10 cool things to do in Axbridge, Somerset
11th February, 2023
During our time Somerset we discovered a beautiful little quintessentially British town called Axbridge. This town makes for a lovely day out if you’re close by in neighbouring Cheddar, Wells or Burnham-on-Sea. There are lots of cool things do in Axbridge, read on to find out what they are…
- Why visit Axbridge?
- Where is Axbridge?
- Where to stay in Axbridge
- Things to do in Axbridge
- #1 Admire the beauty of Axbridge
- #2 Visit King John’s Hunting Lodge
- #3 Try your hand at some Axbridge archery
- #4 Splurge on cheese and more
- #5 Visit the Mendips
- #6 Enjoy a Somerset cider
- #7 Combine antiques in Axbridge with good food
- #8 Head into Cheddar
- #9 Find some furry friends
- #10 Walk along the Strawberry Line
- Things to do in Axbridge: To conclude
Why visit Axbridge?
Axbridge is a great little town that is well worth a visit if you’re in Somerset. We went here for a day trip and we were pleasantly surprised!
Axbridge is conveniently located close to several major tourist areas, such as Cheddar, Wells, the Mendip Hills and Burnham-on-Sea. It is well connected by road to these areas, so all you have to do is jump in the car!
There are lots of cool things todo in this little town. In actual fact, I would say that Axbridge is a hidden gem of Somerset- because not many people have heard about it, yet is has so much to offer!
Where is Axbridge?
Axbridge is a cute little town in Somerset. Most people have never heard of it due to its size, but if you are in the area it is definitely worth a visit.
These maps from ‘Get the Data‘ show the location of Axbridge.
Axbridge is very close to some of Somerset’s tourist hotspots, including Cheddar, Wells and Burnham-On-Sea.
Where to stay in Axbridge
Axbridge is a small town, so the accommodation options in the town itself are somewhat limited. I have spent a lot of time in near-by Cheddar and I would recommend the following accommodation options in the area.
Strawberry Rose Cottage
We spent our few weeks staying in the beautifulStrawberry Rose Cottage. This was a traditional three bedroom cottage with a gorgeous open fire place and a little outside courtyard.
It was just a few minutes walk away from the town centre.
The owner of this cottage is a lovely lady and I will never forget the kindness that she showed me and my children during our time of need.
The cottage had everything we needed from kids cutlery and a high chair to matches to light the fire and a tumble dryer. I couldn’t have asked for any more, IT WAS JUST PERFECT!**Click here for current prices and availability at Strawberry Rose Cottage.**
Tor Farm Lodge
If you’re looking for a little luxury then this is a great place to come. Tor Farm Lodge has a swimming pool and a hot tub!
It’s a little bit outside of the town centre, but if you have a car then this is no problem at all. It is also conveniently located to visit other areas such as Weston Super Mare, Burnham-on-Sea and Glastonbury. Axbridge and the Strawberry Line are both worth a visit too.**Click here for current prices and availability at Tor Farm Lodge.**
The Bath Arms Hotel
If hotels are more your thing then the best place to stay in Cheddar is without a doubt theBath Arms Hotel.
With a restaurant and a bar onsite, The Bath Arms Hotel offers adult-only accommodation.The rooms are spacious with a flat-screen TV, a work desk, and tea and coffee making facilities.
One of the best thing about this hotel is the breakfast! The Bath Arms Hotel offers an extensive breakfast menu including full cooked breakfast and Eggs Benedict. The restaurant also serves a daily menu with traditional pub favourites and a wide range of drinks are available from the bar. During the warmer months, guests can dine in the beer garden.**Click here for current prices and availability at The Bath Arms hotel.**
Things to do in Axbridge
Now lets get down to the important stuff- what cool stuff is there to do in Axbridge?
Below, I have outlined 10 things to do as part of your visit to Axbridge, Somerset.
