Cambridge Churches and Cathedrals

(Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, UK)

Although Cambridge is famous for being a university city, it surprisingly does not actually contain a cathedral of its own, although there are certainly plenty of historic churches to admire. Instead, Cambridge falls within the Diocese of Ely (Church of England) and is widely associated with the magnificent Ely Cathedral, which is just over 20 minutes away and was built between the years of 1083 and 1375. Many of the churches in the city are affiliated with university colleges, featuring strong historical connections.

Located on Jesus Lane, All Saints' Church stands in the city centre and can be found opposite Jesus College, next to Westcott House, where it was built between the years of 1863 and 1870, and is known for its beautiful Gothic Revival facade. Another of the most notable religious structures sited in Cambridge is the Church of Our Lady and the English Martyrs, which serves the local Roman Catholic community and is slightly younger, with construction taking place from 1885 to 1890.

Sunday services in the main churches are generally well attended, with many locals being accompanied by the ever-changing stream of students from the university colleges, as well as visitors to the city.

Ely Cathedral

Address: The College, Chapter House, Ely, CB7 4DL, England
Tel: +44 (0)1353 667735
Located in the suburbs of Cambridge, roughly 14 miles / 23 km to the north-east, Ely Cathedral dates back almost 1,000 years, when construction first began. Attractions include superb views across the surrounding countryside, the Lady Chapel - the largest chapel in England, an octagonal gallery, the Museum of Stained Glass and a brass rubbing centre. There are also a number of important religious medieval buildings and frequent guided tours.
Open hours: summer, daily - 07:00 to 19:00; winter, Monday to Saturday - 07:30 to 18:00, Sunday - 07:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and children

All Saints' Church

Address: Jesus Lane, Cambridge, CB3 7JF, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 352645
All Saints' Church is a beautiful Victorian Grade-II listed structure no longer used for regular services, although it does remain open to visitors. Highlights include Victorian décor, period features, stunning stained-glass windows and detailed architecture.
Open hours: daily - if closed, a key can be borrowed from the nearby shop 'Every Occasion' on King Street
Admission: free

Our Lady and the English Martyrs Church (OLEM)

Address: Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 1JR, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 350787
Our Lady and the English Martyrs is a Roman Catholic church located in central Cambridge, on the busy crossroads of Hills Road (A1307) and Lensfield Road (A603), just across from the acclaimed Oak Bistro. Constructed in the late 19th century, the building itself features neo-Gothic architecture, a tall spire, wonderful stained-glass windows and many historic elements.
Open hours: daily - 07:30 to 20:00
Admission: free

Denny Abbey

Address: Ely Road, Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire, CB5 9PQ, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 860988
Owned by English Heritage, Denny Abbey is situated in the nearby fen-edge village of Waterbeach. Dating back to the middle of the 12th century and originally a Benedictine monastery, Denny Abbey is especially family orientated and features an interesting Farmland Museum, blacksmith demonstrations and workshops, a gift shop, picnic areas and a café.
Open hours: April to October, daily - 12:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, children five years old and under are free, members of English Heritage area free

Great St. Mary's Church

Address: St. Mary's Passage, Cambridge, CB2 3PQ, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 741716
Close to the Visitor Information Centre on Peas Hill, Great St. Mary's is a popular parish church that was built in the late-15th century. Notable attractions include 18th-century galleries and a tall bell tower, which can be climbed and boasts superb panoramic views of the city centre.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 20:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Little St. Mary's Church

Address: Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1QG, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 350733
Located on Trumpington Street and next to Pembroke College, Little St. Mary's Church features whitewashed walls, tall windows and roof beams, as well as a rather colourful family coat of arms.
Open hours: Sunday to Saturday - 08:00 to 19:00
Admission: free

