Cheddar & The Mendips around Axbridge
Axbridge is a medieval market town on the southern edge of the Mendips Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Rich in wool town heritage, the town was an important crossroads in the past with its own Mint and coinage featuring a Lamb and Flag. Take a tour of the King Johns Hunting Lodge museum in the town centre to find out more.
Pretty walking and cycling trails feature in the surrounding area including the old Dorset and Somerset ‘Strawberry Line’ cycle rooute running from Yatton station to Chddar, which passes through Axbridge Square en-route. A choice of walks run direct from the town centre into the Mendips towards Shipham, Compton Martin and Burrington Combe.
Things to do & see
Axbridge is the perfect holiday base from which to explore the Mendips and the Cheddar Gorge caves. Sailing is popular at the nearby reservoir and around the town centre you will find a wealth of pretty Georgian cottages, cosy tearooms and fine old inns serving great food and ales.
Discover the history of this ancient Somerset market town at King Johns Hunting Lodge in the town centre, a free entry museum with displays on pertinent themes in the area’s history such as mining and geology in the Mendips. Excavation finds from nearby Brent Knoll and various pre-historic artefacts are also on display.
Getting here
Easily reached by road, Axbridge sits alongside the A371 midway between Wells and Weston-super-Mare. From the M5 motorway, exit at Junction 22 for the A38 and simply follow signs for Cheddar Gorge for about 5 miles. At Cross village take the right hand turn onto the A371 and continue for around one mile to Axbridge. Free parking is available in the town’s central car park, with additional free parking also featuring on the Square.
Nearest rail links are at Weston-super-Mare and a regular bus services also operates between Axbridge and Weston. Bristol Airport is within easy driving distance to the north east.
Where to stay
Beautiful period cottages, inns with rooms and charming Bed & Breakfast accommodation are a feature of the Axbridge area all ideally placed for short breaks and holidays in the Mendips and Cheddar. A selection of stunning heritage hotels perfect for conference and wedding events also feature in the area. Browse the choice of Axbridge accommodation below, and book online or direct with iknow.
