20 mins. The 1.5 mile trip is great, the engines are wonderfully maintained and there are lots of teddy bears dotted around the wood that the kids love pointing out. Crucially you need to check the opening times before planning a trip here. For the 2012 season the railway was only open at the weekends and school holidays, and even then only from 12 noon to 4.45pm (with the last steam train departure at 4pm). It's also the sort of venue that suits decent weather. The train carriages are covered, however there is also a large open 'Picnic and Play' area beside the terminal that has great play equipment, but would be much less pleasant in rainy weather. Other nice touches are the cafe and the guided Fairy Walk that kids can take through the woods. Overall a fantastic afternoon, just make sure to check the timetable and weather forecast.

    Photos
    Audley End House and Gardens - Audley End House & Gardens

    Audley End House & Gardens

    Audley End House and Gardens - Audley End House & Gardens

    Audley End House & Gardens

    Audley End House and Gardens - Audley End House & Gardens

    See all

    Audley End House & Gardens

    Ely Cathedral - landmarks - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...