Location: Axminster
Top Things to do in Axminster
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Axminster, United Kingdom (UK)
Axminster is a market town and civil parish on the eastern border of the county of Devon in England, some 28 miles (45 km) from the county town of Exeter. The town is built on a hill overlooking the River Axe which heads towards the English Channel at Axmouth, and is in the East Devon local government district. At the 2001 census, it had a population of 5,626, increasing to 5,761 at the 2011 census. The town contains two electoral wards (town and rural) the total sum of both wards being a population of 7,110. The market is still held every Thursday.
Restaurants in Axminster
1. Millers Farm Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
Reviewed By Skihorn - Guildford, United Kingdom
This is not a farm shop as you know it. It is the best stocked French/English supermarket for miles around and knocks every other so called "superstore" into a cocked hat.
I could spend hours in here, the best pasta selection ever, huge selection of jams, preserves, pickles, cakes, biscuits, cheeses, dried stuff, fruit n veg, chocolate etc etc and most importantly, none of it is from low quality high output major brands. There are some big name products on sale but all from quality producers.
Lastly, if you holiday in France and want to feel like you are back there in a French supermarket, SHOP HERE!
2. fossilwalks.com
Overall Ratings
5 based on 117 reviews
Guided fossil hunting and collecting walks at Charmouth on Dorset's Jurassic Coast with Chris Pamplin B.Sc.
Reviewed By UK_Travel_Rabbit - Richmond, United Kingdom
We were hoping to see dinosaurs but sadly did not. Disappointing, but that's life and to be fair the centre did not say guaranteed sighting. The talk before the walk was very interesting and informative (and really got us excited about dinosaurs) and their help...MoreHi, not sure, as you used the word "Centre" that this was in fact one of my walks. I start my talk with "How do we know about Dinosaurs?" Reply "Fossils" Are all fossils Dionsaurs?" No. Think you are on the wrong Tripadvisor page.
3. Forde Abbey & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 490 reviews
Thirty acres of beautiful Gardens, surrounding one of the oldest inhabited houses in England that is open to the public, features a rockery, bog garden, arboretum and millions of spring bulbs.
Reviewed By Emma P
After paying £30 for a family of four, we were very disappointed with the lack of Halloween activities. The website is very misleading! There was nothing spooky going on. Pathetic plastic skeleton hiding in a wheelbarrow, the grim reaper on a motorbike and a bat hanging from a tree! The only saving grace was the Halloween trail which gave the kids something to do for half an hour and they rolled a few pumpkins down a hill. Not impressed at all!!
4. Axe Valley Wildlife Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 352 reviews
A wildlife park set in the East Devon countryside
Reviewed By Matt A
We visited the park in the afternoon one Sunday and spent a couple of hours there.
Both my wife and I were surprised by the amount of wildlife at the park, lots of birds, reptiles and small mammals. Some interesting animals in the fields too.
There are small play parks dotted around the park for young children and the enclosures have viewing windows so they can see.
A small gift shop with all sorts of animal toys and reasonable prices. Even a animal pick and mix (ani-mix). Near the entrance is a cafe which serves cakes and drinks, the coffee I had was lovely.
I would like to see the park be able to expand some of the enclosures or have additional things for the animals to enjoy. We look forward to sponsoring some animals in the new year. It’s going to be a great place to pop over to for a day or just an hour for a coffee.
5. Seaton Tramway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Seaton Tramway operates narrow gauge heritage trams between Seaton, Colyford and Colyton in East Devon's glorious Axe Valley, travelling alongside the River Axe estuary through two nature reserves and giving an unrivalled view of the abundant wading bird life.The coastal resort of Seaton is now a gateway town to the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whilst the historic town of Colyton is described as "Devon's Most Rebellious Town" for its part in the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685.The company originated at the Lancaster Electrical Company of Barnet, which manufactured battery electric vehicles. In 1949 its owner, Claude Lane, indulged his hobby by building a miniature 15” gauge tram, which he ran at garden fetes. This portable system enjoyed temporary homes at St Leonard’s and Rhyl before evolving onto the 2’ gauge Eastbourne Tramway.Many of the present trams were built at Eastbourne, but by the mid 1960’s the tramway’s success was outgrowing the mile line. Claude therefore began to look for alternative locations. In late 1969, Claude purchased the Seaton to Colyton section after the branchline had been closed by Dr Beeching in 1966 and, after a mammoth relocation from Eastbourne, the first section was opened in 1980. Since then the tramway has developed into one of Devon’s best loved attractions.New trams have been added to the fleet and the buildings have been much improved in order to meet the needs of the thousands of enthusiastic people who visit each year.
