Southwell Minster and Archbishop's Palace

About

FREE admission, donations welcome.
(There is a suggested donation of £5 for adults and £3 for concessions).

Southwell Minster, the Cathedral of Nottinghamshire, is rich historical and architectural interest. It provides fine examples of the main styles of architecture, particularly Norman and early English. The latter is very evident in the 13th century Chapter House, one of the Minsters most glorious features with some of the finest examples of naturalistic carvings in the country - the Leaves of Southwell.

The Minster has a strong musical tradition with Evensong sung during term time by the Cathedral Choir and orchestral with choral concerts held throughout the year. Other events such as the Bramley Festival of Food and Drink and a Craft Fair as well as theatrical productions and art exhibitions are held in the beautiful Nave. 

The Visitors Centre incorporates the Cathedral Shop, Refectory and audio visual centre. A digitally-recorded audio guide is available. 

Open daily 8am to 7pm.

Southwell Minster will be one of the main venues for the Southwell Music Festival which is taking place on the August bank holiday weekend.  

For more information visit the website at www.southwellminster.org

Archbishop’s Palace and Sensory Gardens

Dating back to the 14^th Century the Archbishop’s Palace has a rich history. The Archbishop’s Palace and Sensory Gardens are an exciting new visitor attraction in Southwell. The main Palace, parts of which can be seen in the gardens, was built in the 1360s and altered in the 1500s. Although the Archbishop’s Palace was restored in the Edwardian era, it retains its original proportions with the beams of the magnificent vaulted ceiling of the State Chamber being mostly medieval originals.

The most famous occupant was the all-powerful Cardinal Wolsey. It was in this room of the Palace that Cardinal Wolsey would have held his last frantic meetings in 1530 to try and extricate himself from his failure to secure Henry VIII a divorce from Catherine of Aragon. 

Equally, the nature of the room’s function makes it a reasonable supposition that Charles Ӏ would have met his advisers here and, following his capture in Southwell, his arrest was formalised here.  Certainly, the Palace is his first place of final imprisonment.  

With such a rich heritage, the State Chamber is perfect for events – wedding receptions, exhibitions, conferences, social gatherings, community events etc. Access is via a lift, and newly installed kitchens allows for a much expanded list of potential users.

Flexible Interpretation within the State Chamber engages and informs visitors. The gardens outside provide an excellent educational resource for visitors and school groups alike with regular events and activities.

The Archbishop’s Palace and Sensory Gardens are open daily, 9am - 5pm. It is advisable to check opening times before setting off on your journey as the venue may be used for chargeable events or private hire.

 

Leave the car at home and travel by bus with Nottingham City Transport - The Number 26 will get you to the heart of Southwell direct from the city centre.