Southwell

About

The town is internationally renowned for its Bramley Apple heritage. It is here that the apple was first propagated more than 200 years ago from the garden of a cottage on Church Street. Every year people gather in the picturesque market town to celebrate the UK’s favourite cooking apple, at the Bramley Apple Festival.

Just outside of the town you'll find another great heritage attraction at The Workhouse. Built to house the poor and needy of the Victorian era work, this austere building was pioneering in its design when it was built in 1824, and its design and approach it became a blueprint for similar institutions across the country. Today you can wander the grounds and check out a full programme of living history events, tours and exhibitions.

Southwell has many elegant Regency houses but its architectural jewel is the Minster church, boasting some of the best medieval stone carving in England. The stunning Southwell Minster is a splendid cathedral with one of the finest Norman naves in Europe and only a stone’s throw from the narrow high street and beautiful pubs. Our handy Two Day Southwell Itinerary has lots of ideas to help you plan a visit, or read on to find out more about this picturesque town steeped in history.

Taking place in late summer every year, Southwell Music Festival celebrates the town's classic musical connections. With impressive backdrops of Southwell Minster and neighbouring Archbishop's Palace, this elegant event features concerts and recitals from new and established classical musicians. Music lovers will also love Bookwise, a charity used bookshop with a great range of books, sheet music and CDs.

There are plenty of things to do, attractions to see and places to visit. For more information on Southwell, including shopping, places to eat and drink, attractions and events, please click here.

The Nottingham Evening Post once declared Southwell Nottinghamshire’s millionaire capital. In fact, this prosperous small town of 6,000 has never been short of admirers. Lord Byron once claimed that “I shall never be so happy again as I was in old Southwell.” Centuries on, Sir John Betjeman reported that “the Georgian elegance of Southwell ensures that few small towns are as unspoilt.”

General retail markets are held on Thursdays and Saturdays.