Southwell Minster
A Norman twin-towered cathedral whose 13th-century stone foliage in the Chapter House is hailed as the peak of English Gothic carving.
Southwell Minster is the cathedral of Nottinghamshire. Its west front, with two spired Norman towers, is instantly recognisable, and the nave is a solid Romanesque design. The highlight is the Chapter House, dating from around 1290, where the pillars and arches are carved with lifelike oak leaves, grapes, hawthorn leaves and 'Green Men'. Known as the Southwell Leaves, the carvings are free to see (donations welcome). The small town also has a National Trust workhouse and the original Bramley apple tree, and lies about 25 km from Nottingham.
Opening hours
About 08:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- The Workhouse, Southwell
- Rufford Abbey Country Park
- Newark Castle & National Civil War Centre
- Sherwood Pines Forest Park
- Sherwood Forest & Major Oak
- Green's Windmill
- Clumber Park
- Lace Market & Hockley