Round Church

Address: Bridge Street, Cambridge, CB2 1UA, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 871621
Round Church can be found in the city centre and just a short walk away from the ADC Theatre and Pizza Express. This is one of the most unusual churches in the region, being built in the early 12th century and modified over the years. Visitors will discover replacement 15th-century windows, a brass-rubbing centre and free guided tours.
Open hours: daily, winter - 10:00 to 17:00, summer - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

St. Andrew the Great Church

Address: St. Andrew's Street, Cambridge, CB2 3AX, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 518219
The St. Andrew the Great Church resides next to Christ's College and Lion Yard, and dates back to the mid-19th century. This splendid building features a memorial to famous English sailor Captain James Cook and also offers regular services.
Open hours: Saturday and Sunday - 08:00 to 20:00
Admission: free

St. Benedict's Church

Address: Benedict Street, Cambridge, CB2 3PT, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 353903
St. Benedict's belongs to the Church of England and stands on Benedict Street, close to Pembroke College and Peterhouse. This is one of the oldest buildings in the whole of the city, with some elements being more than 1,000 years old. Of particular interest is the Norman architecture and the many detailed stone carvings.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

St. Edward King and Martyr Church

Address: St. Edward's Passage, Cambridge, CB2 3PJ, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 871810
St. Edward's is situated in the city centre and follows the Church of England religion. With a number of interesting historic features dating from the 12th century, highlights include a tall tower and a wooden pulpit, which is almost 500 years old. Nearby you will find the King's College Chapel, St. Catharine's College and the Cambridge Arts Theatre.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 20:00
Admission: free

St. Michael's Church

Address: Trinity Street, Cambridge, CB2 1TB, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 358116
Built in the 1350s, St. Michael's was once the chapel to Michaelhouse college. This important parish church stands alongside the Gonville and Caius College, where it features a number of interesting period details and Gothic-style decorations.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 20:00
Admission: free

Anglesey Abbey

Address: Quy Road, Lode, Cambridgeshire, CB5 9EJ, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 811200
Built in the 17th century and now owned by the National Trust, Anglesey Abbey is situated in the nearby village of Lode, roughly a 20-minute drive to the north-east of the city centre. This historic church features a large collection of paintings, tapestries, a watermill and scenic riverside gardens, while families will enjoy the hands-on activities at the Inspiration Station, or perhaps dressing up in some of the period costumes.
Open hours: daily - 10:30 to 17:30
Admission: charge, discounts available from children, National Trust members are free

Holy Trinity Church

Address: Market Street, Cambridge, CB2 3NZ, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 355397
The Holy Trinity is one of the oldest churches in Cambridge and dates back to the 13th century. With many historic features, regular services are held here and all are welcome to attend. Nearby points of reference include the Sidney Sussex College, St. Michael's Court and an outlet of the department store Marks & Spencer.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 20:00
Admission: free

Other churches and religious buildings in the Cambridge area include:

Beth Shalom Reform Synagogue

Address: Cockcroft Place, Clarkson Road, Cambridge, CB3 0HF, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 365614
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 20:00
Admission: free

Cambridge Community Church

Address: 14 Alpha Terrace, Cambridge, CB2 2HT, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 844415
Open hours: Sunday - from 10:00
Admission: free

Cambridge Hebrew Congregation Synagogue

Address: 3 Beaufort Place, Thompsons Lane, Cambridge, CB5 8AG, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 365680
Open hours: Sunday to Friday - 07:00 to 21:00
Admission: free

Cambridge Muslim Welfare Society

Address: Mawson Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EA, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 350134
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 20:00
Admission: free

St. Botolph's Church

Address: Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1QA, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 363529
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 20:00
Admission: free

St. Mary Magdalene / Leper Chapel

Address: Newmarket Road, Cambridge, CB5 8TD, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 413343
Open hours: first and fourth Sunday of each month - 18:30, key available from the nearby Station House for access at other times
Admission: free

St. Peter's Church

Address: Castle Hill, Cambridge, CB3 7BG, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 262218
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 13:30 to 16:30
Admission: free