Southwell

Southwell is arguably one of the prettiest towns in Nottinghamshire. 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.

The town played its own role in the English Civil War. King Charles I spent his last night as a free man in Southwell in May 1646, when he stayed in the Saracen's Head. It is also said that Oliver Cromwell later stayed there too. King Charles surrendered to the Scottish Army based at Kelham. Many of Southwell's historic buildings and landmarks suffered during this period, with Southwell Minster bearing scars from the conflict as Oliver Cromwell's troops destroyed monuments and graves for lead and other valuable materials. At the end of the war, only the Great Hall still stood in the Archbishop's Palace.

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.

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. In need of a delicious lunch? Head to The Refectory inside the Southwell Minster grounds, with magnificent views that can be enjoyed on their patio area while you enjoy their scrumptious tea and cakes! 

You'll also find a range of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and caravan parks - such as New Hall Farm Touring Caravan Park, in and around Southwell should you want to stay over in this quaint town.