Ely Cathedral & Oliver Cromwell's House

This guided day trip takes you 16 miles northeast to Ely, a cathedral city dominated by its 11th-century Norman cathedral. The tour covers both the cathedral's soaring nave and intricate Lady Chapel, then moves to Oliver Cromwell's House where period rooms display Civil War-era furnishings and documents. You'll see where Cromwell lived before becoming Lord Protector, with guides explaining the political tensions of 1600s England. The combination offers both architectural and political history in one morning or afternoon. Best for architecture enthusiasts and English Civil War history fans. This is a easy activity lasting 6 hours. Group size: max 20. You meet at Cambridge Railway Station. Key highlights: Norman cathedral with the distinctive Octagon Tower visible for miles across the Fens, Oliver Cromwell's House with original period rooms and Civil War artifacts, Expert guided commentary on both religious and political history.

Price: £35

Duration: 6 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: max 20

Best for: architecture enthusiasts and English Civil War history fans

Best time: April to September for dry weather and longer daylight; avoid November-February due to reduced opening hours

Meeting point: Cambridge Railway Station

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Start of tour Travel from Cambridge Railway Station to Ely by coach - Approximately 30-40 minute journey through the Fenland landscape.

Mid-morning Guided walking tour of Ely Cathedral interior - Group enters the cathedral to see the Octagon Tower, Lady Chapel, and nave with expert commentary on Norman and Gothic architecture.

Late morning Free time to explore cathedral grounds and exterior views - Opportunity to walk around the cathedral exterior and visit the gift shop or café.

Midday Walking tour of Oliver Cromwell's House - Guided walk through period rooms displaying 17th-century furnishings, with focus on Cromwell's life before the Civil War.

Early afternoon Lunch break in Ely town centre - Free time to eat at local pubs or cafés; coach departs from meeting point at set time.

Return Coach journey back to Cambridge Railway Station - Approximately 40 minutes to return to starting point.

The whole experience takes 6 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Cambridge Railway Station.

• Norman cathedral with the distinctive Octagon Tower visible for miles across the Fens
• Oliver Cromwell's House with original period rooms and Civil War artifacts
• Expert guided commentary on both religious and political history
• Fenland landscape views rarely seen from Cambridge
• Ely town with independent shops and riverside walks
• Accessibility: Cathedral has limited wheelchair access in some areas; Cromwell's House has one step at entrance. Contact operator for specific accessibility needs.

What is included: Coach transport from Cambridge Railway Station, Professional tour guide for cathedral and Cromwell's House, Entry to Oliver Cromwell's House.

Not included: Ely Cathedral entry (additional £8), Meals and drinks, Personal shopping or extended sightseeing. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes for cathedral and town exploration, Waterproof jacket (Fenland weather is changeable), Camera for exterior cathedral and landscape shots, Spending money for lunch and café stops. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: April to September for dry weather and longer daylight; avoid November-February due to reduced opening hours.

Tip: Direct trains run hourly

Tip: Cathedral entry additional £8

Accessibility: Cathedral has limited wheelchair access in some areas; Cromwell's House has one step at entrance. Contact operator for specific accessibility needs..

Operator: Premium Tours Cambridge

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Cambridge Railway Station Architecture Tour (Departure point walk)
• Fitzwilliam Museum (40 min from station to museum walk)

This activity is run by Premium Tours Cambridge.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 24 hours before departure; non-refundable within 24 hours.

Accessibility: Cathedral has limited wheelchair access in some areas; Cromwell's House has one step at entrance. Contact operator for specific accessibility needs..

Best time to go: April to September for dry weather and longer daylight; avoid November-February due to reduced opening hours.

How far is Ely Cathedral from Cambridge?

Ely Cathedral is approximately 16 miles northeast of Cambridge city centre. The coach journey takes 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, direct trains from Cambridge Railway Station reach Ely in about 20 minutes and run hourly throughout the day.

Is cathedral entry included in the tour price?

The £35 tour price includes coach transport and a guided tour of Oliver Cromwell's House. Ely Cathedral entry costs an additional £8. Cathedral entry is compulsory if you want to see the interior, though you can view the exterior and grounds without paying.

How much time do you spend inside the cathedral?

The guided cathedral tour typically lasts 60-90 minutes, including both the interior tour with a guide and some free exploration time. This covers the main highlights: the Octagon Tower, Lady Chapel, and the nave with its Norman pillars.