Southwell Minster
Southwell Minster
Southwell Minster
Southwell Minster
4.5
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
About
Cathedral Church of Nottinghamshire. Set in the picturesque Georgian market town of Southwell, just 6 miles from the A1, this beautiful church dates back to 1108. Home to the world famous 'Leaves of Southwell', medieval stonecarvings dating back to the 13th century and widely regarded as amongst the finest in all of Europe. Beautiful stained-glass windows and woodcarvings throughout. Next door to The Archbishop's Palace, a must-see in itself. Cathedral Gift Shop and cafe. NB: due to COVID-19 restrictions, our opening hours are 11am - 3pm. Unfortunately The Archbishop's Palace is closed until further notice. Please keep an eye on our website for further updates. The wearing of face coverings is now mandatory in all places of worship so please bring a mask or face covering with you unless you have a valid medical reason not to. We have attained Good to Go status and have a full range of COVID-Safety Measures in place. Please visit our website for further details www.southwellminster.org
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
36 within 3 miles
The Admiral Rodney Hotel
302
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Pub
The Hearty Goodfellow
451
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Pub
The Old Theatre Deli
329
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • British • Vegetarian Friendly
La Parisienne
207
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • French • Mediterranean • Vegetarian Friendly
Gossips Coffee House
151
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • British • Vegetarian Friendly
Mughal Rasoi
116
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Indian • Asian • Balti
The Refectory Southwell
144
152 ft$$ - $$$ • Cafe • British • Vegetarian Friendly
Saracens Head
160
462 ft$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Pub
Alfresco Caffe
91
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Italian • Cafe
Khyber Pass
96
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Indian • Asian • Balti
Attractions
29 within 6 miles
Museum of the Horse
29
368 ftSpeciality Museums
Archbishop's Palace
73
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Southwell Music Festival
1
0.2 miMusic Festivals
The Workhouse, Southwell
1,101
0.9 miHistoric Sites
White Post Farm
546
Farms
Newark Castle
620
Castles
Southwell Racecourse
147
2.2 miHorse Tracks
Museum of Timekeeping
50
2.1 miSpeciality Museums • History Museums
St Michael The Archangel's Church
1
1.5 miChurches & Cathedrals
Maxeys Farm Shop Pumpkins
26
2.2 miFarms
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
823 reviews
Excellent
608
Very good
184
Average
26
Poor
4
Terrible
2
lighthousesunset
Leicester, UK150 contributions
Aug 2021
We visited towards the end of a day in Southwell so time was a bit limited. Features of note. The metal sculptures on wooden bases of the station's of the cross are unusual. Some good stained glass windows. The temporary exhibition of 47 wood and metal sculptures in the Chapter House were amazing, although some were somewhat bizarre. The grounds are lovely but we didn't have time to longer or visit the archbishop's palace. The refractory was closed by the time we arrived. We will pay a longer visit next time.
Written August 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you
Written September 23, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
OF12345
Oxford, United Kingdom48 contributions
May 2022
A really impressive cathedral that dates back to 672 and has associations with Charles I and Cardinal Wolsey. While we were there on a Saturday afternoon the choir was practising which was magical. Well worth a visit and especially the Chapter House.
Written May 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Owenthomas
Berthoud, CO837 contributions
Oct 2021
But it is one of the most beautiful. The first church on the site was started by Paulinus in 627 ad. There are parts of the old Saxon church found in the Minster. The Chapter House has many stone carvings of foliage, and also has a number of carvings of green men found throughout. It is the tallest Chapter House we have seen. Next to the Minster is the ancient ruins of the Archbishops Palace.
Written November 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Dorothy H
Darlington, UK16 contributions
May 2021
What a beautiful church. Included when we visited was an art installation of metal fallen leaves which represented people lost to covid. The minister itself has many marvellous attributes including statues, stained glass windows and another art installation depicting the stations of the cross.
Written June 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you
Written September 23, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thomas E
Tideswell, UK87 contributions
Oct 2020
We visited Southwell for the weekend of my 71st Birthday and stayed at the famous Saracens Head which is just across the road from the Minster. The Minster (or Cathedral) is magnificent, reminding me of the Basilica of St Foy at Conques in S. France - very romanesque, but with a Gothic window in the front facade and other gothic details. The assemblage of Green Men in the Chapter house is the finest in the world (no exaggeration!). It was closed for renovation on this visit, but we've seen them before - a romanesque temple in the centre of England - Wonderful!
Written October 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
A wonderful review - thank you for taking the time to write it and so glad that you enjoyed your visit and that you've seen the Green Men in the Chapter House before - we can't wait for it to reopen!
