First Image

Southwell Minster

Recommended by

Overview

This is the cathedral church for the county of Nottinghamshire, a massive edifice that is often overlooked among England’s cathedrals. A Roman villa occupied the site, before an Anglo-Saxon church was constructed here at the end of the first century AD, a southern outpost of the archbishops of York. Its appearance today owes much to the builders of the 11th and 12th centuries, who gave it the massive Norman pillars and arches of the nave, the square central tower, and the distinctive twin western towers. They are topped by pointed spires, replaced in Victorian times after a general restoration by architect Ewan Christian. The octagonal Chapter House, dating to 1286, is of particular architectural interest, with an extraordinarily fine stone roof adorned with stone-carved foliage. Hear the celebrated choir at Evensong during term time, or a concert. The ruined Archbishop’s Palace beside the Minster, once the home of Cardinal Wolsey, is open to the public.

Features

Opening Times
Open all year
Opening Times: Open Mar-24 Oct, 8-7, 25 Oct-Feb, 8-6.30 (dusk if earlier)

Facilities
Parking nearby
Cafe

Location

Church Street, SOUTHWELL, NG25 0HD

About the area

Most people associate Nottinghamshire in the East Midlands with the legend of Robin Hood, though the former royal hunting ground of Sherwood Forest has been somewhat tamed since Robin’s outlaw days. Traditionally, the county’s primary industry, alongside agriculture, was coal mining but it is also an oil producing area, and during World War II produced the only oil out of reach of the German U-Boats.

Area image

Southwell Nottinghamshire Things To Do in Nottinghamshire

Southwell Minster

Church Street, SOUTHWELL, NG25 0HD

01636 812649

Look for the VisitEngland award symbols on our visitor attractions – it means you’re in for a memorable and great day out.

Read more about our ratings

Southwell Minster

Recommended by

Overview

This is the cathedral church for the county of Nottinghamshire, a massive edifice that is often overlooked among England’s cathedrals. A Roman villa occupied the site, before an Anglo-Saxon church was constructed here at the end of the first century AD, a southern outpost of the archbishops of York. Its appearance today owes much to the builders of the 11th and 12th centuries, who gave it the massive Norman pillars and arches of the nave, the square central tower, and the distinctive twin western towers. They are topped by pointed spires, replaced in Victorian times after a general restoration by architect Ewan Christian. The octagonal Chapter House, dating to 1286, is of particular architectural interest, with an extraordinarily fine stone roof adorned with stone-carved foliage. Hear the celebrated choir at Evensong during term time, or a concert. The ruined Archbishop’s Palace beside the Minster, once the home of Cardinal Wolsey, is open to the public.

Features

Opening Times
Open all year
Opening Times: Open Mar-24 Oct, 8-7, 25 Oct-Feb, 8-6.30 (dusk if earlier)
Facilities
Parking nearby
Cafe

Location

Church Street, SOUTHWELL, NG25 0HD

About the area

Area image

Most people associate Nottinghamshire in the East Midlands with the legend of Robin Hood, though the former royal hunting ground of Sherwood Forest has been somewhat tamed since Robin’s outlaw days. Traditionally, the county’s primary industry, alongside agriculture, was coal mining but it is also an oil producing area, and during World War II produced the only oil out of reach of the German U-Boats.

Explore Nottinghamshire

Southwell Nottinghamshire Things To Do in Nottinghamshire