Free Easter tours of Minster and Palace

An opportunity to discover a thousand years of history of Southwell Minster and the Archbishop’s Palace – from Saxon times to the modern day – will begin over the Easter Bank Holiday, and continue on special Open Days throughout the year.

FREE guided tours offer highlights of the world famous ‘Leaves of Southwell’ in the Chapterhouse, regarded as some of the most impressive stone carvings in all of Europe, vivid stained glass windows, stunning wood carvings, and the majestic State Chamber in The Archbishop’s Palace where King Richard I, Cardinal Wolsey, King James VI of Scotland and King Charles I all visited.

Head of Marketing and Events at Southwell Minster, Glenn Formoy says: “Our fully trained guides are on hand to answer all your questions so come along for a fun and fact filled trip for all the family.”

Separate Tours of the Bell Tower are also available to explore the fascinating history behind the bells and if the weather is good, 360 degree panoramic views can be enjoyed from the Minster roof.

The Bell Tower tours are £5 adult, £3 children – other than on 22nd April as part of BBC Radio Nottingham’s Big Day Out – when they will be FREE.

All tours are led by highly trained guides, and will run on the hour from 10am, with the last tour at 3pm on a bank holiday and 4pm on other dates:
– Easter Monday 2 April (Easter Bank Holiday)
– Saturday 14 April (Tower Tour only)
– Monday 7 May (May Bank Holiday)
– Monday 28 May (Spring Bank Holiday)

As part of BBC Radio Nottingham’s Big Day Out on Sunday 22nd April, all tours, including the Bell Tower tour will be free of charge. Tours start from 12.30pm with the last tour commencing at 2.30pm. There will be free children’s trails and activity packs available, as well as exciting craft activities between 1-3pm. Visitors can stay for Evensong at 3.30pm (finishing at 4.15pm) and listen to the Cathedral choir.

Please note that children must be aged 7 or over for the Bell Tower tours.

Tours will continue on Open Days throughout the year, see www.southwellminster.org for further details