southwell minster

A stunning building from the outside, a visit inside is peaceful and very informative. The stained glass windows quite wonderful.I said peaceful but that was after some school parties had left, the children being slightly noisy as kids are but what a joy to see them there being taught that a church is not just a solemn unwelcoming place but a place of welcome to all.

Nice and beautifully quiet, far from touristic fields and yet so interesting as a church. Was there several times years ago

Been here before, Nice Medium sized Minster (Large Colliegate Church). In the last 12 Months some of the adjacent buildings i.e. Great hall have been opened up following a restoration grant. Well worth seeing.No Specific charge though Donations expected!!

Nice to find somewhere with a dnation rather than a charge.very friendly welcome and plenty of displays with texts.particularly liked the references to Wolf Hall.

Quaint, must be the smallest shopping area in the country for such a prominent place, but I stand to be corrected. Couple of nice tea shops, and pubs. Biggest shop I found was Boots oh yes The Minster - lovely historic buiding and surrounds. The new tea room gave good service and grub.

What a lovely place, nice town with independent shops and the Minster as well. Full of history and tucked away in a quiet part of the country. Very well maintained and welcoming. There is plenty to see and a refectory cafe should you need refreshments. Beautiful and tranquill

Amazing building - must be seen. It's history and architecture together make it rather special. We were greeted in a helpful and welcoming way and left to look round at our own pace. The site also contains an interesting Bishop's Palace and a very pleasant café which serves anything from a cuppa to a full meal. An interesting and enjoyable couple of hours.

The splendid Norman minster with its pepper pot west end towers makes the most of rich historical associations with famous figures from Southwell's past, such as Cardinal Wolsey, Charles 1st etc., by displaying important and authentic books from its library and connecting them, in particular with Hilary Mantel's 'Wolf Hall'. This tranquil and near perfect historical building, has a wonderful music tradition and two excellent pipe organs, plus an extensive series of recitals on these instruments.

Southwell Minster is of Norman/medieval construction. It is not a huge building but has several features of note; font, Roman mosaic, Chapter House, etc. It offers a peaceful place to visit, contemplate or rest awhile. It's a distinctive building; perhaps more could or should be made of it? The gift shop was moved to the 'new' cafe/shop building a few years ago, and for me, took a little of the friendly-face-to-chat-to charm with it. I would recommend a visit to the Minster with a combined visit to Southwell town and/or surrounding area, rather than a destination in its own right (unless specifically for Christian pilgrimmage).

Nottinghamshire's hidden gem. Norman in essence all through apart from the chapter house which has the delicate Southwell leaves sculptures n top of columns with some green men as well.as a cathedral it is an excellent example of its kind. The new minster centre revamp has good church-related items from CD's to candles and cards. and has a good café.Watch out for the Southwell Festival in August and the Mansfield/Bingham Choral Societies' Concert on Saturday 11th April singing English music with Colin Walsh of Lincoln on the organ

Whilst visiting Southwell recently we went into the Minster for a look around, its a fantastic building composed of slightly differing styles as it was not all built at the same time.I think one of the best views for me is from the outside as its roof is very distinctive and different from most other Minsters i've seen.

Great minster and very atmospheric. Visited last Autumn for the Bramley Apple day festivities. Amazing what you can actually get into the Minster lots of fantastic stalls, cookery demonstrations etc. Well worth the visit and we will be back next Apple Day. Thank you.

First seen approaching the town, this is a truly wonderful building with it's unusual twin towers. Walking through the Norman archway gives a first glimpse of the breathtaking Norman nave, with its three tiers of archways and barrel roof, and further investigation leads into the quire.Wonderfully tranquil, some great carvings.Outside is the Bishops Palace, transformed by Cardinal Wolsey, now with lovely ruins and a pretty garden.Minster shop is very nice, and cafe looks good although on this occasion we didn't use.Car Park is across road from Minster.

The Norman church is easily distinguishable from a distance because of its twin conical towers that dominate the countryside. The towers are examples of Norman architecture that have survived till date in England. The nave and transepts are of Romanesque design. The heavy arches separate the nave from the side aisles. The excellently painted windows, triforium arches the clerestory with rows of round windows are distinctive features of the church. The church staff were friendly and welcoming. It is well worth a visit if you are in the vivinity

A very beautiful church with friendly and helpful staff. The chapter house is wonderful. There is a real calm, atmospheric feeling about the minster, it doesn't feel tainted by tourists. There is no instance of forced donations, like there is at Lincoln or York and you feel good about putting in to the box the suggested donation rather than feeling agreaved about being stopped at the door and getting your pocket picked. Even the gift shop and cafe are in a separate modern building near the church yard entrance. All in all a very holy place that has kept its position as a church first and tourist attractions second. The coffee shop is very nice and reasonabley priced. On a nice warm summers day the outside seating area is wonderful.