Pictures of Axminster

a Historic Market Town in the county of Devon

Take a picture tour of Axminster

About Axminster

Famous for its carpets often likened to Turkish, Axminster was one of the first West Saxon settlements formed along the River Axe in Devon.

The settlement flourished through the centuries and today it is one of Devon's prettiest small market towns with a lively, attractive town centre. It has a handsome church, with a Norman door and Jacobean pulpit, and excellent old inns, such as the George, a beautiful stone building topped with thick thatch which dates back over 700 years. The inn is full of interesting nooks and crannies, and as one would expect, has a resident ghost!

Axminster's carpet trade was founded by Thomas Whitty in 1755, he set up after making a careful study of Turkish methods. In 1835 the business was sold to a carpet weaver from Wilton, and it was not until 1937 that further carpets were made in the town. Caster Hill House, where the carpets were originally produced, can still be visited.

Market day here is Thursday, this takes the form of an open street market with plenty of stalls selling a diverse range of goods. It is a lively weekly event drawing crowds of locals as well as tourists to the area.

Make sure you visit Axminster Museum, this recalls the town's history and traditions, with excellent displays of farming implements and plenty to do with carpets.

Attractions close to Axminster include the NT properties Shute Bacton and Loughwood Meeting House. Axminster is ideally situated within easy reach of both The West Dorset and East Devon Heritage Coastlines, thus making the town an ideal base for anyone wishing to explore some of England's finest coastal scenery.

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Recommended accommodation in Axminster

Book the Fairwater Head Hotel in Hawkchurch, Near Lyme Regis, Devon, Devon, England

Fairwater Head Hotel
Hawkchurch, Near Lyme Regis, Devon, Devon, England
Nestled in 2 acres of beautifully kept gardens, our charming country house hotel is a place of comfort, good food, peace and tranquillity.

In the winter sit by the fire and enjoy a good book, and in summer relax with an afternoon cream tea on the patio, taking in the superb views of the Axe Valley and surrounding countryside. Later, unwind with a drink in our west-facing bar and watch the sun set.

New owners Adam and Carrie Southwell and their team strive to create the perfect relaxed atmosphere with friendly and efficient service. Our restaurant is very much a part of what we do here; it has 2 AA Rosettes for the high standard and quality of the food, making it one of the very best in the area.
Facilities: Parking, Pets Allowed
Hotel Prices: from £95.00
More information and book online..

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Hotels & Accommodation in Axminster

	Fairwater Head Hotel Hawkchurch, Near Lyme Regis, Devon, Devon, England (3.0 miles, 4.8 km, direction E) Nestled in 2 acres of beautifully kept gardens, our charming country house hotel is a place of comfort, good food, peace and tranquillity. In the winter sit by the fire and enjoy a good book, and ... More info and book online.. Price from £95.00
	The Lordleaze Hotel And Restaurant Henderson Drive, Forton Road, Chard, Somerset, England (6.3 miles, 10.1 km, direction N) The Lordleaze Hotel is a delightfully converted 18th century farmhouse set in rural surroundings. The secluded surroundings of Lordleaze Hotel are a perfect location for those seeking peace and tranqu... More info and book online.. Price from £70.00
	Bellplot House Hotel High Street, Chard, Somerset, England (6.3 miles, 10.2 km, direction N) Beautiful grade II listed Georgian townhouse. Only hotel in the centre of Chard with own private carpark & wifi. Relax & enjoy elegant surroundings, friendly service, AA rosette food, award winning br... More info and book online.. Price from £89.00
	The Belfry Country Hotel Yarcombe, Honiton, Devon, England (6.9 miles, 11.1 km, direction NW) A warm welcome awaits you at the Belfry Country Hotel, a converted Victorian school house in a small hamlet. The hotel offers stunning views, luxury en suite bedrooms and superb evening meals in a... More info and book online.. Price from £55.00
	The Haymaker Inn Wadeford, Chard, Nr Taunton SOMERSET, Somerset, England (7.4 miles, 12.0 km, direction N) The Haymaker is set in a tranquil area of outstanding beauty, 2.5 miles off the A303 /A30 Ilminster to Honiton road. The Haymaker has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment programme, with e... More info and book online.. Price from £65.00

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Nearby travel help

Axminster Station	(0.6 miles, 1.0 km)
Honiton Station	(8.4 miles, 13.4 km, direction W)
M5 Junction 26	(15.5 miles, 24.9 km, direction NW)
M5 Junction 25	(16.5 miles, 26.6 km, direction N)
Exeter Airport	(19.0 miles, 30.5 km, direction W)
Bristol International Airport	(43.3 miles, 69.6 km, direction N)
Axminster to London	(134.4 miles, 216.3 km, direction E)