Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>Picture a high street teeming with Muddy Award-winning indies, a glut of great restaurants, fantastic local schools <em>and</em> some fab music festivals, right on your doorstep. Plus for office commuters and urban addicts, it’s only a short drive right to the centre of Nottingham.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/10/Untitled-design-280.png" alt="The Old Theatre Deli overhead image of coffees and breakfast" class="wp-image-15281" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/10/Untitled-design-280.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/10/Untitled-design-280-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/10/Untitled-design-280-1024x683.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/10/Untitled-design-280-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Old Theatre Deli</figcaption></figure>



<p>For daytime eats head to Muddy Award-winning café <a href="https://www.theoldtheatredeli.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Old Theatre Deli</a> or pick up perfect pastries at <a href="https://littlebrunettebakery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Little Brunette Bakery</a>. The très chic newcomer <a href="https://www.instagram.com/southwellfrenchpress/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">French Pres</a>s is a must if you fancy fabulous coffee and flaky croissants (supplied by Little Brunette).</p>



<p>For fantastic heart pub menus, you won’t be short of options – head to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/heartygoodfellowsouthwell/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hearty Goodfellow</a>, <a href="https://www.greatukpubs.co.uk/admiral-rodney-southwell?utm_source=gmb&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=homepage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Admiral Rodney Pub</a>, <a href="https://www.saracensheadhotel.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Saracens Head Hotel</a> and <a href="http://www.thefullmoonmorton.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Full Moon Inn</a> at Morton, just 10 mins drive away. Fancy a cracking Sunday roast? Locals flock to <a href="https://regtaylors.co.uk/tea-rooms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reg Taylor Tea Rooms</a>. Your date night and special occasions needs are catered a little further afield at <a href="https://crosskeysepperstone.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Kitchen at Cross Keys</a> and <a href="https://www.bromleyatfiskerton.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bromley</a> at Fiskerton. A little closer to Newark, for riverside dining, <a href="https://boathousefarndon.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Boathouse</a> at Farndon is about 20mins away (but totally worth it).&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/09/LNID-shop.jpg" alt="Rebecca Gibbions outside Last Night I Dreamt, Southwell" class="wp-image-5885" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/09/LNID-shop.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/09/LNID-shop-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/09/LNID-shop-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/09/LNID-shop-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Muddy Award winner Last Night I Dreamt</figcaption></figure>



<p>Clothing boutiques first. A previous Muddy Award winner <a href="https://www.realclothingstore.co.uk/map" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Clothing</a> has heaps of great brands to browse, as does <a href="https://www.wardrobe-southwell.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wardrobe at Southwell Boutique</a>, while <a href="https://www.instagram.com/core_southwell/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Core Southwell</a> mainly focuses on stylish menswear.&nbsp;Looking to rent a dress for a big occasion? Try <a href="https://www.conscious-closet.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conscious Closet</a> which also puts on clothes sapping events and sells pre-loved prom dresses. For fabulous lingerie with a personalised fitting, nip to <a href="https://www.studiolingerieandresort.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studio Lingerie and Resort</a>. If jewellery is your thing, you’ll fall in love with <a href="https://www.lastnightidreamt.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Last Night I Dreamt</a>, voted Best Jeweller <em>nationally </em>in the 2023 Muddy Awards. </p>



