Southwell Minster
A magnificent Minster showcasing stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture, rich history, and unique exhibitions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Southwell Minster
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent Minster showcasing stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture, rich history, and unique exhibitions.
"A gem steeped in history and architecture, with a poignant WW1 stained glass window and remarkable knitted exhibitions."
🎯 Plan for Exhibitions
Check for special events like 'The Longest Yarn' – they're incredibly detailed and popular!
🤝 Friendly Staff
Staff are knowledgeable and welcoming, happy to share insights about the Minster.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 1,815 reviews
Type
Church
Website
southwellminster.orgHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Chapter House
Southwell Minster
Admire the stunning Gothic architecture of this significant medieval space.
WW1 Soldiers Stained Glass
Southwell Minster
A poignant and heartbreaking window depicting local soldiers' stories from the war.
The Longest Yarn Exhibition
Southwell Minster
Incredible knitted scenes and life-size figures depicting wartime life.
Visually Impaired Stations of the Cross
Southwell Minster
Remarkable small sculptures designed to help the visually impaired understand Christ's last days.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Donations & Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Plan for Exhibitions
Check for special events like 'The Longest Yarn' – they're incredibly detailed and popular!
🤝 Friendly Staff
Staff are knowledgeable and welcoming, happy to share insights about the Minster.
☕ Minster Cafe
Enjoy refreshments at the cafe located within the Minster grounds.
🚗 Parking Available
There's a car park opposite the Minster with no height barrier.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Plan for Exhibitions
Check for special events like 'The Longest Yarn' – they're incredibly detailed and popular!
🤝 Friendly Staff
Staff are knowledgeable and welcoming, happy to share insights about the Minster.
☕ Minster Cafe
Enjoy refreshments at the cafe located within the Minster grounds.
🚗 Parking Available
There's a car park opposite the Minster with no height barrier.
🛍️ Vintage Finds
Explore 'Love at First Sight Vintage' tucked away down an alley for unique treasures. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Southwell Minster for its rich history, stunning architecture, and unique exhibitions like 'The Longest Yarn'. The stained glass and Stations of the Cross sculptures are highlighted as particularly moving. Staff are noted as friendly and knowledgeable, and the free entry with appreciated donations makes it accessible. Some visitors found queues for popular exhibitions to be long.
"Fascinating place to visit. Beautiful building very interesting. Lots of features. The guides were excellent, very informative and helpful. You were given an information sheet of key points of interest upon entering which was useful. I personally liked looking for the wooden mice carved into some of the furniture near the altar. There is also a good size cafe and shop with toilets just on the edge of the grounds. Definitely recommend a visit. There is free parking for 1 hour only but you can pay for longer, directly opposite the Cathedral which is handy."
Victoria Mullis
"A gem to visit when in the area. Steeped in history and architecture. The grounds are well maintained, and members of the church were pleasant and helpful.
The stained glass window of WW1 soldiers is a must-see and tells a heartbreaking and real story of locals going off to war.
Another unique feature is the small sculptures depicting the Stations of the Cross, designed to assist the visually impaired learn the story of Christ's last days. Remarkable."
Insight Services
"The Longest Yarn - Britain at War. Such an amazing knitting exhibition. Stunning knitted scenes in glass cabinets depicting events from the war. These scenes must take hours and hours to complete. There are also life size knitted soldiers/air crew/men & women accompanied by dedications to real life characters/relationship. All set within the beautiful surroundings of the Minster. There's a carpark opposite the Minster (no height barrier) and some road parking. Free entry to the Minster (donations appreciated). A book (£15) is also available. The Minster Cafe is within the grounds. Very well organised, most definitely worth visiting."
Polly Wainwright
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Southwell Minster is located in Southwell, Nottinghamshire. If driving, there's a car park opposite the Minster with no height restrictions. For public transport, Nottingham City Transport operates services to Southwell from Nottingham city centre.
Yes, Southwell is often described as a very nice town in Nottinghamshire, perfect for a day out from the city.
Many visitors enjoy a leisurely stroll through the town, taking in the historic atmosphere and visiting local shops and cafes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Southwell Minster is free, but donations are highly appreciated to support its upkeep. Card machines are available for donations.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Southwell Minster website before your visit.
Yes, you can visit the Archbishop's Palace next door. A donation of £5 per person is requested for entry.
While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, the knowledgeable staff are often available to provide information and insights.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the stunning Chapter House, the poignant WW1 soldiers stained glass window, the unique Stations of the Cross sculptures, and any special exhibitions like 'The Longest Yarn'.
The Minster is a historic building, but efforts have been made for accessibility. The 'Stations of the Cross' sculptures are specifically designed to assist the visually impaired.
It's an incredible, highly detailed exhibition featuring knitted scenes and life-size figures depicting wartime events. It requires significant time and effort to create.
Information on toilet facilities is not explicitly detailed in all reviews, but the presence of a cafe suggests amenities are likely available.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always good practice to be respectful of ongoing services and other visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Southwell offers several dining options. 'Sage' restaurant is praised for its quality seasonal dishes using local produce. 'The Little Brunette Bakery' is recommended for brunch.
Yes, there is a cafe located within the grounds of Southwell Minster, offering refreshments.
Sage restaurant in Southwell focuses on great quality seasonal dishes, often using local produce, and is considered one of the best in Nottinghamshire.
The Little Brunette Bakery is highly recommended for brunch in Nottinghamshire.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning Gothic architecture of the Chapter House, the intricate details of the stained glass windows, and the unique knitted scenes of the 'Longest Yarn' exhibition. +1
While generally allowed for personal use, always be mindful of ongoing services and other visitors.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the exterior and interior details of the Minster.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit