Axminster, Devon Travel Guide – Top Things to Do

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Axminster, Devon, is situated on the gentle River Axe, around twenty-eight miles east of Exeter, near the meeting point of Devon, Dorset and Somerset. It is located within easy reach of coastal towns such as Seaton, Beer, and Lyme Regis on the Jurassic Coast.

The town lies where the A35 crosses the Axe valley, and the railway line connects London Waterloo with Exeter St Davids. Axminster Station, just a short walk from the town centre, provides regular services operated by South Western Railway, making it one of the most accessible small towns in East Devon.

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Map of Axminster, England

The History of Axminster

Long before the name became synonymous with fine carpets, Axminster was a religious and trading settlement whose story stretches back nearly a thousand years. The name itself combines the River Axe with mynster, the Old English word for a large church, indicating early monastic importance.

Early settlement

Archaeological finds suggest that the valley was inhabited in Roman times, when the Fosse Way, the great Roman road linking Exeter (Isca Dumnoniorum) with Lincoln, passed just north of the present town.

Its position on this ancient route, and later at the crossroads between Dorset and Devon, made Axminster a natural stopping point for travellers heading west. The first written record of the town appears much later, in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is listed as Aixeministra, meaning “monastery on the River Axe.

Newenham Abbey

Just south of the modern town and A35, Newenham Abbey was founded in 1247 by Reginald de Mohun, a powerful West Country lord and patron of the Cistercian order. Known as the “white monks”, the Cistercians prized quiet valleys, fertile land and running water, and the Axe Valley gave them all three.

They laid out a self-sufficient precinct of church, cloister, and working buildings beside the river and established outlying farmsteads, known as granges, to manage their fields, meadows, and flocks. In keeping with the order’s practical bent, the monks brewed ale, tended orchards, maintained fishponds and worked the mills, feeding travellers and the less well off as part of their charitable duties.

For nearly three centuries, the abbey shaped life around Axminster. It drew labour and trade into the valley, improved drainage and field systems, and acted as a steady landowner through both good and bad harvests.

The abbey’s story ended with one of the most turbulent episodes in English history. In the sixteenth century, Henry VIII’s break with Rome swept away centuries of monastic life, closing communities across the country. Newenham Abbey was among them, and in 1539, the abbey’s lands passed into private hands.

The estate was first leased to John Petre, later acquired by the Yonge family of Colyton, and the monastic buildings were gradually quarried for stone and reused in surrounding farms.

Site of Newenham Abbey, Axminster

Today, the site lies on private farmland near Abbey Gate, its outlines visible in low earthworks and reused stone in nearby buildings. Aside from footpaths running close by, there is no public access. Axminster Heritage Centre includes displays and maps that help visitors visualise the abbey’s layout and the life of the Cistercian community that once flourished there.

Market town and coaching stop

By the later Middle Ages, Axminster had matured into a working market town, its weekly trading formally secured under King John. In 1204, the manor was granted to William Brewer, with the right to hold a weekly market, a right reaffirmed by a charter of 1210 and confirmed again in 1215, along with permission for an eight-day fair. Those charters underpinned a tradition that still lives on in today’s Thursday market.

Market days filled what is now Trinity Square and the streets around the Minster, while livestock sales later moved from the Market Square to Trinity Square after the 1834 town-centre fire, and finally to a purpose-built site off South Street in 1912. The old cattle market closed in 2006, but the Thursday street market continues to be a lively showcase for local produce and crafts.

Axminster also prospered as a stopping point on the road from London to Exeter. Coaching traffic brought steady trade to the town’s inns, carriers and workshops.

Axminster Carpets

In 1755, the Axminster weaver Thomas Whitty set up a small workshop off Silver Street and produced his first hand-knotted carpet on Midsummer’s Day. Using a horizontal loom and natural dyes, he developed large, room-sized designs that matched imported Oriental pieces for detail and depth. The manufactory expanded quickly, employing local spinners, dyers and knotters. Whitty won early recognition from the Society of Arts and secured high-profile commissions; by the reign of George III, Axminster carpets were installed in royal residences and major country houses.

The business passed to Whitty’s son and grandson, Samuel Rampson Whitty. A fire in January 1828 destroyed the principal looms and buildings. Production limped on, but the firm was declared bankrupt in 1835, and the original Axminster operation closed. The term “Axminster” persisted in the trade, but carpets were no longer made in the town.

Manufacture returned in 1937 when Harry Dutfield founded Axminster Carpets at Gamberlake. The mill operated as a vertical plant, taking wool from raw fleece through carding, spinning, dyeing, and weaving on-site.

During the Second World War, it switched to essential production and then resumed civilian output after 1945. Over the latter part of the twentieth century, the company became a key regional employer, supplying to royal residences, Parliament, Downing Street, landmark hotels like the Savoy and Claridge’s, and prestigious venues worldwide.

