Guide to Southwell, Nottinghamshire: what to do, see and eat while visiting our picturesque market town

Visiting Southwell in Nottinghamshire to check out our open days, finalise your wedding arrangements or actually tie the knot? Our charming market town is loved by many - but, we’ve got the inside scoop on the loveliest cafes, best independent boutiques and sights you have to see.

We’re not too shy to admit it: we love our historic little town. Like something out of The Holiday, Southwell’s charming cottages, winding lanes and crafty boutiques have caught the attention of not just its residents, but even the national press.

Yup, even The Telegraph called Southwell “England’s most perfect market town” and we’re not ones to disagree. Surrounded by blankets of rolling greenery, spending a weekend in Southwell is a little like going back in time. The cobbled streets and beam-lain ceilings make something as simple as enjoying a glass of wine at the pub, or going for a walk, feel like stepping into the pages of a storybook.

It’s why our couples choose The Old Vicarage for their fairytale ending. Our unique location on the edge of the village means within a 10 minute walk you can be out in the wilderness, or clinking champagne glasses at a local wine shop, it’s totally up to you. And, thanks to the town’s long history, our period building lives up to its name with stunning Victorian details that look beautiful in photographs.

Many of our team is born and bred in Southwell and have stories galore of magical childhoods growing up amongst nature and enjoying hot chocolates at kitschy cafe Gossips after school. Our director, Chelsea, lived across the country before returning to her hometown to elevate the business and is bursting with tips and advice for couples and their families on what to see and do while here.

For those coming from the surrounding counties or even further afield, we always advise seeing what's on our doorstep. It could be that you’re visiting our corner of Nottinghamshire for the very first time to visit our open day, or perhaps we’ve reached the big day already, and your friends and family are looking to make a weekend of it. We’re so happy to help with ideas on how to make your wedding season the most special it can be - starting with a list of our must-visit places.

Coffee stop: French Press

Our morning mantra is: “but first, coffee” and if you’re (more than a little bit) keen to get your caffeine hit, you’ll love French Press. It has the most darling position, right in the middle of the town, ideally located for not only finding, but shopping afterwards. While the building has long been home to a cafe, it was just under a year ago that the French Press team took over and totally made the space their own. Think chic wooden wall panelling, beautiful art prints and a softly Scandinavian feel. Bonus points for the cute branding which makes taking a snap of your takeaway coffee cup obligatory. But, if a cup of Joe isn’t really your thing, don’t worry - we’re obsessed with their matcha. It’s the best you’ll find for miles around.

French Press Cafe, Southwell

Shopping: The Hen House

We’ve had clients from all over the country - Sussex, the Lake District, London - tell us that they’ve never seen a vintage curation quite like The Hen House. Brought together by the founder and owner Kelly, The Hen House has a carefully-honed aesthetic that favours earthy tones and natural materials, alongside cottagecore details and authentic vintage and antique finds. For smaller pieces or perhaps a keepsake to take home, there’s rustic vases in the form of old ink pots or terracotta planters with just the right amount of ageing. You could pick up a sweet wicker basket for farmer’s markets or positioning on a side table filled with plants. Or, if you’re in the market for something larger, Kelly has everything from antique French Provincial Vaisseliers from the 1800s to framed sketches and vintage artworks. We’ve worked with Kelly many times and have come to rely on her fantastic eye - especially when she’s briefed on the type of piece you’re looking for. More often than not, she’ll sniff it out for you!

Time for lunch: The Old Theatre Deli

You can’t spend a day in Southwell and deny yourself lunch at The Old Theatre Deli. As the name would suggest, this local-favourite is housed in an old, Georgian Theatre and even has a private dining space upstairs, The Stage. This independent, family-run team work with the surrounding farms to prioritise using only the best produce, sourced as close to home as possible, with a focus on British producers. Brunch looks like ‘Green Eggs’ with honey roast ham, scrambled eggs and spinach, or the ‘Deli Stack’ has crispy pancetta, avocado and poached eggs served on sourdough toast alongside grilled cherry vine tomatoes and finished with fine shavings of parmesan. What’s more: you can add 90 minutes of fizz and make your brunch bottomless. Later in the day, lunch could be anything from fresh crab salad with asparagus, baby potatoes, salsa verde and soft boiled egg, to BBQ Korean-style chicken burger with Asian slaw, crispy onions, cheese and fries. Chef’s kiss.

Take a stroll: Southwell Minster

While Southwell is a dinky place, we’re a little more on the map than other market towns thanks to our 1,000-year-old Minster. If history is your thing, you might be interested in a guided tour or at least knowing what to look out for; from a Saxon carving to the beautiful stained glass memorial to soldiers who fought in the First World War. For us, the grounds are just heaven. Serene and full of calm, you can take a wander around the Minster and explore The Palace Gardens, where you’ll find the incredible ruins of the Archbishop’s Palace, brought to life by colourful flowers. We find that having a relaxing place to take a walk the day before your wedding can be just the thing.

Afternoon tea: Little Brunette Bakery

Did someone say cake? What’s an afternoon spent in the English countryside if it isn’t complemented by a cup of tea and sweet treat. Since opening in 2022, the Little Brunette Bakery has been an all-out favourite, not just for the people of Southwell, but towns and villages across the county. Seriously, we know those who will drive over first thing just to get their hands on a brownie, before they’re sold out! Founded by sister-team, Amelia and Jessica, they’ve been featured by local press thanks to their quick-growing business and cult effect. They’re also two of the loveliest people you could meet - with the same going for their mum, Kay, who’s often on-hand for a quick gossip. Get stuck into a slice of lemon meringue cake, flakey almond croissants or one of their delicious cronut-inspired creations before closing time at 15.30.

Cheers: The Final Whistle

Southwell is brimming with pubs - each with their own weird and wonderful story. There’s the Saracen’s Head where King Charles I spent his last free night and The Bramley Apple Inn named after the village’s very own apple - but, our favourite has to be The Final Whistle. Totally picture-perfect, The Final Whistle is named after the nearby old railway line and boasts plenty of traditional details like a white picket fence, old fashioned bar and real, roaring fire for wintertime. It’s full of character and the perfect place for an evening tipple.