Visiting Southwell Minster – History, Tips & What to See
Key Information About The Visit
Average Time to Spend: 1–2 hours (longer if attending an event or exploring the town)
Where to Park: Free parking on Church Street (NG25 0HD), but spaces are limited
Toilets Nearby: Facilities available inside The Refectory Café, next to the Minster
Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs on leads are allowed inside the Minster
Kid Friendly: Yes, suitable for families with children who enjoy history and architecture
Introduction
For my birthday surprise 6 years ago, I was treated to a flying lesson at Tollerton Airfield, aka Nottingham Airport. We took off on a bright day and as we ascended, the first landmark I spotted in the distance to the North was a huge cathedral. ‘What’s that?’ I asked. My instructor said that it was Southwell Minster. Southwell is a pretty market town 17 miles from Nottingham Airport, but there it was dominating the landscape. We headed towards Southwell, flying over Nottingham and just 6 minutes later we were circling Southwell Minster. This was an unforgettable and fantastic trip, and I totally recommend a birthday flying experience for the person who really doesn’t need any more ‘stuff’!
Years later I eventually got around to visiting Southwell Minster on the ground; probably because I was too busy doing travel blogs and videos in The Peak District, Wales and Norway! Is it a thing that we tend to ignore the amazing places on our own doorstep, instead travelling for miles to see places faraway? For example, there’s the Londoner who‘s never been to Windsor Castle and the New Yorker who never hangs out in Times Square! Southwell Minster being close to home never got my attention, instead I’d rather travel 1000 miles to a Stave Church in Norway!
Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Parking and Entering Southwell Minster
- 3 History Of Southwell Minster
- 4 Parisian Pawn Shop
- 5 What’s the Difference between a Minster and a Cathedral?
- 6 Book Your Perfect Stay
- 7 Southwell Minster Events
- 8 The Refectory
- 9 Conclusion: Is Southwell Minster worth visiting?
- 10 A Lovely Walk In Nottinghamshire
- 11 FAQs About Southwell Minster
Parking and Entering Southwell Minster
Southwell Minster is easy to find as it’s slap bang in the middle of Southwell. (NG25 0HD) You can park for free on the main road running next to it, but the road gets busy so take care. There are also regular buses and trains. Dogs on a lead are allowed inside the minster.
At the main entrance there is a picture-perfect archway with a long-paved pathway to the huge front door. Inside we were greeted by a friendly lady called Sally who is one of the volunteers. She told us a little bit about the building and said it was free to enter but we could donate towards the roof fund, but only if we wanted to. They are trying to raise £100k. Yes, of course we donated!
History Of Southwell Minster
Sally told us that Southwell Minster is made up of two architectural styles. The early part is Romanesque and dates to the early 12th Century while other parts of the building are in the Decorative Gothic style and are from the 13th Century. Decorative, meaning there are beautiful naturalistic carvings of foliage and several motifs.
The earliest church here was thought to be founded in 627 by Paulinus, the first Archbishop of York. He happened to be visiting the area whilst baptising people in the River Trent!
From the outside look up at the two pyramidal spires. They look very unusual but were quite common when it was first constructed. However, these spires were built in 1880 to replace the ones destroyed by a terrible fire when the southwest spire was struck by lightning in 1711. The fire spread to the nave and tower destroying roofs, bells, a clock, and an organ.
Parisian Pawn Shop
The stained-glass panels in the lower east windows of Southwell Minster, originally from the Chapel of the Sacred Name of Jesus in the Temple Church in Paris, were found in a Parisian pawn shop by Henry Gally Knight in 1815 and presented to the minster in 1818 They are illustrations of four stages in Christ’s life.
Interesting Fact: There are only 31 minsters in England. The term minster dates to the 7th Century and reflects the importance of the church to the local community.
There is so much history to the place, and I suggest you go on a guided tour as there is far too much detail to explain in this short blog.
What’s the Difference between a Minster and a Cathedral?
A minster can be a cathedral, for example York Minster or Southwell Minster, but a cathedral does not have to be a minster. What distinguishes a cathedral is that it has a cathedra, which is the throne that the bishop notionally sits upon. Southwell Minster became a cathedral in 1884 but everyone still calls it a minster!
Book Your Perfect Stay
Southwell Minster Events
There are loads of events throughout the year including guided tours every week plus concerts and art exhibitions too. When we went it was just before Christmas and a choir was rehearsing which all added to the wonderful ambience and atmosphere.
The Refectory
In the Minster grounds there is a large café/restaurant called The Refectory (Church Street NG25 0HD). There’s also a cute gift shop attached.
We just had coffee and cake, but they also serve delicious meals including breakfast and Sunday Lunch.
Conclusion: Is Southwell Minster worth visiting?
Southwell Minster is a fascinating place to explore and immerse yourself in English architecture, intricate stone carvings, Gothic arches and beautiful stained-glass windows. It really is a feast for the eyes and somewhere to explore and enjoy our history.
I’m not religious but I do enjoy exploring old churches because as well as the interesting architecture and stained-glass windows I always feel very peaceful in these cool calm buildings. They are an escape from the hustle and bustle of life outside.
A Lovely Walk In Nottinghamshire
FAQs About Southwell Minster
Nope! It’s completely free to enter Southwell Minster, but donations are always appreciated to help with the upkeep of the building and its ongoing work.
A cathedral is the main church of a diocese and has a bishop’s seat (called a cathedra). A minster is usually an old church with historical importance, often linked to missionary work — but some, like Southwell, are actually both!
It actually is a cathedral! Southwell Minster became a cathedral in 1884, but everyone still refers to it as a minster out of tradition and affection.
“Minster” is a title given to churches that had special importance in the 7th–10th centuries, often connected to monastic or missionary work. So while it’s still a church, the title “minster” reflects its heritage.
