St Etheldreda's RC Church Ely
A tranquil Catholic church in Ely, home to the relic of St. Etheldreda, offering a warm welcome and a peaceful sanctuary for prayer and reflection.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Experience community worship
St Etheldreda's RC Church Ely
Best Time
Experience community worship
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil Catholic church in Ely, home to the relic of St. Etheldreda, offering a warm welcome and a peaceful sanctuary for prayer and reflection.
"A wonderful sanctuary to go to for prayer and contemplation, with a warm and welcoming parish priest. "
Warm Welcome Awaits
The parish priest is known for being incredibly welcoming and helpful. Don't hesitate to reach out!
Photography Friendly
Visitors are welcome to take photographs, perfect for documenting your visit. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shrine of St. Etheldreda
Main Altar Area
Venerate the relic of St. Etheldreda, a saint with deep ties to Cambridge, in this peaceful shrine.
Stained Glass Windows
Throughout the Church
Admire the beautiful 1970s stained glass depicting English martyrs and St. Etheldreda.
Statue of St. Etheldreda
Church Porch
See the weathered statue of St. Etheldreda, which once stood above the doorway.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Peaceful Sanctuary
Pilgrimage and History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Warm Welcome Awaits
The parish priest is known for being incredibly welcoming and helpful. Don't hesitate to reach out!
Photography Friendly
Visitors are welcome to take photographs, perfect for documenting your visit. :camerawithflash:
Peaceful Atmosphere
Find tranquility and peace here, ideal for prayer and quiet reflection. :pray:
Combine with Cathedral Visit
Many visitors combine a trip to St. Etheldreda's with a visit to Ely Cathedral.
Tips
from all over the internet
Warm Welcome Awaits
The parish priest is known for being incredibly welcoming and helpful. Don't hesitate to reach out!
Photography Friendly
Visitors are welcome to take photographs, perfect for documenting your visit. :camerawithflash:
Peaceful Atmosphere
Find tranquility and peace here, ideal for prayer and quiet reflection. :pray:
Combine with Cathedral Visit
Many visitors combine a trip to St. Etheldreda's with a visit to Ely Cathedral.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. Etheldreda's RC Church Ely for its peaceful atmosphere and the exceptionally warm welcome from the parish priest. It's highlighted as a wonderful sanctuary for prayer, contemplation, and community worship, with many appreciating the opportunity to venerate the relic of St. Etheldreda and admire the beautiful stained glass windows.
"Came here for a pilgrimage last week. It's a lovely tiny Catholic Church. The parish priest is very welcoming and friendly. It's a wonderful sanctuary to go to for prayer and contemplation and if you can, to attend the Mass to for community worship!"
Sandy Fragata
"I traveled from London specifically to visit the shrine and also the cathedral. I communicated with the parish and Fr David Finegan the parish priest was warm and helpful in my planning to visit.
When I arrived on a Saturday towards the end of a First Holy Communion Mass, despite being busy, Fr David warmly welcomed me and showed me the treasures of his church and a little bit of the history.
St Ethledreda's relic is held here and is exposed for all to venerate. It is beside a fine font and a beautiful statute of the saint.
Two fine windows from the 1970s depict two of the canonised English martyrs with a link to Cambridge, St Margaret Cliteroe and St John Houghton.
As one comes into the church in the porch is a rather weathered statute of a saint. This is St Etheldreda and once stood above the door way but apparently came down in a storm. She holds a model of the Church and is depicted this way in the windows above the main altar.
A beautiful and peaceful church in the presence of the great saint of Cambridge, St Etheldreda.
A warm and welcoming parish priest.
Any visit to Ely should include a visit to the Shrine."
Christopher J Keeffe
"Made welcome, I asked to take photographs for my Churches of Norfolk site that I have already completed! Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Lincolnshire are more on my list and Leicestershire too of which I visited 9 yesterday! The Old Boi from Norfolk and Ray.
Thank you!"
Kelvin Boldero
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Etheldreda's RC Church is located in Ely. It's easily accessible by car and public transport. Many visitors find it convenient to combine with a visit to Ely Cathedral.
Information on specific parking availability can vary. It's advisable to check local parking regulations or use public parking facilities in Ely. Consider using a parking app for real-time availability.
Absolutely! St. Etheldreda's is a perfect addition to a day trip to Ely, especially when combined with the nearby cathedral.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to St. Etheldreda's RC Church is typically free, as it is a place of worship. Donations are always appreciated to help maintain the church.
As a functioning church, it is generally open during daylight hours for prayer and visits. It's best to confirm specific Mass times or any temporary closures if planning a visit during a specific event.
Yes, you can attend Mass. The church holds regular services, and attending Mass is a wonderful way to experience the community worship.
While specific accessibility details may vary, many churches strive to be welcoming. It's recommended to contact the parish directly for detailed information on accessibility features.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally permitted inside St. Etheldreda's RC Church, making it a great spot for capturing its beauty.
Focus on the shrine of St. Etheldreda, the beautiful stained glass windows, and the unique statues for memorable shots.
🎫 🙏 Spiritual Experience
The church is significant as it houses the relic of St. Etheldreda, a revered saint with historical ties to the region. It serves as a place of pilgrimage and prayer.
Visitors can expect a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere, opportunities for prayer and contemplation, and the chance to admire religious art and historical relics.
Absolutely. Many visitors find St. Etheldreda's to be a sanctuary of peace and tranquility, perfect for quiet reflection and spiritual rejuvenation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Pilgrims and Spiritual Seekers
Many visitors travel specifically to venerate the relic and find solace in the church's tranquil environment. The opportunity to attend Mass also provides a communal spiritual experience. If you are seeking a place for quiet reflection, spiritual renewal, or to connect with a significant religious heritage, St. Etheldreda's is an ideal destination.
History Enthusiasts and Art Lovers
Don't miss the unique statue of St. Etheldreda in the porch, a piece with its own story. The church's blend of historical artifacts, religious art, and a peaceful setting makes it an interesting stop for those who appreciate cultural heritage. It's a place where history and faith intertwine beautifully.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Shrine and Relic of St. Etheldreda
The presence of the relic makes the church a destination for those on a pilgrimage, offering a tangible link to the saint's legacy. The area around the shrine is often described as peaceful and conducive to prayer, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the spiritual atmosphere of the church. It's a key reason why many travel specifically to visit this location.
Beyond the relic, the church also features a beautiful statue of St. Etheldreda, which once graced the church's exterior. This statue, along with depictions in the stained glass windows, further emphasizes the saint's importance to the church and its visitors. The combination of historical artifacts and a welcoming spiritual environment makes the shrine a compelling draw.
Architectural and Artistic Features
Another point of interest is the weathered statue of St. Etheldreda located in the porch. This statue, which originally stood above the church's doorway, has a story of resilience, having survived a storm. Its depiction of the saint holding a model of the church is a unique artistic choice that resonates with visitors.
These artistic touches, combined with the overall peaceful ambiance, contribute to the church's charm. Visitors often comment on the beauty of the stained glass and the character of the carved wood porch, making it a visually engaging as well as spiritually uplifting place to visit.
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