Southwell Minster opens its famous Leaves of Southwell to all

Southwell is a small town with a big treasure. Its minster, a Grade I listed cathedral, is home to the Leaves of Southwell, carvings of plants, animals and green men in the Chapter House that are regarded as "the best example of 13th century naturalistic carving in the United Kingdom".

The Chapter House was begun in 1288 and is octagonal, with foliage so lifelike that in 1935 the botanist Albert Seward identified the plant species carved there. Nikolaus Pevsner later celebrated them in his book The Leaves of Southwell, published in 1945. The carvings were also voted number one in the Association of English Cathedrals' #CathedralTreasures competition.

Now they are better protected and easier to enjoy than ever. The Leaves of Southwell project, supported by a £2.2m grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund along with the Friends of Southwell Cathedral and other donors, tackled leaking roofs and the lack of heating and environmental controls. Modern lighting has been installed for the first time, alongside a new interpretation scheme and a cantilever lift that makes the Chapter House fully accessible for the first time in its more than 700-year history.

The rest of the minster is just as rewarding. Tradition links the earliest church on the site to Paulinus around 627. Norman rebuilding began in 1108 and was largely complete by about 1150, leaving a nave of short circular columns with scalloped capitals. The minster became a cathedral in 1884, and next door stand the remains of the Archbishop's Palace, whose State Chamber now hosts concerts.

Music is part of daily life here, with organ concerts, Friday lunchtime concerts and Music in the State Chamber, along with a talks programme. In October 2026, the minster is also hosting an exhibition marking the 25th anniversary of Framework, titled From trauma to hope to independence.

Visiting is easy. The minster is open from 10am to 6.30pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4.30pm on Sundays. There is no charge for entry, though donations are welcome with £5 suggested, and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the minster and grounds. Guided tours can be pre-booked.

Visitor information and events are on the Southwell Minster website.