![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/25\/590x\/secondary\/The-market-town-of-Southwell-has-been-heaped-with-praise-recently-4954573.jpg?r=1694463035181\")
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No place is perfect but the beautiful market town of Southwell, in Nottinghamshire, is the UK’s nearest to flawlelss – so claims a recent fan.<\/p>\n
A survey described the location as Britain\u2019s most affordable place but also the nation’s most Instagrammable town – as it has been hashtagged almost 70,000 times, has 71 places to stay under \u00a3100 a night and boasts 64 free attractions.<\/p>\n
Telegraph journalist Sarah Baxter visited the town to check out the claims.<\/p>\n
Writing in the Telegraph she said: \u201cSouthwell is undoubtedly an interesting place, with Roman remains, a disproportionately impressive minster, a National Trust gem, good pubs, its own cooking apple\u2026\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMight this questionable survey have stumbled upon a solid truth: that Southwell is England\u2019s most perfect little market town?\u201d<\/p>\n
READ MORE: <\/strong> The town that’s cruelly been dubbed the ugliest place in Britain to live<\/strong><\/p>\n The writer acknowledges that despite its affordable credentials, it isn\u2019t a cheap place to live. Zoopla puts the average property price here at \u00a3404,230 when the county average is \u00a3244,032.<\/p>\n But she notes that Southwell “ticks all the other ideal mini-break boxes”.\u00a0<\/p>\n She said: \u201cIts compact centre is lined with peruseable independents while heritage trails add context to its streets and surrounding countryside.\u201d<\/p>\n And despite being relatively small in size – with a population of 7,558 at the last census in 2021 – the town has its own dedicated tourism site.<\/p>\n It says:\u00a0 \u201cSouthwell is often referred to as the \u2018Jewel in Nottinghamshire\u2019s crown\u2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cExplore one of the prettiest towns in Nottinghamshire and discover the stunning Southwell Minster, a magnificent cathedral.<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n \u201cThe minster is famous for it\u2019s two lead-capped spires, known locally as the pepper-pot spires and is only a stone\u2019s throw away from the high street.<\/p>\n \u201cAt the historic centre of the town, there are a mix of independent shops, caf\u00e9s, bars and restaurants for you to enjoy and experience some of Southwell\u2019s local cuisine.\u201d<\/p>\n Indeed Southwell Minster is the area\u2019s top visitor attraction – and there are plenty of people who have shared their views on TripAdvisor to explain why.<\/p>\n One review said: \u201cDo not miss this. One of the country\u2019s hidden or unknown gems.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cUnsurpassed architecture, quiet, a great spiritual experience (if that is what you seek), and a place not to be missed.\u201d<\/p>\n Another said: \u201cA wonderful and attractive minster and must-see place if visiting Southwell. This is set in a wonderful and inviting market town and is within a few minutes’ walk from the minster.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/25\/590x\/secondary\/The-stunning-Southwell-Minster-has-scores-of-fans-4954577.jpg?r=1694463035310\")
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