#1 Admire the beauty of Axbridge
The town itself is beautiful. With quaint village vibes, a walk round Axbridge is a lovely way to spend your time while visiting this part of the UK. Pastel buildings in yellow and blue, juxtaposed with the stunning Tudor building known as King John’s Hunting Lodge, make for a picture-perfect stroll down the streets of this Somerset town. If you are a keen photographer you’re guaranteed to get some gorgeous shots here! There are plenty of independent shops and restaurants in Axbridge, meaning a simple walk around town is an ideal pastime here.
A quiet town, Axbridge is ideal for taking some time to rest and relax. A weekend here will leave you feeling refreshed and at peace with the world. The soothing tones of the architecture around town and the view of rolling green hills will do wonders for the soul, that much is certain. Picture a traditional English town, and you’ve already got an idea of what Axbridge looks like. And it really is lovely!
#2 Visit King John’s Hunting Lodge
You can head inside the aforementioned King John’s Hunting Lodge, which is now a museum. Built in around 1460, the lodge is a wool-merchant’s house. It has three storeys and a jettied timber-frame, and can be found on a street corner – it has a looming presence, but a beautiful one nevertheless. It is a Grade II* listed building, and was leased by the National Trust in 1971 to Axbridge and District Museum Trust. They operate it is a local museum with exhibitions ranging from local geology to World War II.
The origins of the name of King John’s Hunting Lodge are unclear. It was built long after King John’s reign – over two hundred years later. It is thought the name might come from when The King’s Head Inn occupied part of the buildings, with a carved king’s head carved into the wall. But we may never know…
#3 Try your hand at some Axbridge archery
Hood Archery is an activity centre in Axbridge. It is a fully immersive experience that allows you to step back in time and learn about archery through the ages – from Satet the Egyptian goddess to the one and only Robin Hood. There are various themed ranges and while the targets are outside, you shoot from inside a barn.
This makes it the perfect way to spend a day in Axbridge whatever the weather! Suitable for kids and beginners, Hood Archery also has onsite parking and refreshments available for purchase.
This is a great idea for burning energy and having fun while learning a new skill; you never know, it might be a hobby you keep for life!
#4 Splurge on cheese and more
The Axbridge Farmer’s Market is spectacular.
It is held on the first Saturday of each month in the 400 year old market square in the centre of town. Since 2002 the market has been a monthly town fixture and something everybody looks forward to – locals and tourists alike!
There are around 25 stalls at the market, including:
- Barley Wood Kitchen Garden who sell organic fruit and vegetables from a nearby Victorian walled garden.
- Beech Ridge Farm who offer free range poultry including chicken, duck, goose and turkey as well as eggs.
- Besley’s Fruit who are one of the few remaining Cheddar strawberry growers.
- Ebdon Firewood who are local suppliers of firewood.
- Fussels Fine Foods who sell farm-based single cold-pressed extra-virgin rapeseed oil and a range of rapeseed-based products.
- Islebeck Plants who offer home-grown perennial, annual, vegetable and herb plants.
- Mere Fish Farm who sell fresh trout reared in spring water as well as hot (and cold) smoked roulades and terrines.
- Nutts Scotch Eggs who provide a unique twist on Scotch eggs.
- Orchard Farm Preserves who offer traditional preserves made from home-grown fruit and vegetables.
- Real Pork who have Saddleback/Large White cross pigs which are home-reared and produce pork.
- Seafoods who are award-winning family run fishmongers.
- Somerset Charcuterie who offer salami, chorizo and cured meats made using traditional artisan methods, Somerset ingredients and west country flavours.
- Somerset Cheese Company who are award-winning specialist cheese makers.
- Stefano’s Food who offer a taste of Italy using local ingredients.
- Taylors of Bruton who are a third generation family run artisan bakery.
- The Great Cake Company who provide a delicious range of gluten free cakes and chocolates.
- The Humble Pie Co who are award-winning pie makers from the heart of Somerset.
- Wesley Cottage Bees who sell local honey and honey-based products direct from the beekeeper.
- West Country Water Buffalo who provide a lower-fat tasty meat fed only on grass and silage. They were chosen as the ‘Best Somerset Meat Producer’ in the 2010 Taste of Somerset awards.
