Please note, the exhibition has been extremely popular and as we approach the last few days it is getting even busier. For this reason, please book tickets in advance by clicking here as the admission of walk-ups (those without a pre-booked ticket) will be paused during busy times. So to guarantee entry, please book in advance.
3-27 September 2025
After the success of The Longest Yarn last year, we are delighted that Southwell Minster has once again been chosen to host the UK-premiere of the highly anticipated follow-up exhibition, The Longest Yarn 2: Britain at War.
The Longest Yarn 2 is an exhibition made up of 80 panels of "wool art", each 1m long. This time the focus will be on what it was like in Britain between the declaration of war on 3 September 1939 to VE Day on 8 May 1945. This includes significant events such the King’s Speech, D-Day, The Blitz, the bombing of major cities, Britain coping with the war, the Home Guard, the Women’s Land Army, rationing, and much more.
Accompanying this will be ‘The Gang’ - eight life-size representatives of all the services that saved Britain in its hour of need - from a Land Girl to a Spitfire Pilot.
Timed tickets are available now by clicking here. A maximum of 6 tickets can be reserved per booking - if you need more than 6 you can make multiple bookings. We politely request that people only book what they need, as we have a limited number of tickets.
Please note, when choosing your date and time, you may need to zoom out in order to see the orange 'confirm' button.
There will be a small number of tickets set aside each day for walk-ups, but when they're gone they're gone and these will be paused during busy periods, so you need to book your ticket in advance to guarantee entry.
Entry: £5 suggested donation per adult on arrival. All donations help to maintain the cathedral for generations to come - did you know it costs over £3,000 per day to keep our doors open to the public?
Opening times
Sundays: 12*-2pm (*12.30pm on Sunday 14 September)
Monday 7 September: 10am-4pm
Monday 14 & 21 September: 12-4pm
Tuesdays-Saturdays: 10am-4pm
Dates to note:
As a working church, our services will continue throughout the duration of the display. Monday mornings have been set aside for any funerals and so may be opened up for booking closer to the time if no funerals are planned.
Thursday 25 September - the last bookable session is at 2pm due to a concert rehearsal.
Monday 22nd September - ‘The Home Front, World War II’ - a talk by Mike Kirton of Southwell History Society, which takes place in the State Chamber at 2pm. Tickets and more information available here .This is to complement the current exhibition of ‘The Longest Yarn 2: Britain at War’.
FAQs
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, well behaved dogs on leads are most welcome inside the Minster
Are there any steps?
No, the exhibition is fully accessible
Can donations be made by cash or card?
Yes, we accept cash and card donations
Is there anywhere to get refreshments on site?
Yes, The Refectory is about 50m away and serves a delicious selection of snacks, drinks and main meals. Booking a table is recommended on 01636 815691 (please note this number is just for booking food/drink and not for booking tickets to see the exhibition which can only be done using the link above). The town centre is also within easy walking distance and boasts a large number of cafes, pubs and shops
Is there a car park on site?
The easiest place to park is at Church Street Pay & Display car park which is directly opposite the Minster. There are other car parks in town as well as various streets that offer parking. For more, please click here.
