The ‘hidden gem’ of English cathedrals, tucked away in a delightful market town in Nottinghamshire.

Our normal opening times are 8.30am - 6.30pm (Monday-Saturday), and 8am - 4.30pm Sundays.

Unlike many cathedrals who charge an admission fee, we are open to all for free. However, donations are most welcome so please give generously if you can: your donation will help us keep this historic building open for generations to come and support the important work we do. Suggested donation £5.

Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome inside the Minster, its grounds and gardens.

The Chapter House is now reopen after the installation of a new cantilever lift which provides full access to this glorious part of the Minster.

Please keep an eye out on our closures page for up to date information on any areas of the Minster that may be closed before you visit.

Useful Information for your Visit

Welcome and Guides

Upon entering the Minster, you will be welcomed by one of our Stewards (wearing blue gowns and badges) who can explain the range of facilities, provide information, and answer any questions. Our Vergers are also able to deal with queries you may have.

The duty Chaplain, or Canon in Residence, is available to offer spiritual guidance and advice.

Informative Guidebooks, usually available in the Minster, can be purchased at the Cathedral Shop or via our online store by clicking here

 

Refectory and Shop

The Minster Refectory (01636 815691) and the Cathedral Shop (01636 812933) are diagonally opposite and to the left as you leave by the main north doors.  Find out more about the Refectory and Shop.

Did you know the Cathedral Shop is now online? Click here to visit it!

Minster Centre

The Minster Centre houses the Minster Office (01636 812649) and The Bond Gallery of antiquarian prints of the Minster from 1672 to 1892.

 

Opening times:

Monday to Friday 10am - 1pm

 

Access

With the exception of the The Historic Library, the building is wheelchair friendly.  A new cantilever lift has been installed to allow access to the Chapter House.  We have a wheelchair available and there are large-print guides, braille guides and a loop hearing system.  The north and south doors can be opened electronically, by low-level touch pads.

There is a self-operating lift in The Archbishop’s Palace enabling visitor to access the State Chamber. If you require any assistance in using the lift please ask a member of the team.

Toilets

Toilets, including an accessible toilet, are located in the Archbishop’s Palace next door to the Minster.

Dogs

Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome inside the Minster, its grounds and gardens.

Photo permits £5

Visitors are welcome to take informal pictures inside and outside the Minster. However, if you are planning to use a more professional set-up, please purchase a photo permit for £5 from the Welcome Desk.

Breastfeeding

Southwell Minster is a breastfeeding friendly Cathedral.

https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/

Parking

Parking is available at Church Street Car Park (Pay & Display) opposite the Minster.

From 1 April 2024
First hour: free, £1 p/h thereafter
After 6pm: £2 set charge

We look forward to welcoming you, either for worship or as a visitor. Please advise us if there is anything further we can do to make your visit more enjoyable.

For further information please contact office@southwellminster.org.uk

Take a Pre-Booked Tour of the Minster

We have regular tours of the Minster on both Wednesday and Saturday mornings throughout the year, as well as tours of The Archbishop's Palace and Palace Gardens on Saturday afternoons. For more details on these, and to book your space, please click here.

Group tours can also be booked for any period of the day, subject to services and other events taking place in the Minster. Special interest tours can also be arranged and groups of any size can be accommodated.

For further information and to book any of these tours, please contact office@southwellminster.org.uk.

View from the Bell Tower

Find out more about

Virtual Tours

Virtual Tours

About the Leaves of Southwell

About the Leaves of Southwell

Refectory and Shop

Refectory and Shop

Key Things to See

Key Things to See

Palace Gardens

State Chamber / Great Hall