Please call Heather on 0115 965 2043.

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Information about Southwell is below.

Guided tours can be arranged for the Minster (Telephone 01636 812649) to  provide an in-depth historical account.  There is a selection of informative literature available for purchase inside the Minster if you prefer to view by yourself.

The Chapter house is famous for examples of early carvings.  The Norman Nave is of architectural interest.

The Minster visitor centre contains an audio-visual theatre, there's a book shop and refectory. Both the Minster and Visitor centre have access and facilities for the disabled.

There are several benches in the graveyard, donated in memory of  deceased relatives. Although not exclusively a British custom, it's not practised to the same degree abroad but is much appreciated by visitors.

If you take a walk around the village, you will come across some very fine buildings, mainly of the local red brick, and frequently related to the Minster and church business.

One of the fine red brick buildings in Southwell, Nottinghamshire	Tourists on a bench dedicated to the memory of a loved one

The Minster contains various interesting and curious objects, one of which is a wall plaque commemorating the massacre of Polish prisoners of war  in Katyn forest and other places in Russia.

Many Poles came to Britain as refugees just after the second world war and settled.  Some established Polish communities and social and cultural centres, frequently attached to a Roman Catholic church. There are Polish war graves in Newark, a few miles away from Southwell, which may also be of interest to anyone with Polish connections.

Opposite the side entrance to the Minster is a car park and toilets.  There's also a village map showing important people and places in Southwell in its history.  Lord Byron visited Southwell and had quite a few connections with the area - his home was Newstead Abbey. 

The National Trust have recently opened a former workhouse in Southwell (Telephone: 01636 817250).  This has been refurbished for visitors to take an audio tour around at their own pace.  Most of the rooms are quite empty and dialogue is provided to assist the imagination.  It provides an interesting insight into the development of the welfare state, and the tour is well worth taking, although children may find it a little too lengthy.  There is adequate parking in front of the workhouse.

If you're visiting Southwell and the Midlands it's worth noting that pubs open for lunch and evening meals only during certain limited hours.  Most close for lunch by about two, so that you have to get there early if you plan to have a meal.