This was a very pleasant surprise. We were in the process of visiting the workhouse but decided to give the local church a look and it turned out that this village has a cathedral. A minster no less. I had lots of questions that were answered graciously by one of the clerical staff. The interior is breathtakingly beautiful and has two sections that are approximately 100 years apart. It's noticable that the styles of the two are different. The earlier is Norman whist the style of the latter is Gothic and the contrast is quite stark. Durham Cathedral has the same phenomenon. I had it pointed out to me the classic builders mistake of starting from two ends and working your way in. A careful observation of the roof shows the attempt to obfuscate the error. The stained glass windows are spectacular and contain two styles of origin which is quite novel. The top teir is original and English but the bottom is French and depicts the people of Paris in the time of Marie Antoinette. How it obtained the glass was I'm told a donation from a very unlikely source. If you want to know then visit and all will be revealed. And absolute gem in the middle of nowhere. Completely unspoilt.

We’ve been a few times during covid but today was the first time it’s completely been open. What a lovely welcome and informative stewards, well worth a visit just to listen to then.

What a stunning cathedral!! (And so quiet too.) An exquisite Norman nave backed up by some stupendous wood and stone carvings mean this is one cathedral not to be missed. Another delight next door is the Bishop's Palace and Great Hall. Sensitively restored you get a great feeling of history as you enter the historic State Chamber. This is now perhaps my favourite UK cathedral and a worthy 5 stars! Very highly recommended.

Absolutely loved our visit not only is it a beautiful place with wonderful gardens the staff and volunteers are brilliant and knowledgeable and very happy to share their knowledge. We also enjoyed an absolutely delightful lunch in the restaurant.

Fantastic minster, free to enter, lots of volunteers so keen to tell you about the place. It has such history and interesting artwork. They also allow well behaved dogs inside which was a relief on a wet day. The garden behind are also lovely and tranquil. There is a refectory on site too (I didn’t visit).

A pretty, large church with a friendly and very welcoming team. It was the best welcoming I have ever had from a church so I was really impressed. The church garden is truly beautiful too and well worth looking around. I could spend some time in there easily and would love a better look around (unfortunately for me they had an event about to start soon but I still got a quick look around thanks to the really friendly staff). I must say that the whole of Southwell was lovely and the people that lived there all seemed really friendly. I'm really glad I visited the area.

This is an amazing cathedral. Well worth the visit. Lovely windows, the stations of the cross are brilliant. The leaves are superb. Staff are friendly and access is amazing. Also worth going to the cafe for a good coffee and amazing cakes!! Helped by a local choir practicing when we visited.

Such a beautiful setting. Stopped off as was passing through Southwell. Staff were super friendly and informative. Minister itself was stunning as is the rest of the town. Then discovered the hidden gardens at the back. Over all makes for a wonderful half day trip out and all free short of a donation to the minister.

Our visit was to Queen by Candlelight. Along with hundreds more people, we enjoyed the concert & the venue, who provided a bar & toilets within the Minster. Would go again and recommend.

Beautiful and interesting minster and adjoining grounds/ garden and buildings .Free to enter but donations both welcome and needed for upkeep . Although events such as tribute concerts require paid tickets Clean , information points well set out, detailing the history , Staff and volunteers very friendly and knowledgeable and open to questions . Situated in centre of Southwell so handy for shops and eating/ drinking establishments. Parking nearby and most areas wheelchair accessible. We love to visit here

This is a lovely building on a wonderful site. Internally I found its layout unusual, the high alter being completely separated from the main body of the church by a beautiful stone screen: it was as if one section was for clergy only. Very obviously musical events regularly took place there. I enjoyed my visit.

Beautiful Southwell Minster. The choir was practicing for evening song and they sounded wonderful. Beautiful stain glass window. Lots of information available. Highly recommend a visit.

A stunning space: Norman architecture, with some Anglo-Saxon/Roman details. Don't miss the famous Leaves of Southwell in the chapter house, and the misericordia & individual carved bench ends with foliage & fauna. A shame so few people know about it, it's an absolute peach. Don't miss the archbishop's palace next door.

Attended a nighttime play. Fantastic surroundings, both day or night. The gardens around the back of the Minster are beautiful and the interior is stunning. Wrap up warm if attending any night event, due to the nature of the building it must be impossible to get heating throughout.

Looks like a cathedral,but not big enough to be classed as as one. I still can’t comprehend how the term minster makes it any different. But what I saw was a beautiful architecture and stunning gardens. This was an accidental visit to this town but this imposing building just got drawn in by its look and I am chuffed impressed by what I saw.

We spent a wonderful day touring this beautiful village and when we came across the Minster It was so beautiful that we decided to go inside. This building is simply stunning and an architectural masterpiece. An old friend of mine always taught me to always look up and this is one of those places you definitely want to do that. I'm going to be honest that I do not believe so to say, but I can still respect the beauty of this place and the work that went into it. And I also respect the people that do believe. I also believe in certain aspects of religion such as living a moral lifestyle. What I'm trying to say is regardless of your beliefs This is a beautiful building that history has preserved and is well worth your time to appreciate and admire.

Interesting old minster, over 900 years of history. Free to enter and wander about. Amazing details all over the place.. Warm and cosy inside too.. Worth a visit..

Such a peaceful place, just in time for Evensong beautiful choral song...lovely garden to walk in and the grand hall to explore. The sun shone what a glorious day!

Visited beautiful creation themed needlework display. Photos didn't do them justice. Lovely setting to display the pieces

Southwell Minster as it is best known is Grade 1 listed and actually a Cathedral for the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham too and what a splendid place it is . The stone carvings here to my unprofessional eye are remarkably well preserved something to do with it being refounded in 1543 saved it from damage . The earliest church on the site was founded by Paulinus Archbishop of York in 627 . My favourite King , King Eadwig granted land to Bishop Oskytel in 956 who established a Minster Church here . There are many things to see all round this marvellous place . A magnificent Crucifix gazes down on you from the ceiling and I loved the metal stations of the cross . One carved figure head love him or loath him resembles President Trump it is said , I could see a likeness . There are some superb stained glass windows which as with many alter the atmosphere with the time of day . The guides are great very friendly and knowledgeable. You can see the lit up remains of the old floor covered by glass . A thoroughly enjoyable visit in the very picturesque setting of Southwell.

Awesome place a must see for all ages! If you like visiting old church buildings it one to put on your list! The curators and other are very helpful. Go to the gift shop outside the Minster for your trinkets there is a better selection.