Today, the original Whitty premises house the Heritage Centre, while modern Axminster Carpets continues the town’s association with patterned, durable floor coverings.

Victorian growth

The railway reached Axminster in 1860 when the London and South Western Railway opened the Yeovil to Exeter section, providing the town with a direct link to London Waterloo. A compact station, goods yard and sidings followed, handling coal, agricultural produce and livestock alongside passenger traffic.

The connection boosted the local industry, supported the carpet trade and made short breaks on the nearby coast practical for Victorian visitors.

Branch Lines

Axminster later became the junction for the Lyme Regis branch. Opened in 1903, the branch ran south through Combpyne to a cliff-top terminus above Lyme Regis. Lightweight locomotives worked it due to its steep gradients and tight curves, and it closed in 1965.

Two other branch lines lay just beyond the parish: the Seaton line diverged at Seaton Junction (for Seaton and Beer) and the Chard line at Chard Junction (for Chard and Taunton connections). Together, these lines formed a small web of East Devon and West Dorset routes that carried market-goers, schoolchildren, tourists and freight until mid-20th-century closures.

Victorian Axminster grew steadily around its new transport hub. Shops filled Trinity Square and South Street, chapels and schools appeared, and neat brick terraces and villas spread along Lyme Street, West Street and Chard Road. St Mary’s Church was restored in the 1880s, and public buildings followed.

Axminster Hospital

The first Axminster Cottage Hospital opened in 1868 in a converted house on South Street, close to the present Heritage Centre. It relocated in 1874 to a new building on Chard Street, funded by local subscription, where it continued to serve the district for nearly 150 years.

It gradually expanded with the addition of modern wards and outpatient facilities, and provided a maternity unit for much of the 20th century. In recent years, inpatient services have been scaled back, and there is no longer a minor injuries unit. However, the hospital remains an important local healthcare centre, offering community clinics and physiotherapy services.

Other landmarks from the same period include the former grammar school, opened in the 1890s and later merged into the comprehensive system; the Guildhall, built in 1931 as a municipal hall and event space; and the carpet factory buildings along Silver Street and Gamberlake.

Axminster in the World Wars

First World War (1914–1918)

Axminster’s war memorial, erected in 1921, originally recorded 66 local men who died in the First World War. A further 19 names from the Second World War were added later.

Second World War (1939–1945)

Axminster lay on the Taunton Stop Line, a defensive system constructed in 1940–41 to resist invasion. The line ran north–south from Seaton through Axminster along the River Axe towards Chard and beyond. It comprised a chain of pillboxes, anti-tank obstacles, ditches and other fieldworks. Recorded sites around the town included defensive positions and gun emplacements, some of which are still visible in the fields surrounding the town.

Modern Axminster

Today, Axminster is a practical, well-connected small town with a strong sense of community. The Axminster Heritage Centre, located on Silver Street, brings together the stories of carpets, markets, and everyday life under one roof. At the same time, the Guildhall continues to host performances, meetings and local events. Independent shops, cafés and services cluster around Trinity Square and South Street, and the weekly Thursday market keeps the town’s trading tradition alive.

Trinity House

Trinity House is the landmark building situated at the front of Trinity Square. Once a traditional department store, it remains a focal point for the centre of town, with ground-floor retail and upper-floor space that has hosted a mix of commercial and community uses over time. Its prominent frontage, together with the church and the Guildhall nearby, defines the look and feel of the square, providing a natural backdrop for markets and seasonal events.

A35 Bypass

Through-traffic on the old London–Exeter route used to funnel straight through the centre. The construction of the A35 bypass, opened in 1990, now carries most long-distance vehicles around the town, easing congestion on Trinity Square and South Street.

Rail Links

Axminster Railway Station remains a key link, with direct services to Exeter, Salisbury and London. The reinstated passing loop and second platform (in service since 2009) improved reliability and capacity, and made car-free trips to the coast or city straightforward.

Services & Employment

Local employment is a mix of retail, light industry, services and education, with small workshops and businesses on the town’s industrial estates and in surrounding farm units. Health services are centred on Axminster Hospital, which now operates as a community health hub offering outpatient and therapy clinics. Day-to-day needs are met in the centre, with larger stores and additional services available in nearby Honiton, Seaton and Lyme Regis.

What to See and Do in Axminster

Although compact, Axminster rewards exploration. Every corner reveals traces of its industrious past and glimpses of the Devon countryside beyond.

