Southwell brings together the Minster’s long tradition of worship with medieval architecture, social history and the story of the Bramley apple. Walks of different lengths and types complement these historic places and offer further highlights for your stay.

Minster and Archbishop’s Palace

Southwell Minster has been the cathedral church of Nottinghamshire since 1884 and a place of worship for well over 900 years. The late 13th-century chapter house features depictions of plants and animals, as well as so-called Green Men. Together, these are known as The Leaves of Southwell. Guided tours share 1,000 years of history and include the chapter house. Check the latest dates and booking information in advance.

Next to the Minster stands the former palace of the Archbishop of York, whose present form dates from the 14th century. The Great Hall retains its original proportions. In the State Chamber, the beams of the vaulted ceiling are largely original medieval features. The palace thus offers a distinct architectural perspective alongside the history of the Minster.

The Palace Gardens lie among the impressive ruins of the Archbishop’s Palace. Shrubs, flowering plants, mature trees and lawns are part of their character. The gardens bring together the palace’s historic setting and a variety of garden features.

The Workhouse and its history

Southwell Workhouse was built in 1824 and is one of the best-preserved and most complete examples of its kind in England. Its story is complemented by the Infirmary, built in 1871 to care for people who were too ill to be housed in the Workhouse. Tours, exhibitions and activities explore the lives of the people who lived and worked there. The visitor offer may change; check the latest information in advance.

The Workhouse also includes a reconstructed Victorian kitchen garden with historic varieties, which visitors can explore. Its planting changes with the seasons. Together, the buildings and garden show different aspects of the site: the Infirmary represents the original provision of care, while the garden focuses on historic varieties and horticulture.

Walks and countryside around Southwell

For planning your time, the approximately 45-minute Town Walk Trail offers a different option from the 7.5-mile Southwell Trail. The Town Walk Trail starts at Church St Carpark; parking arrangements may change, so it is worth checking the latest information. The Southwell Trail runs from Southwell to Bilsthorpe and forms part of the Central Linear Route, which can be used on foot, by bicycle and on horseback. As surfaces and access conditions may change, check them before setting out.

Another route is the Riverside Walk along the River Greet, from Upton Road to Greet Bridge on Normanton Road. Potwell Dyke Grasslands offer a landscape with historical significance. The 1.72-hectare site includes the last remaining parts of the Archbishop of York’s deer park and hunting grounds. Natural England has designated the Grasslands as a Priority Habitat.

Bramley apple, market and events

The two Bramley Heritage Trails celebrate Southwell as the home of the Bramley apple. In the garden of Bramley Tree Cottage stands the tree from which the original Bramley apple grew. The Community Orchard also celebrates this local apple story: three Bramley apple trees were planted there in 2009 to mark the 200th anniversary of the world-famous apple.

Southwell Market takes place every Saturday from 8 am in the Market Square; market arrangements may change. The Southwell Music Festival is held every year over the August Bank Holiday weekend, though the specific dates may vary. In autumn, the Bramley Apple Festival of Food & Drink returns to Southwell Minster for its annual event. Dozens of exhibitors offer, among other things, pies, chocolate, jams, chutneys, pickled vegetables and sausages; the selection may vary from one event to another. Check the latest market and event information before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Dunham, Beeston, Coddington, Underwood, Edwalton, Colston Bassett, Haughton, Clayworth

For the regional travel overview: Nottinghamshire.