<p>Into your vino? Then be sure to visit <a href="https://www.mrandmrsfinewine.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mr &amp; Mrs Fine Wine at The Wine Bank</a>. They have hundreds(!) of bottles to choose from.&nbsp;<a href="https://burleysgifts.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Burley’s Gifts</a> has some beautiful classic gifts on offer. And if you fancy some glorious blooms to top off your shopping spree, nip to <a href="https://www.gigilandbloom.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gigil &amp; Bloom</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>There&#8217;s a pool, gym and fitness classes at <a href="https://www.active4today.co.uk/ourcentres/southwellleisurecentre/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southwell Leisure Centre</a>. Need to re-balance? The Southwell Wellbeing Centre offers mindfulness meditation, breathwork. For yoga, you’ve got <a href="https://onewithnature.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One With Nature</a> or <a href="https://www.hiddenrootsyoga.com/services-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hidden Roots</a> for ante and post-natal classes. For Pilates try <a href="https://www.minsterpilates.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Minster Pilates</a> or <a href="https://www.promisepilates.co.uk/about-contact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Promise Pilates</a>. Like to feel the burn? <a href="https://bookwhen.com/feelgoodfitness#focus=ev-s4zu-20240914080000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Feelgood Fitness</a> offer kettlebell and bootcamp style classes. For dog walks and trail runs, Southwell Trail is a 7.5km bridleway from Southwell to Bilsthorpe to Southwell built on an old railway.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>Southwell residents are passionate about their town and there is a strong sense of community. They recently raised money for the final push to get the smooth new skate park built and locals turn out for Saturday markets in Southwell Market Square. <a href="https://www.inspireculture.org.uk/reading-information/find-a-library/southwell-library/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The library</a> is in the heart of town and hosts kids’ events, concerts and readings. The Minister is at the heart of the community too with stacks going on, including an annual, top-quality classical music festival each August Bank Holiday and the popular Bramley Apple Festival every September.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.southwellminster.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southwell Minster</a> is the crowning glory of the town with over 900 years of history to its name. It holds regular events, and the Christmas concerts are simply stunning.  Still on the heritage theme, <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-workhouse-and-infirmary" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Workhouse and Infirmary</a>, the fantastic <a href="https://www.museumoftimekeeping.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Museum of Timekeeping</a> and <a href="https://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/newarkcastleandgardens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Newark Castle</a> are all a stone’s throw away. And if you’re in need of something a bit more exhilarating, <a href="https://www.southwell-racecourse.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southwell Racecourse </a>holds regular meets throughout the year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/1-5.jpg" alt="Southwell Folk Festival Nottinghamshire" class="wp-image-1934" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/1-5.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/1-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/1-5-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/1-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/10/1-5-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Southwell Folk Festival</figcaption></figure>



<p>Right in the heart of Southwell, you’ll find <a href="https://www.thehopbarn.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hopbarn</a> a centre for music and creative performance that hosts great shows throughout the year in an intimate setting. Southwell Minster hosts dozens of amazing concerts, from candlelit classics to rock and pop. Hundreds of people also flock to the town’s fantastic annual festivals: the <a href="https://www.southwellmusicfestival.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southwell Music Festival </a>and <a href="https://www.gtsf.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southwell Folk Festival</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>A good time to buy in perennially popular Southwell? The average house price over the past year is £362,519, 20 per cent down on the previous year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/11/southwell-house-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="A grade II listed period gem in the heart of Southwell. On the market for £685,000." class="wp-image-11047" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/11/southwell-house-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/11/southwell-house-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/11/southwell-house-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/11/southwell-house-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A Grade II-listed period gem in the heart of Southwell. <a href="https://www.smithandpartners.co.uk/property/498" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for £685,000.</a></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES </h2>



<p><a href="http://www.prebendpreschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prebend Pre-school</a> has lots to offer little ones with woodland learning and yoga sessions – it was rated good in June too.&nbsp;There’s also <a href="https://www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk/nursery/southwell" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Busy Bees Day Nursery</a> and <a href="https://www.childrenshousesouthwell.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Children’s House Southwell</a> which are both rated Good.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>Take your pick! <a href="https://www.southwellholytrinity.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holy Trinity CofE Infant School </a>(recently rated outstanding in three areas and good in two) and <a href="https://www.halamprimary.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Halam Church of England Primary School</a> (rated good). <a href="https://www.loweswong-inf.notts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lowe’s Wong Infant School</a> (is good in a couple of areas but needs improvement in three others) while <a href="https://www.loweswong-jun.notts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lowe’s Wong Anglican Methodist Junior School </a>was last rated Good. For secondaries, <a href="https://www.minster.notts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Minster School</a> is rated Good overall with a couple of outstanding areas.<br><br>For independent schools, you&#8217;ll need to hop in the car for <a href="https://www.salterfordhouseschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salterford House School</a> is in Calverton and <a href="https://www.wellowhouse.notts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wellow House School</a> or <a href="https://highfieldsschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Highfields</a> in Newark. <a href="https://nottinghamgirlshigh.gdst.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nottingham Girls’ High School GDST</a> and <a href="https://nottinghamhigh.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nottingham High School </a>are both award-winners so worth visiting before making a decision. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Southwell is home to the original Bramley Apple Tree. Still bearing fruit after 200 years, it grew out of one pip planted by Mary Anne Brailsford in 1809. To celebrate its history, Southwell’s <a href="https://www.southwellminster.org/events/event/bramley2021/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bramley Apple Festival</a> happens every year in October with live cookery demonstrations and loads of stallholders.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Nipping to Nottingham in the car will take you about 30 mins, and it’s about an 1hr on the bus. If a trip to the capital is on the cards, it&#8217;s about a 3hr drive to London. Hop on the train from Notts instead, and it’ll take you 1hr 45 mins.&nbsp;</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 260 Best Places to Live</a></em>.&nbsp;</p>


Southwell

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