Axminster Heritage Centre

Without doubt, if you can, start your visit here. Displays of looms, weaving tools and Thomas Whitty’s original designs bring the carpet story to life. The friendly volunteers also double as the Tourist Information Centre, offering maps and local tips. https://axminsterheritage.org/

St Mary’s Church

Axminster’s parish church dominates the skyline with its square tower and mellow stone walls. Parts date back to the twelfth century, with later additions in the Perpendicular Gothic style. Inside are memorial tablets, stained-glass windows and a fine organ. The churchyard offers peaceful views across the rooftops. https://www.plymouth-diocese.org.uk/church/axminster-st-marys/

The Guildhall

Built in 1931, this neoclassical building on West Street hosts community events, concerts and markets. It’s worth checking the noticeboard for upcoming theatre or craft fairs. https://www.axminster-guildhall.co.uk/

Market Square

Every Thursday, the town centre fills with stalls selling local cheeses, bread, plants, crafts and clothing. It’s one of Devon’s oldest continuous markets and still the social heart of town.

Walks from town

The East Devon Way passes nearby, linking Axminster with the coast at Lyme Regis and Exmouth. Shorter circular walks trace the River Axe or climb to Shute Woods for panoramic views. In spring, hedgerows burst with wildflowers and skylarks call from the fields.

Forde Abbey & Gardens

One of our favourites and local to us, Forde Abbey is only a 20-minute drive north of Axminster. Once a Cistercian monastery, it was later transformed into an elegant country house on the Devon–Dorset–Somerset border.

You can tour richly furnished rooms, then wander through extensive formal and informal gardens with lawns, lakes, herbaceous borders, a walled kitchen garden and seasonal displays from snowdrops and tulips in spring to dahlias and autumn colour.

Picnics are encouraged, and families enjoy it for the space that it offers, while gardeners come for the plant nursery and well-kept borders.

There is a tearoom for lunches and cakes, a small gift shop, ample parking and signed waymarked walks around the grounds. Opening hours vary by season, and the house and gardens may operate different times, so check before you travel.

River Cottage HQ

Just outside town, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage HQ at Park Farm offers a cafe and runs hands-on cookery courses, seasonal feast nights and special events that showcase local produce and low-waste cooking. Expect small class sizes, garden and farm demonstrations, and menus built around what’s in season. Booking is essential, especially at weekends and during school holidays.

The Jurassic Coast

Although Axminster itself is inland, the sea is close. In twenty minutes, you can be on the beaches of Seaton, Beer or Lyme Regis, exploring the world-famous fossil cliffs and coastal paths.

Axminster Town Centre & Shopping

Axminster’s compact centre includes independent shops, cafés and long-standing local services within a short, walkable grid around Trinity Square and South Street.

The high street retains its local character, featuring a traditional butcher, bakery, pharmacy, and small supermarkets alongside delis, homeware shops, and cafés. Just outside of town, there is a retail shop of Axminster Tools, the nationally recognised company that began as a small family workshop.

Seasonal Highlights & Annual Events

Despite its size, Axminster has a busy year-round calendar.

Axminster Guildhall hosts theatre, comedy and music throughout the year, and its website is a good starting point for what’s on in town. The Axminster Heritage Centre also runs talks and exhibitions. River Cottage on nearby Trinity Hill holds events throughout the year, with local produce taking centre stage at its Food Fair in May, which brings chefs, producers and food lovers together for tastings, talks and demonstrations.

In summer, look out for the Axe Vale Show, a long-running weekend celebration of crafts, horticulture, food, music and community at the town’s showground. Nearby villages add fetes and open-garden days.

Early autumn brings Axminster Carnival, and in late November, the Christmas Lights Switch-On and late-night shopping turn the high street festive. Whenever you visit, check Axminster Guildhall or ThisIsSouthWest.com ‘What’s On” page for current dates.

Getting There & Getting Around

Axminster’s location on major routes makes travel simple.

By train

Regular South Western Railway services link Axminster with Exeter St Davids, Salisbury and London Waterloo. The journey from Exeter takes approximately forty minutes; from London, it is roughly three hours. Axminster station is a five-minute walk from the town centre.

By car

The A35 connects Axminster to Honiton and Bridport, while the A358 leads north towards Chard and Taunton. Public car parks are signposted from the high street — West Street and Trinity Square are central and convenient.

By bus

Axminster is well served by local and regional bus routes connecting the town with surrounding villages, the Jurassic Coast and larger centres.

The 885 service, operated by Axe Valley Mini Travel, links Axminster with Seaton, Colyton, and Beer, passing through Musbury, Whitford, and Colyford.

The 44A run by Stagecoach South West connects the town to Honiton and Exeter, while the 30 operated by First Buses of Somerset travels north through Chard and Ilminster to Taunton.

Coastal services on the X51 and X53 routes, part of First Wessex’s Jurassic Coaster network, link Axminster with Bridport, Lyme Regis and Weymouth.

Rural areas are served by smaller community and market-day routes such as the 688, which connects nearby villages on limited days. Together, these services make it easy to explore East Devon and West Dorset without a car, with Axminster train station and town centre bus stops providing the main interchange for onward travel.

