A rare treat for visitors to Southwell this weekend

Southwell is one of Nottinghamshire’s prettiest towns and probably most famously known as the home of the Bramley apple.  Celebrated each October at the annual Bramley Apple Festival, visitors travel from all over the world in honour of the fruit that was first cultivated here over 200 years ago. Southwell is also home to the Cathedral of Nottinghamshire, Southwell Minster. Filled with historical and architectural interest, The Minster is visually stunning as it stands proudly overlooking the town; its unique pepper-pot spires distinctly noticeable. These are just two of the reasons why Southwell is one of the jewels in Nottinghamshire’s crowns. Many simply like to meander through the pretty streets lined with picture postcard houses, friendly pubs, exquisite restaurants and delightful stores, each with individual charm. This Sunday, the 14^th June and for the first time this year, the shops throughout Southwell will be opening for a Summer Shopping Day to offer visitors the opportunity to browse leisurely and enjoy the town’s unique range of local independent stores. Following the huge popularity of their Christmas Late Night Shopping Evenings, traders will be waiting to welcome you - hopefully accompanied by blue skies and sunshine! Whatever the weather the shops will provide a vast array of tempting items; everything from clothes and shoes, books and antiques, cards, gifts and toys, vintage and modern interior goods, sweets, chocolates and edible delicacies. Cafes, restaurants and pubs will be serving morning coffee, lunches and afternoon tea and there will also be an Art and Craft Market in the Market Square. Local craftspeople will be selling a wide range of items including textiles, ceramics, jams and pickles, woodcrafts and much more. A Fly Went By is a charming gift shop with a real difference where you’ll find a myriad of beautiful gifts for all occasions, with many vintage and retro items.   The doors will be open at Bookwise too with two floors of 100s of quality used books, old song sheets and music scores – with all proceeds going to charity.  Once you’ve ‘shopped’ up an appetite, visit the Bramley Apple pub, serving up delicious roast dinners with all the trimmings!  There are three bottles of wine up for grabs worth over £40 at Mr & Mrs Fine Wine. Every purchase on the day at this gem of a wine shop will be entered into a prize draw. On the same day Memories of a House at War will be held when Burgage Manor opens to the public to commemorate its use as a Voluntary Aid Detachment hospital during WWI. There will also be Music in the Great Hall at Southwell Minster in the evening. Opening times of the Summer Shopping Day will be 10.30am to 4.30pm