Ely Cathedral
The 'Ship of the Fens,' Ely Cathedral, with its Norman nave and medieval timber octagonal lantern, is unrivalled. It is a 15-minute train ride from Cambridge.
Ely Cathedral stands in the small town of Ely, about 25 km north of Cambridge. Construction began in 1083. Because it rises from the flat fenland, it is known as the 'Ship of the Fens.' Highlights include the Norman nave, about 76 meters long, with its painted timber ceiling, and the octagonal lantern rebuilt after the central tower collapsed in the 14th century. The lantern is an octagonal roof-light built from huge oak timbers and is hailed as a medieval engineering marvel. Guided tours can take you up to the lantern or the west tower. Admission is about GBP 20, and there is also a Stained Glass Museum. The town has Oliver Cromwell's House too. It takes about 15 minutes by train from Cambridge, and the cathedral is a 10-minute walk from the station.
Opening hours
Mon–Sat 10:00–16:00, Sun 12:00–15:00
Nearby sights
- Anglesey Abbey
- Castle Mound
- Magdalene College & Pepys Library
- Kettle's Yard
- Round Church, Cambridge
- St John's College, Cambridge
- Cambridge Market Square
- Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences