Where to Base
It is recommended to stay in the city center near Southwell Minster. This location allows walking access to major attractions, restaurants, and shops, facilitating easy exploration of the historic city's core charm.
City hotel guide
Southwell
Southwell is a historic cathedral city in Nottinghamshire, England, renowned for its magnificent Southwell Minster and tranquil rural setting. It lacks a major international airport, relying primarily on road connections for accessibility. For hotel travelers, it serves as an ideal destination for experiencing traditional English town charm, offering quiet accommodations and cultural exploration opportunities. The city's compact center makes it walkable, while its surrounding countryside provides scenic drives. Visitors often choose Southwell as a base for exploring the East Midlands, appreciating its rich heritage, well-preserved medieval streets, and peaceful atmosphere away from bustling metropolitan centers.
10Hotels
0Brands
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🕐 Europe/London · 💱 GBP
Getting there & around
EMA airport guide (official info · terminals · lounges) →
🚆 Rolleston railway station🚆 Newark Castle railway station🚆 Newark Northgate railway station🚆 Aslockton railway station🚆 Elton and Orston railway station🚆 Collingham railway station🚆 Swinderby railway station
Before choosing where to stay
Getting Around
Southwell has no airport; the nearest major hubs are Nottingham or Manchester. City attractions are concentrated, making walking or short taxi rides easy for leisurely urban exploration.
Best Season
Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for outdoor walks and visiting the Minster gardens. Autumn features beautiful scenery, while winter brings festive atmosphere, making it an excellent time to experience traditional English town life.
Nearby attractions
Southwell Minster
Grade I listed cathedral in Southwell, United Kingdom
Sherwood Forest
royal forest
City Ground
association football stadium in West Bridgford, England
Newark Castle
Grade I listed castle in Newark-on-Trent, United Kingdom
Newstead Abbey
Historic house museum, home of Lord Byron, in Nottinghamshire, England, UK
Nottingham Castle
castle in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England, UK
Meadow Lane
football stadium in Nottingham, England
Rufford Abbey
abbey in Rufford, Nottinghamshire, England, UK
Field Mill
Mansfield football stadium
Nottingham Cathedral
Catholic cathedral
Church of St. Michael and All Angels, Averham
church in Averham, Nottinghamshire, England, UK
Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Newark-on-Trent
church in Newark and Sherwood, Nottinghamshire, England, UK
Dining
The Reindeer
You’ll find this friendly village pub with a bright, modern feel tucked away down a narrow country lane. When it comes to the cooking, things are hearteningly traditional, with eternal favourites like bangers and mash – along with daily specials – cooked with great care and using quality ingredients, resulting in straightforward, flavour-packed food. 'Pie night' – with weekly changing filling choices – and a proper Sunday roast add to the appeal, as do charming service and a prime view of the local cricket pitch.
Websitealchemilla
Alchemilla occupies the red-brick vaulted arches of a Victorian carriage house, yet despite its rustic first impression, it’s a modern place. A living wall and roof garden set the scene for Head Chef Alex Bond's inspired, exciting cooking that utilises sustainably sourced ingredients. As well as injecting plenty of his own personality into the dishes, he has an innate skill for bringing together sweet, sour, salty and citrus elements in wonderful harmony; his aged hogget with roasted lemon, aubergine and black olive is a prime example. The esoteric wine list has a bias towards natural wines.
WebsiteIbérico World Tapas
Hidden in the basement of the old city law courts and jail is this friendly, long-standing restaurant which comes with a vaulted ceiling, colourful tiling and ornate fretwork. The menu is just as interesting, living up to its name with dishes that incorporate elements from yuzu to dukkah alongside the firmly Mediterranean base. Around four dishes per person is about right, with the 'gambas a la plancha' well worth an order. The ‘Express’ menu available on midweek early evenings represents great value.
WebsitePiccalilli
Being hidden down an alleyway and up some stairs in the centre of Nottingham, you’ll need to follow your map closely to find this rustic restaurant in a lovely period building – think exposed brickwork, timbers and dried flowers hanging on the wall. Cooking-wise it’s all about small plates, with three to four per person about right; these dishes show off recognisable flavour combinations executed with aplomb, like ham fritters with the eponymous piccalilli. The wine list is concise but carefully curated, with quality choices at a fair price.
WebsiteKushi-Ya
Head through the arch of Enfield Chambers and you'll be transported to this uber-cool setting. The Japanese cooking revolves around small plates and skewers, cooked over a charcoal grill with consummate skill. Bright, authentic and generous, each dish is a joy to eat and sensibly priced too. If you're coming for lunch, get here early as they don't take bookings and the lunchtime offer is phenomenally good value. Efficient service, a dynamic atmosphere and a courtyard terrace all add to the already considerable appeal.
WebsiteRaymond's
In the heart of the city’s historic Lace Market neighbourhood, you’ll find this fun and welcoming restaurant that could scarcely be more on-trend. Sharing plates, counter seating, moody lighting, stylishly understated décor… it’s got the lot – and judging by the buzz it’s a recipe for success. Start with the fish crackling if you can, a totally addictive snack that sets the tone perfectly for a menu of immensely satisfying dishes. The wine list adds to the experience, with an interesting selection and a pleasingly large choice by the glass.
WebsiteAttraction data from Wikidata (CC0) and open sources, ranked by notability and distance — for reference.
See all guide-listed restaurants in Southwell (Michelin / Black Pearl) →
Airport lounges (EMA)
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Flights to Southwell
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Search flights to SouthwellMost-covered hotels in Southwell
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The Stables in Southwell
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The Bramley Apple Inn
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The Saracens Head Hotel
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The Little Townhouse - Southwell
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Host Stay The Little Townhouse
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Southwell
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Southwell Stays
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Southwell Home Stay
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