Reviewed By Stephen B - Devon, United Kingdom
First time in over a year we’ve used the tram, but glad to say it’s as good as ever. Obviously, the riverside scenery changes with the tides & seasons, but always beautiful and just so many birds whatever time of day / year.
Amongst the trams running today was a saloon tram, which we haven’t been on before. Obviously, the views are more restricted than from the top deck of an open car, but the restored interior was lovely and it’s warm! However, as the sun was shining, we selected an open top tram for our return journey.
Friendly, knowledgeable staff and an opportunity to tour the maintenance depot whilst the new tram station is being completed was interesting.
Tasty, good value food available from the Colyton station cafe and there’s also a nice gift shop. The cream teas and cakes went down a storm as did the hot pork, stuffing and apple sauce rolls.
Well worth a walk around Colyton too and indeed this end of the tramline also has a free, small car park.
All in all, a different and lovely day out.
6. Monmouth Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 207 reviews
Reviewed By theresalwaysone - Lyme Regis, United Kingdom
lovely beach area of pebbles with spectacular cliffs. The views around the bay are stunning. The beach is a large area and so there is plenty of space. Don't go too near the cliffs without supervision as there are often cliff falls in the area - each time it reveals some fossils - interesting to hunt fossils along the beach.
7. South West Coast Path - Hooken Cliffs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
A 4 mile moderate ramble along the South West Coast Path through the Hooken Undercliff, where a dramatic landslip in 1790 provides a haven for wildlife. Returning along the clifftops above, where there are spectacular views in either direction of red cliffs soaring beyond the white, the walk links the villages of Beer and Branscombe.
Reviewed By Henry T - Reading, United Kingdom
We were visiting the area and staying in Sidmouth.
First 1/2 day in town we walked from Sidmouth via Beer to Seaton, catching the bus back.
Second day we took the bus to Exeter and walked back to Sidmouth.
Both walks took around 5 to 6 hours and are in region of 15 miles from memory.
Well worth a look even if you're not doing a long walk.
8. River Cottage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 319 reviews
Reviewed By Alan026 - londoner
A really horrible day lightened by a visit to river cottage canteen. Not the most pressing appearance both inside and out. The menu is fairly limited and seems to be pretty much locally sourced. The food was served in good time and was appetizing. For the quality the price was reasonable. Will definitely go again
9. Lyme Regis Philpot Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 325 reviews
"A delightful and remarkable museum, a gem" - Sir David Attenborough. Extended in 2017, discover 185 million years of history at this charming and friendly museum with stunning views of Lyme Bay. Families are very welcome - it's free for children to visit and there is plenty to keep them busy in the new interactive geology gallery and learning centre. There are fossils galore, and you can combine your visit with a fossil walk to really make the most of your day out. Inside you will find a wonderful interior and displays that tell fascinating stories about fossil collecting and geology on the Jurassic Coast, and the personalities who played a key part such as renowned fossilist Mary Anning. You will also find displays about the artists and writers inspired by Lyme including John Fowles and Jane Austen along with the story of the famous Cobb, the Civil War and every aspect of the town's rich history. Please check website for seasonal opening times and for entry prices.
Reviewed By Peter C - Lyme Regis, England, United Kingdom
The Philpot Museum is a superb nineteenth century building with a very functional 2017 addition to enable teaching space etc. The collection is well managed and expertly curated. A very enjoyable few hours of interest.
10. Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 562 reviews
The Centre provides information on fossils, fossil hunting and the local coastal and marine wildlife. Facilities at the centre include interactive computers, hands on displays, marine tanks and a video microscope, all of which can help you to discover more about our stretch of the coastline. You will always find a helpful warden or volunteer who can help you identify your fossil finds. The Centre also has disabled access. Our Jurassic Theatre shows a short film on 'The Jurassic Coast and Finding fossils at Charmouth' (adults £1, children 50p). We also have a shop stocked with books for all levels, including some of our own publications, toys and souvenirs. Throughout the year we run guided fossil hunting walks and rockpooling walks along the local coastline. The Centre also has an extensive education programme. For information about the activities we have to offer to school groups please see our Primary Schools and Secondary Schools sections.
Reviewed By Stephen C - Greater London, United Kingdom
If you are interested in the fossil finds along this stretch of the Jurassic coast this is definitely worth a look. Free to enter, friendly staff. A small tea room downstairs and a fossil shop. Good parking also.
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