GROUP VISITS 2018
Welcome Ely Cathedral is acknowledged as one of the Wonders of the Medieval World and has attracted visitors and pilgrims for over a thousand years. Located just north of Cambridge, this iconic landmark stands as a place of worship, visitor attraction, heritage site and filming location. As one of East Anglia s most popular destinations, it is an all-seasons attraction and open all year round. In addition to the Cathedral, there is plenty to see and experience in the beautiful, Medieval, riverside city. Ely is one of the smallest cities in the UK which makes everywhere easily accessible on foot. Many groups combine a visit to Ely Cathedral with a tour of Oliver Cromwell s House or a visit to the Ely Museum. There are local markets to enjoy plus many specialised independent shops. Ely has some beautiful parkland and a picturesque riverside with restaurants, galleries and antique shops. Ely Cathedral warmly welcomes groups and organised tours. We have a dedicated Groups Co-ordinator who is on hand to help you create the perfect experience, and can offer advice on tailoring your visit to your particular areas of interest. Group booking benefits include: Preferential rates to pre-booked groups of 15 or more Priority bookings in Cathedral restaurants A Meet and Greet service Coach pick-up and drop-off outside the main door of the Cathedral Refreshment voucher for the driver Specialist talks and guided tours Free pre-visit and entry for your Group Organiser Overseas Visitors - We have a number of guides that can conduct tours in foreign languages, including French and German. Please let our Groups Co-ordinator know in advance. Visitors with disabilities - We welcome visitors with disabilities. Wheelchairs are available for use whilst in the Cathedral and there are appropriate WC facilities on site. Groups and coach parties must book in advance. For any queries or bookings please contact our dedicated Groups Co-ordinator on: 01353 660359 or email: visits@elycathedral.org
Classic Group Package Special Interest Tours Exclusive tours and talks on special interests can be easily be arranged. These may include entry into areas not accessible to the general public. Please contact us for availability. Coach drop-off outside main entrance Meet and Greet service on arrival Visitor leaflet for all participants Personal Tour Guide Certain Foreign Language Guides are available 8 per person / 5.80 concession Total Tour Experience To include all of the above, plus: Guided Tower Tour Entrance to The Stained Glass Museum Tea or Coffee in The Refectory Café 19.50 per person / 16 concession Tower Tours A visit to Ely Cathedral would not be complete without a tour of one of our celebrated towers. The unique Octagon Tower, 170 steps ascending Medieval turrets, is considered the jewel in the Cathedral crown. The West Tower offers one of the best views in East Anglia and is well worth the 288-step climb to the top. Tours available daily (subject to guide availability). Monastic Buildings Pilgrimage Tour A Journey through Architecture Stained Glass Windows Behind the Scenes Lights Camera Action - A Tour of Ely Cathedral as a Film Location Art Through the Ages History of Cathedral Music Other themes are available by request. Additional charges apply to some specialist tours. Our dedicated Groups Co-ordinator will be happy to arrange your day out at Ely Cathedral to include tours, brass rubbing and lunches or afternoon tea at the Almonry Restaurant or Cathedral Refectory Café. How To find Us Monday - Saturday 7.50 (plus Cathedral admission charge) Sunday 9.50 Ely Cathedral is located approximately 15 miles North of the University City of Cambridge. There is a coach drop off bay directly outside the Cathedral and there are coach and car parking facilities within the City. Address: Ely Cathedral, Ely, Cambs, CB7 4DL A reasonable level of fitness is required to climb either tower. Tours subject to weather and light conditions and cannot take place in wet weather. www.elycathedral.org Follow us on:
Shopping, Eating and Drinking A Major Film and TV Location The Cathedral Shop Located inside the Cathedral, the shop offers a very specialist range of bespoke merchandise, exceptional gifts, cards, wrapping paper, CDs and a fascinating collection of books. The Old Choir House Located on Ely s High Street, you can choose from a wonderful selection of quality gifts, stationery and homeware. The Crown NETFLIX The Refectory Café Situated inside the Cathedral, the Refectory Café offers a selection of specialist teas and coffees to enjoy with home-made cakes and scones. Light lunches including soup, sandwiches, quiches and salads, cream teas and snacks are available throughout the day. Outdoor seating during the summer months. Groups welcome. Please call 01353 660346. Elizabeth The Golden Age The Almonry Restaurant The Almonry restaurant is a truly unique location nestled amongst the medieval precinct of Ely Cathedral. The main restaurant is located in a13th century under-croft providing a stunning yet informal space for lunches and bistro suppers. The elegant Tea Room and beautiful gardens provide plenty of seating to enjoy morning coffee with cake or indulge in a full afternoon tea whilst overlooking the magnificent east end of the Cathedral. Groups welcome. Please call 01353 666360. The King s Speech Ely Cathedral is considered one of the region s most prominent film locations, having featured in no less than eight celebrated movies including The King s Speech, The Crown, Jupiter Ascending, Macbeth, The Other Boleyn Girl and Elizabeth: The Golden Age. Netflix drama The Crown staring former Doctor Who Matt Smith, Wolf Hall actress Claire Foy and Oscar nominated John Lithgow, was one of the most recent major productions to be filmed at Ely Cathedral. Areas of Ely Cathedral were transformed to represent Westminster Abbey, including The West Porch, Nave and High Altar. Through its filming, Ely Cathedral has welcomed what would read as, quite possibly, the most illustrious cast ever assembled. More reasons to visit Ely Cathedral! One of the longest English Medieval Cathedrals Rich in Architectural Heritage, spanning over 400 years of style The largest Lady Chapel in England World famous Octagon and Lantern Tower Largest collection of Medieval buildings still in daily use Unique and only museum of stained glass in the UK
2018 Event Highlights at Ely Cathedral 21-24 June Flower Festival Kaleidoscope of Life The magnificent Medieval Cathedral in Ely will provide the perfect setting for what is expected to be one of the largest and most spectacular events in the East of England. Over 50,000 blooms will adorn the Cathedral in breath-taking displays. In addition to the thousands of flowers, there will be a programme of musical performances by choirs from across the world, floral demonstrations and a Gift & Craft Marquee. Reduced priced entry tickets for groups of 15 or more. 13 July - 28 October Helaine Blumenfeld OBE Exhibition An enlightening exhibition showing major new works by nationally acclaimed artist and contemporary sculptor Helaine Blumenfeld. This is one of her largest exhibitions which includes exciting new sculptures which will be on display both inside and outside the magnificent Medieval Cathedral of Ely. 15-17 November Christmas Gift & Food Fair This popular event is widely acknowledged as one of East Anglia s exceptional Christmas shopping experiences with over 120 bespoke trade stalls. Groups of 20 or more who book in advance to attend on Thursday, 15 November will attract a 20% discount on all tickets, with free entry and a lunch voucher for the driver.