The ‘hidden gem’ of English cathedrals, tucked away in a delightful market town in Nottinghamshire.

Welcome to Southwell Minster.
We invite you to explore our Cathedral, Gardens and Palace.

Our normal opening times are 8.30am - 6.30pm (Monday-Saturday), and 8am - 4.30pm Sundays.

There is no charge for general entry but donations are gratefully received. We suggest a donation of £5. Donations help us keep our beautiful buildings and gardens open and free.

Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome inside the Minster, its grounds and gardens.

Please keep an eye out on our closures page for up to date information on any areas of the Minster that may be closed before you visit.

Useful Information for your Visit

Accessibility

With the exception of the The Historic Library, the building is wheelchair friendly.  A new cantilever lift has been installed to allow access to the Chapter House.  We have a wheelchair available and there are large-print guides, braille guides and a loop hearing system.  The north and south doors can be opened electronically, by low-level touch pads.

There is a self-operating lift in The Archbishop’s Palace enabling visitor to access the State Chamber. If you require any assistance in using the lift please ask a member of the team.

More information about accessibility and step-free access can be found below.

Welcome and Guides

Upon entering the Minster, you will be welcomed by one of our Stewards (wearing blue gowns and badges) who can explain the range of facilities, provide information, and answer any questions. Our Vergers are also able to deal with queries you may have.

The duty Chaplain, or Canon in Residence, is available to offer spiritual guidance and advice.

Informative Guidebooks, usually available in the Minster, can be purchased at the Cathedral Shop or via our online store by clicking here

Download the Welcome Guide, including The Museum of the Moon >>

Download the Welcome Guide >>

 

Refectory and Shop

The Minster Refectory (01636 815691) and the Cathedral Shop (01636 812933) are diagonally opposite and to the left as you leave by the main north doors.  Find out more about the Refectory and Shop.

Did you know the Cathedral Shop is now online? Click here to visit it!

Minster Centre

The Minster Centre houses the Minster Office (01636 812649) and The Bond Gallery of antiquarian prints of the Minster from 1672 to 1892.

 

Opening times:

Monday to Friday 10am - 1pm

 

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.

Photo permits £5

Visitors are welcome to take informal pictures inside and outside the Minster. However, if you are planning to use a more professional set-up, please purchase a photo permit for £5 from the Welcome Desk.

Breastfeeding

Southwell Minster is a breastfeeding friendly Cathedral.

https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/

Parking

Parking is available at Church Street Car Park (Pay & Display) opposite the Minster.

From 1 April 2024
First hour: free, £1 p/h thereafter
After 6pm: £2 set charge

Other parking sites in town can be found below

We look forward to welcoming you, either for worship or as a visitor. Please advise us if there is anything further we can do to make your visit more enjoyable.

For further information please contact office@southwellminster.org.uk

Take a Pre-Booked Tour of the Minster

You can now book a guided tour of Southwell Minster, The Bell Tower, and The Archbishop's Palace and Gardens. Please visit the Tours page to find out more and book your tickets >>

Group Guided Tours: We warmly welcome groups of visitors to Southwell Minster and offer a range of options. Please visit the Group Tours page find out more >>

View from the Bell Tower

Find out more about

Virtual Tours

Virtual Tours

About the Leaves of Southwell

About the Leaves of Southwell

Refectory and Shop

Refectory and Shop

Key Things to See

Key Things to See

Palace Gardens

State Chamber / Great Hall