You can now book a guided tour of Southwell Minster, The Bell Tower, and The Archbishop's Palace and Gardens.

Choose any of the options below, but please arrive 10 minutes prior to the start time so that the tour can start on time. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult at all times whilst taking part in tours.

Tours

Minster tour

10.30-11.45am, £10 (U16s free) - click here to book

Take a Saturday tour of Southwell Minster with one of our friendly and knowledgeable guides and explore 1,000 years of history. This fully accessible tour will take in all areas of the Minster, including our glorious Chapter House which has undergone significant conservation work (thanks to a £2.2m National Lottery Heritage Funded project).

During this tour you'll discover incredible architecture, beautiful stained-glass, Roman plaster, Saxon beginnings and much more.

You can also book a tour of The Archbishop's Palace and beautiful Palace Gardens to follow on from your Minster tour, with a 30 minute break between the two tours. These can also be booked separately if you only want to visit the Palace and Gardens.

Archbishop's Palace and Gardens tour

12.15-1.15pm, £7.50 (U16s free) - click here to book

The former Palace of the Archbishop of York stands next door to the Minster, adjoining the present official residence of the Bishop of Southwell. The Palace as we see it today dates from the 14th Century and was wrecked during the Civil War. The ruined part can be admired up-close from the Palace Gardens. The surviving built part of the Palace – the Great Hall – was restored in the Edwardian era. The Hall retains its original proportions and the beams of the magnificent vaulted ceiling of the State Chamber are mostly medieval originals.

Wednesday tours of The Archbishop's Palace and Palace Gardens

12.15-1.15pm, £7.50 (U16s free) - click here to book

Our Wednesday tours cover The Archbishop's Palace and beautiful Palace Gardens.

The former Palace of the Archbishop of York stands next door to the Minster and dates from the 14th Century.

During the tour you will be able to admire the Palace ruins from our magnificent gardens. A wonderful landscape with wide open lawns full of herbs, shrubs and flowering plants, chosen for their historical relevance and links to the famous ‘Leaves of Southwell’.

Inside the Palace you can explore the glorious State Chamber which retains its original proportions and a magnificent medieval vaulted ceiling. As well as hearing stories of its famous occupants, including Cardinal Wolsey and Charles I.

Bell Tower tours

Various dates and times £8/£4 - click here to book
Take a tour of Southwell Minster's famous Bell Tower, where you'll be taken on a voyage of discovery to learn the fascinating history behind the bells, regarded as some of the best in the country. If the weather is dry, you might even be taken out onto the Minster roof where you'll be mesmerised by 360 degree panoramic views of the beautiful countryside.

Sunday Guided tour (before Evensong)

1.30-2.45pm, £10 (U16s free), click here to book

Take a tour of Southwell Minster with one of our friendly and knowledgeable guides and explore 1,000 years of history.

This fully accessible tour will take in all areas of the Minster, including our glorious Chapter House which has undergone significant conservation work (thanks to a £2.2m National Lottery Heritage Funded project) and reopened in the second half of 2021.

During this tour you'll discover incredible architecture, beautiful stained-glass, Roman plaster, Saxon beginnings and much more.

After the tour you are welcome to join us for Evensong in the Quire sung by our own Cathedral Choir, or visiting Choir. This beautiful service celebrates the end of the day with words and music. A perfect ending to your tour.

gree panoramic views of the beautiful countryside.

Outdoor Discovery tour

Various dates, 11am - 12.15pm, £10 (U16s free) - click here to book

During the Outdoor Discovery Tour you will explore the local landscape that the Minster sits within. You will discover why the Minster was built in Southwell and how the town’s natural resources drew people to the area. The tour will also take in the many delights of the exterior of the cathedral, with its ornate carvings and architectural features.

Explore 1,000 years of history from the outside looking in. A unique experience and the perfect accompaniment to the Tour of Southwell Minster.

gree panoramic views of the beautiful countryside.

How to Read the Minster

Various dates, 2-3.15pm, £10 (U16s free) - click here to book

This tour will take you on a journey of discovery, explaining the significance of the church layout, construction, symbolism and messages within our beautiful building and its treasures.
We will explore the architectural features that help us read, and understand the language, imagery and architecture of the Minster.