Written October 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SaigonPhil
Northwood, UK137 contributions
Feb 2020
I have been to many cathedrals, minsters and abbeys within the Uk and this is one of my favourites. It is not well kept secret but is one of the smaller minsters ( although technically should be a cathedral . The volunteers are very informative and only to happy to chat to you about the minster. The leaves are extraordinary when you consider they are from medieval times. This time round found a new stained glass window dedicated to I think it is world war 1 but might be 2 . On a sunny day and the sunlight coming though it sublime. Plenty of small chapels to quietly pray if you wish. If possible try and attend a musical event here ( sung evensong ) as with a low ceiling that it has the acoustics are excellent.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for your lovely review.
The stained glass window you mention, is a memorial to the men from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire who lost their lives in the First World War.
We are indeed a cathedral and Southwell is in fact the smallest town in England with one - although our cathedral is much bigger than many more established towns and cities' cathedrals which makes ours all the more impressive :)
We look forward to welcoming you back in the future
Written August 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nicholas B
Barnsley, UK220 contributions
Jan 2020
While looking for interesting new places to visit within a hour or so of my home, I found Southwell Minster, and as someone who likes to visit cathedrals and interesting buildings, I thought I would give it a go. Turned out to be a great choice!
Pre booked tour on the website, and even received a phone call to confirm, and was asked if i had any specific areas of interest about the cathedral.
Arrived before tour for lunch at the refectory, which was lovely and provided nice food. Very good tour which lasted 70 mins and was really interesting.
Definite favourite was the chapter house with the world famous leave carvings.
Mesmerised by the twin pepperpot towers outside.
Must visit if you like cathedrals and history, and do book a guided tour.
Pre booked tour on the website, and even received a phone call to confirm, and was asked if i had any specific areas of interest about the cathedral.
Arrived before tour for lunch at the refectory, which was lovely and provided nice food. Very good tour which lasted 70 mins and was really interesting.
Definite favourite was the chapter house with the world famous leave carvings.
Mesmerised by the twin pepperpot towers outside.
Must visit if you like cathedrals and history, and do book a guided tour.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for your review. The Chapter House really is a stunning area of the church and is a favourite of many visitors from all over the world. So glad you enjoyed your guided tour
Hopefully see you again soon
Written August 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
jeanann1485
Newark-on-Trent, UK230 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
I visited to renew my acquaintance with the Minster after many years absence. A lovely warm welcome from the stewards on duty which set the scene for a wonderful visit. This is one of my favourite cathedrals and the Norman architecture and the medieval carvings are breathtaking. It is a must see gem. Lovely cafe selling delicious food and an excellent shop which sells unusual and tasteful gifts.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you - the medieval carvings in the Chapter House are truly exquisite and leave so many people speechless with the intricacy of the craftmanship. Glad you enjoyed your visit, hopefully see you again soon
Written August 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
aberdeenjohn
Tring, UK495 contributions
Feb 2020
This is a Cathedral - with the official Bishop's chair. Some very beautiful features, the Chapter House has probably the most magnificent carvings in any Cathedral/church in UK. Some very beautiful modern windows. Very friendly and helpful guides and staff. The Refectory serves some very high class dishes (Pheasant when we were there!) as well as normal snacks, baked potatoes etc. A spiritual, warm place. Lovely gardens too!
etc.
etc.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you - we agree with you on the Chapter House carvings - the detailing is extraordinary, especially considering these were done in the 13th century with very basic tools compared to those used today.
Hopefully see you again soon
Written August 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Chrisgale
Sheffield, UK744 contributions
Mar 2022 • Friends
Beautiful exhibition on at the Minster, went with friends, we found the workmanship incredible. Very friendly staff as always. Surroundings are beautiful, on a sunny day there us a lovely garden to enjoy. Good cafe and shop. Parking across the road. Very enjoyable
Written March 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bonniebluebeauty
Leicestershire7 contributions
Hi. Going to a wedding soon at Southwell Minster. Is confetti allowed?
Gorseinonboy45
Lincoln, UK113 contributions
They will probably charge for the use of confetti.....
paulsimpson18391
Kirkby-in-Ashfield, UK13 contributions
I cannot find any reference to the Emergency Services Christmass Service (2017). Is there to be one ?
J0rdan2004
Nottinghamshire, UK157 contributions
I work for the emergency services so I will make enquiries and come back to you as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions about Southwell Minster
- Southwell Minster is open:
- Sun - Sat 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Hotels near Southwell Minster:
- (0.08 mi) Saracens Head Hotel
- (0.08 mi) The Crown Hotel Southwell
- (0.17 mi) The Old Forge Southwell
- (0.16 mi) The Reindeer Inn
- (0.23 mi) The Bramley Apple Inn
- Restaurants near Southwell Minster:
- (0.03 mi) The Refectory Southwell
- (0.10 mi) The Old Theatre Deli
- (0.12 mi) The Admiral Rodney Hotel
- (0.09 mi) Saracens Head
- (0.11 mi) La Parisienne