By air

Exeter Airport (23 miles) offers UK and European flights. From the terminal you can hire a car or take a taxi to Axminster.

On foot or by bike

Once in town, everything is within walking distance. For cycling, quiet lanes radiate into the hills, though gradients can be steep. The East Devon Way and National Cycle Network Route 2 are close by.

Eating and Drinking

There are many great places to eat and drink in and around Axminster, with River Cottage’s influence keeping the focus on local produce and sustainability. Many local cafés and pubs now champion the same farm-to-table approach.

The George Hotel sits at the heart of town, serving classic British dishes, steak pie, fish and chips, and Sunday roasts.

Cinnamons Indian Restaurant is a local favourite for curries, while The Axminster Inn combines a traditional pub atmosphere with craft beers and live music nights.

For daytime treats, The Waffle House, Railway Kitchen and Bakehouse Bakery and Cafe all serve high-quality coffee, homemade cakes and more.

Just outside town, Miller’s Farm Shop in Kilmington, combines a superb greengrocery, farm shop deli and fishmongers with a popular café.

In the opposite direction, on Trinity Hill between Axminster and Lyme Regis, River Cottage Kitchen & Store (if open seasonally) showcases Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s sustainable ethos, using organic vegetables, locally sourced meat and Devon cheeses.

Where to Stay

Axminster offers a range of accommodation from family-run B&Bs to countryside cottages.

The George Hotel offers comfortable en-suite rooms above its restaurant, situated right in the centre of town, making it ideal for walkers and rail travellers.

For a rural escape, Netherleigh Bed & Breakfast sits on the edge of town with garden views, while Fairwater Head Hotel near Hawkchurch combines country-house elegance with woodland walks.

Self-catering options are numerous, offering easy access to the surrounding countryside and the coast at Lyme Regis, Seaton, Beer or Sidmouth.

If you prefer camping, Andrewshayes Holiday Park and Monkton Wyld Farm provide pitches, glamping pods and family-friendly facilities.

Weather in Axminster

Axminster enjoys a temperate maritime climate, moderated by its valley position. Summers are mild rather than hot, and winters are cool but rarely severe.

• Spring (Mar–May): Blossom, bright mornings and ideal walking weather.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): Average highs around 21 °C; occasional heatwaves but plenty of greenery.
• Autumn (Sep–Nov): Misty mornings, autumnal colours and warm evenings by the fire.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Expect drizzle and chill rather than snow, though frosty mornings can paint the hills silver.

Pack layers and waterproofs year-round!

Practicalities & Other Helpful Links

Other Helpful Links

• Booking.com – for most accommodation needs. Look out for options that include free cancellation.
• Easy Tide – Free UK tidal prediction service, providing tidal data and tide times for the current day and 6 days into the future.
• Expedia – good for flights and packages.
• Get Your Guide – find and book things to see. Includes unusual things to do.
• Hostelworld – Hostel-focused booking platform that fosters backpack connections.
• MetOffice – Weather forecasts from the UK official meteorological office.
• National Express – UK-based coach operator providing long-distance bus services
• Omio – Book travel tickets by comparing trains, buses and planes in one search.
• Rental Cars – to search out and book hire cars.
• Rome2Rio – Great for comparing local transport options (and for locating bus stops).
• Ticketmaster – What’s On – Major Events – Venues – Bookings
• Trainline.com – our go-to online platform for booking train and bus tickets, offering route planning, price comparisons, seat reservations, and ticket sales.
• Traffic England – for live traffic updates on major roads.
• Traveline SW – Comprehensive public transport information from A to B by bus, coach, train, ferry in South West England and Great Britain.
• TripAdvisor – for reviews of… pretty much everything. Our go-to before booking anything.
• Vrbo – Great for self-catering and vacation holiday home rentals.

Axminster, England FAQs

Final Thoughts

Axminster may not shout for attention, but that’s precisely its appeal. It is a proper, East Devon Market Town.

With rail connections from London, Axminster makes for a great, car-free weekend break. Visit the Heritage Centre and walk around the town, take the bus to Seaton or Lyme Regis and walk along the Jurassic Coast, or the train to Exeter to explore the historic city. And if you like walking, the Axe Valley is a delight at any time of the year.

Whether you’re here for a River Cottage supper, a visit to the Heritage Centre, or a straightforward base for walks and coastal drives, Axminster fits the bill.

Over to you … have you recently travelled to South West England? What worked for you? What advice would you give to others? Please leave your comments below or join in the discussion in our Facebook Group.

New to South West England or returning after a while? Start with our ‘Travel Basics’ – quick guides packed with tips to help you plan your trip.

• South West England Travel Guide
• Best Time to Visit
• Getting to South West England
• Best Places to Stay
• Best Places to Eat & Drink
• What’s On
• Things to Do in South West England
• Travel Essentials