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Ely Cathedral

Chapter House, The College, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 4DL

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Comments View
    • The Cathedral was founded as a monastery in 673 by St. Etheldreda, a Saxon Princess from East Anglia, the site of whose shrine is in front of the High Altar. Destroyed by the Danes in 870, the monastery was re-founded as a Benedictine community in 970. Work on the present building commenced in the early 1080's under Abbot Simeon. The monks knew that only the best can ever be good enough to offer to God. They built this massive church as an offering to him, and the worship that has been offered here ever since is an echo in words and music of their practical work as builders. It is a place made holy by the associations of the centuries, and a place where today, you can be quiet and meet God our creator. It became a Cathedral - the seat of the Bishop - in 1109. Henry VIII closed the monastery in 1539 but it has continued to exist as a Cathedral to the present day.

Opening Times

  • Comments View
    • During the transition period to full opening of the Cathedral please see the 'Changes to Opening Hours' information.
    • https://www.elycathedral.org/visit/changes-to-opening-times.

Admission Charges

General Information

  • Cathedral Opening Times
  • Summer 07.00 - 18.30.
  • Winter 07.00 - 18.30 (Monday-Saturday), 07.00 - 17.30 (Sunday).
  • Cathedral Services
  • Sundays 08.15, 10.30 and 16.00.
  • Weekdays 07.30, 08.00, 12.10 (Thursdays and Saints' Days) and 17.30.
  • For general visitor access, we recommend you visit between 09.00 and 17.00 (Mondays - Saturdays) and Midday and 16.00 on Sundays, when you will be able to access more of the Ely Cathedral and enjoy one of our tours.
  • As a busy, living, working place of worship, there will be times visitor access is restricted or not possible, due to services, events, filming or maintenance.

Location

  • There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Ely.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The door(s) is / are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 200cm (6ft 7in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).

Level Change (Main Entrance)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located either side of the second set of doors.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does not have handrails.

Outside Access (Car Park Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building, next to the car park.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is / are single.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a small raised threshold in the doorway.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).

Outside Access (External Cafe Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is / are single.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).

Level Change (External Cafe Entrance)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located immediately beyond the entrance.
  • There is/are 1 step(s) to the area/service.
  • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Outside Access (Internal Cafe Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located to the left after you enter.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 130cm (4ft 3in).

Level Change (Internal Cafe Entrance)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does not have handrails.

Reception (Main Reception)

  • The desk/counter is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing system is available only on request.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.

Reception (Box Office)

  • The desk/counter is 93m (101yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • This reception is located in the middle of the cathedral, close to the car park entrance and is used to purchase tickets for special events as well as admission to the other parts of the cathedral.

Inside Access

  • There is not level access to the service(s).
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are bright.

Level Change (Inside Access and Toilets)

  • Easy ramps and slopes are located in various places throughout the cathedral.
  • Some have handrails.
  • Medium steps are also located in various places throughout the cathedral.
  • Some of the steps have handrails.
  • The ramps and slopes overcome these steps.

Eating and Drinking (Cathedral Cafe)

  • The following information is for the cafe.
  • The cafe is located to the left after you enter the building.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the internal cafe entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 77cm (2ft 6in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The standard height for tables is 77cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Takeaway cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are not available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.

Toilet with Adaptations

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 95m (103yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located in the corridor within the Lady Chapel, to the left of the main cathedral.
    • There is not level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 94cm (3ft 1in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 180cm x 220cm (5ft 11in x 7ft 3in).
    • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is sensor.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary and waste paper pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • The accessible toilet is accessed via a ramp leading to the facility.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located in the corridor within the Lady Chapel, to the left of the main cathedral.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 95m (103yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is not level access to the female and male toilets.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within each standard toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 84cm (2ft 9in).
  • Comments View
    • The standard toilets are accessed via a ramp leading to the facilities.

Additional Info

  • Staff do not receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents are not available in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.