Name: Southwell Minster
Rating: 5.0

Southwell Minster

Southwell Minster, Church Street, Southwell, Nottinghamshire NG25 0HD, UK

1-99 Years

Description

Welcome to Southwell Minster for more than 1,000 years Southwell Minster has been opening its doors to welcome visitors, pilgrims and worshippers. Hospitality in the name of Jesus Christ is at the heart of what we offer the 100,000 people who come in a typical year.

As well as being a beautiful and fascinating historic building, Southwell Minster is a community of clergy, other workers and many worshippers, contributing to the public life and private lives of the town and the whole diocese.

Here you can see Norman Romanesque architecture with three different levels, creating a Triforium and Clerestory supported by great stone pillars 16 feet in circumference. The construction of this nave was started in 1108 and it took 50 years to complete. The oak roof was destroyed by fire on November 5th in 1711.

There is no charge for entry but donations are gratefully received - suggested donation £5. Your donation will help us keep this historic building open for generations to come and support the important work we do. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Tours: Choose any of the options below, but please arrive 10 minutes prior to the start time so that the tour can start on time. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult at all times whilst taking part in tours.
The Archbishop’s Palace: The former Palace of the Archbishop of York stands next door to the Minster, adjoining the present official residence of the Bishop of Southwell.
State Chamber / Great Hall: The Archbishop's Palace Southwell is one of the best kept secrets of Nottinghamshire, so why not have your special event here? The Palace is now completely wheelchair accessible, and the State Chamber can accommodate lunch, dinner, meetings, or tea and coffee.
The Palace Gardens and the Archbishop’s Palace: The Palace Gardens are a fantastic place to explore and discover our history through living plants. A beautiful landscape set amongst the magnificent ruins of the Archbishop’s Palace is packed with shrubs, flowering plants, mature trees and lawns.
Potwell Dyke Grasslands: The sheep have now gone so the main permissive pathway through the grasslands is open again. Please note, the orchid meadow is closed to preserve this valuable rare wet meadow habitat but will be open to the public again when the orchids are in bloom.
Minster Refectory: The Refectory occupies a fantastic location inside Southwell Minster grounds, with magnificent views that can be enjoyed on our patio area. Indoor seating also available.
Trebeck Hall: Trebeck Hall is situated just 50m from the beautiful Southwell Minster and is available to hire for all manner of events and functions, including birthday parties, dinners, Pilates sessions and pretty much anything you can think of.
The Leaves of Southwell: The fluid carvings of plants, animals and green men found within the Chapter House – known collectively as ‘The Leaves of Southwell’ – are of quite exceptional quality.
Virtual Tour: Take a virtual tour of Southwell Minster. This tour is best viewed in fullscreen, so click the button below and explore the wondrous cathedral that is Southwell Minster.
Drone Flythrough of Southwell Minster: Ever wondered what it's like to fly through Southwell Minster? Well wonder no more!! Check out this incredible drone footage from Shot By Taz and soar through this amazing building like never before!
Translated Welcome Leaflets: Our welcome leaflet is now available to download in Mandarin, Russian, Dutch, Japanese, Czech and Ukranian.

Facilities

Parking: There is a public car-park on Church Street, opposite the Minster, which includes disabled parking. The first hour is free (and all day Sundays and Bank Holidays) – but you will need to get a ticket and display it. There are other public car-parks and these are signposted.
Toilets: Toilets, including an accessible toilet, are located in the Archbishop’s Palace next door to the Minster.
Dogs: Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome inside the Minster, its grounds and gardens.

What to see

Events:

Saturday morning Guided Tour of the Minster – 2026: Take a Saturday tour (10.30-11.45am) of Southwell Minster with one of our friendly and knowledgeable guides and explore 1,000 years of history. This fully accessible tour will take in all areas of the Minster, including our glorious Chapter House which has undergone significant conservation work, thanks to a £2.2m National Lottery Heritage Funded project.
Sunday Guided Tour of the Minster – 2026: Take a Sunday tour (1-2.15pm) of Southwell Minster with one of our friendly and knowledgeable guides and explore 1,000 years of history. This fully accessible tour will take in all areas of the Minster, including our glorious Chapter House which has undergone significant conservation work, thanks to a £2.2m National Lottery Heritage Funded project.

For more information please visit: https://www.southwellminster.org/whats-on/

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Birthdays: The Palace is a wonderful place to have a special birthday party. We can offer a range of food and drink, from finger food to cold lunches and buffets. Contact us and we can help tailor your event to your needs to ensure it is memorable.

Monday to Saturday: 10am – 6.30pm
Sunday: 10am – 4.30pm

Address: Southwell Minster, Church Street, Southwell, Nottinghamshire NG25 0HD, UK

Post Code: NG25 0HD

Council: Newark and Sherwood

County: Nottinghamshire

By Road: The A1 is convenient to reach Southwell; leave at the Newark junction with the A46 and take the A46 toward Nottingham. At the roundabout leave at the third exit onto the A617 toward Mansfield and Southwell. Having passed through Kelham, turn left onto the A612 signposted to Southwell. From the M1 south, leave at junction 21A and join the A46 toward Newark; at the roundabout with the B6166 remain on the A46. At the next roundabout take the first exit onto the A617 toward Mansfield and Southwell. Having passed through Kelham, turn left onto the A612 sign-posted to Southwell. From the M1 north, leave at junction 29 and join the A617 toward Mansfield; at Mansfield, continue on the A617 in the direction of Newark; after ten minutes signposts to Southwell will direct you.
By Rail: Newark Northgate on the main East Coast line from London, King’s Cross. The Minster is a ten minute taxi ride from the station.
By Bus: Number 26 bus service from King Street, Nottingham, every 30 minutes in the day-time Monday to Saturday, and a reduced timetable on Sundays.
Parking: There is a public car-park on Church Street, opposite the Minster, which includes disabled parking. The first hour is free (and all day Sundays and Bank Holidays) – but you will need to get a ticket and display it. There are other public car-parks and these are signposted.