Southwell Minster Wins Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Nottinghamshire Tourism Awards
One of the district’s most historically significant buildings has been named as the Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Nottinghamshire Tourism Awards.
Southwell Minster was given the honour at the event held at the East Midlands Conference Centre, with the awards aiming to celebrate the best in the region’s tourism, leisure, culture and hospitality sectors.
The Nottinghamshire Tourism Awards include 14 categories covering a wide range of tourism, from hotels, B&Bs and campsites to pubs, visitor attractions and unique experiences.
These categories highlight the breadth of the region’s tourism landscape, as well as the people and businesses that make it thrive.
Among the night’s many honours, Southwell Minster was awarded Visitor Attraction of the Year for its dedication to hospitality, culture and sustainable success.
The accolade recognises outstanding places that provide truly memorable experiences and demonstrate excellence across every aspect of their organisation.
Staff members Sarah Clemson and Ruth Massey accepted the award on behalf of the Dean and Chapter, and the hundreds of volunteers who work alongside the small staff team to make the Minster a remarkable place for visitors.
The judges’ glowing findings higlighted Minster’s mission, where “hospitality in the name of Jesus Christ is at the heart of what we are about” as being of particular importance.
They said: “This sentiment is not just a phrase on the website, nor is it an ambition; it is an action that underpins the cultural, religious and sustainable success of Southwell Minster.
“At this building which has stood for a thousand years, I felt welcomed from the moment I entered the cathedral gates to leaving the visitor shop.
“Despite the age and religious significance of this landmark, every visitor is treated equally and is made to feel a guest of God, irrespective of their religion.
“I will be back for the many concerts and exhibitions.”
Following the win, Southwell Minster will now be put forward for national recognition at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, further affirming its place as a key cultural landmark in Nottinghamshire.