- Wootton Organic Dairy who sell award-winning sheep/cows cheese and yoghurts.
#5 Visit the Mendips
Commonly known as the Mendips, the Mendip Hills are just outside of Axbridge are offer the perfect day out if you’re staying in town.
It takes around 20 minutes to drive to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the stunning limestone hills are more than worth it.
The luscious greenery provides three semi-natural habitats which are characteristic of the area: calcareous grassland, ash-maple woodland and mesotrophic grassland.
Because of this, the area supports a wide range of plants and animals making this the perfect spot for a long walk or picnic. Getting out and about in nature is so important, and you never know what you might spot in the Mendips.
#6 Enjoy a Somerset cider
Somerset is famous for its cider, and Axbridge has plenty of pubs where you can sit back, relax and enjoy a pint (or two) of the stuff.
The New Inn is a popular British-style pub which also offers fantastic food (vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options too) and has a huge beer garden with stunning scenery in every direction.
The Crown Inn is another lovely local pub, offering a pop-up restaurant Wednesday-Friday by a talented local chef named Tony.
There are a few pubs in and around Axbridge, and you’ll be welcome to enjoy a cider in any of them!
#7 Combine antiques in Axbridge with good food
Ripley Antiques is located in the medieval square in the centre of town.
It is perfect for seeing what vintage finds you can get your hands on, from lamps to sculptures to interesting chairs and so much more.
And what’s more, they turn it into a bistro once a month! A fascinating idea, it is a lovely place to support on your visit to Axbridge. With great food and pop-up auctions, this is a unique concept in a lovely location.
#8 Head into Cheddar
Wherever you are in Axbridge, you’re not far from Cheddar.
You can head into the Cheddar Gorge, a limestone canyon with caves and trails just waiting to be explored, or visit the Cheddar Reservoir and watch the sun set across the shimmering water. Visit the Cheddar Ale brewery and take a tour (as well as trying some of the beer, of course!) or go and play some holes at Cheddar Crazy Golf.
Around 10 minutes away from Axbridge by car, Cheddar offers some great options for a fun day out.
It is also, of course, where Cheddar cheese originates from. The caves (at the gorge) provided the ideal humidity and steady temperature for maturing the cheese. The more you know!
#9 Find some furry friends
Another great day trip from Axbridge is around 20 minutes away – Animal Farm family theme park in Burnham-on-Sea.
With amusement arcades, small rides such as the Flying Bat Ride and Lazy Duck River Ride, and even a zip wire – there is so much to do here and something for everyone! And that’s before you get to the best part: the animals.
There is a petting zoo and various farm animals, from llamas to bunny rabbits to pigs to snakes. You can feed and hold different animals, and it is clear to see they are well taken care of.
There are full-day farm keeper experiences on offer, or you can just visit and enjoy all the fun opportunities and fluffy animals!
It is £12 per person for ages 2 and up, with offers available for larger families.
This makes for an ideal way to have a more adventurous day before returning to the peace and quiet that Axbridge has to offer.
#10 Walk along the Strawberry Line
My last recommendation for things to do in Axbridge is to visit the historical Strawberry Line.
The Strawberry Line is one of the best heritage trails in the country, and provides a brilliant opportunity for locals and visitors to spend time in nature and enjoy the fresh air of the area.Footpaths and bridleways link the route together. It can be accessed in various ways, and is a popular way to spend a day in the area.
Most of the route is designated as a Local Nature Reserve, which means it’s a great way to spot some incredible wildlife and get close to nature. The flora and fauna is very diverse here.
The Strawberry Line got its name as the original railway line was so often used to transport juicy red strawberries from the fields of Cheddar.
Things to do in Axbridge: To conclude
As you can see, there is actually a lot to do in the small town of Axbridge. From enjoying the traditional British pubs, to shopping in the market to attending the unique bistro in the antiques shop, there is plenty to keep you occupied inside the town. And if you want to travel a few minutes by car there are many more cool things to do and places to visit, including Cheddar, Wells and Burnham-On-Sea.
