A Southwell birthday adventure

This year to celebrate my birthday, I decided to spend it in and around the minster and market town of Southwell. There is quite a lot to do in the historic town of Southwell, often referred to as the jewel in Nottinghamshire’s crown. From cobbled stoned streets full of independent shops, to the twin pepperpot towers of Southwell Minister, and half pints of cider in atmospheric pubs, it’s truly worth a visit. Read on to see how I spent a day celebrating my birthday in Southwell and surrounding places.

1. Picking sunflowers and completing a maze.

After a scrumptious breakfast of cinnamon swirl pancakes at home, I headed off to a pumpkin patch farm where in summer, you can pick flowers & veggies and have a go at a maze. This was great fun. Starting with the maze, we had to find 8 sheep (not real ones!) and you get a cute little sticker sheet (definitely for kids but as an adult, I enjoyed this too). There’s also a little cabin for drinks, and I’d recommend picking up a drink to take with you on the maze if you haven’t brought any water, as it can be thirsty business.

After successfully completing the maze and finding the exit, we went over to pick our own sunflowers. The price for the maze is £8 per adult, but you are able to use this purchase as money towards the produce. On offer there are potatoes, courgettes, sunflowers and gladioli – and the best bit – you pick your own!

2. The Real Milk Company

I stumbled across this little place when I was planning my trip on google maps. The Real Milk Company at New Holbeck Farm celebrate local produce by

“providing people with fresh, free range milk, eggs, bread, veg and ice cream on a daily basis direct from producer to consumer, via our specialist milk vending machine!”

Real Milk Company

Nestled in the village of Hallam, Newark, you’ll find The Real Milk Company cabin selling all sorts of produce from eggs, herbs, veggies, flowers & plants, sausages, homemade pies and more. I couldn’t resist a little haul and picked up some peaches, nectarines, onions, leeks and of course a lamb and mushy pea pie! You can also sample a glass of milk from their very own free range cows using their vending machine.

You pay using an honesty box, but don’t worry, if you don’t have cash there’s a card machine too.

3. Lunch at All Mine Cakes by the Lake

I had to try this place after reading they do the best cheesy chips for miles. Hayley at All Mine Cakes by the Lake has a passion for helping people enjoy the simple things in life such as a good cuppa tea and a slice of cake.

I of course ordered the cheesy chips and enjoyed dipping the little rectangles of pure cheesy heaven in lashings of ketchup and mayo with a gorgeous view of the lake. Scott had the chip butty on thick slices of tiger bread. There was a huge selection of cakes on offer (which due to having a whole Birthday cake waiting for me at home I managed to resist on this occasion). But I’ve included a picture of what’s on offer to tickle your tastebuds.

I can 100% confirm these are the best cheesy chips for miles, and might just be the best cheesy chips I’ve eaten bar my own mamma pats (nobody beats mamma pats chips).

4. Southwell Minister

You can’t really have a trip to Southwell and not visit Southwell Minister. For more than 900 years Southwell Minster has been opening its doors to welcome visitors, pilgrims and worshippers. I remember visiting as a child, but this was my first time back as an adult. It’s an impressive cathedral, with beautiful long tall windows, impressive architecture and hidden rooms to explore. I really enjoyed exploring the leaves of Southwell where you’ll find fluid carvings of plants, animals and green men within the Chapter House.

5. Exploring the picturesque town centre of Southwell

After visiting Southwell Minister, I explored the lovely town centre filled with independent shops such as bakeries, sweets, homeware and more.

If you know me at all, you’ll know I couldn’t walk past a book shop and had to visit Bookwise, a great secondhand bookshop, where I picked up two books.

Look out for all the crochet pole toppers whilst walking along the high street, they’re super cute and I photographed a few favourites.

After all this adventuring, I needed a drink so we allowed our feed to rest in Saracens Head. With a cider in one hand and books in the other, we sat in the lounge (recommended by the lovely bar man) and soaked up the old traditional pub atmosphere whilst people watching and reading tales about fairies.

6. Dinner at The Rustic Crust

I wanted somewhere to stop off en route home from Southwell to break up the drive. After some research of good eateries I found The Rustic Crust in the delightful village of Farnsfield. Made in the southern Italian style from Naples, their slow rise double fermented dough is mixed in house daily and left to rise for at least 48 hours.

The great reviews online didn’t disappoint, as we tucked into two incredible pizzas in the quaint setting of their outdoor bistro. I opted for the proper pepperoni (proper it was) with added extras of garlic and pineapple. Scott chose the spicy sausage with onions and black olives. All slurped down with a cold, refreshing margarita.

After being defeated by pizza, I took some home with me and enjoyed second day pizza for lunch.

After tea and a slice of birthday cake at home, I dozed happily on the sofa with an episode of Trailer Park Boys in the background. Don’t forget to check out my Instagram page for more photos of my trip to Southewell.

Have you been to Southwell? What are your favourite things to do? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to add them to my must see list!