Axbridge, Somerset
On the southern edge of the Mendip Hills National Landscape, Axbridge is a small market town on the River Axe, with a history that goes all the way back to King Alfred’s reign. In Tudor times it flourished as a centre for cloth manufacture and even had its own mint.
It’s a sweet little place is Axbridge, especially around the medieval town square, where you can visit King John’s Hunting Lodge, now run by the National Trust, with a museum of local history. Narrow streets lead off the square, with half-timbered buildings – nice for a stroll about, remembering to stop and stare.
You won’t find any big name shops here, it’s more the smaller, independently run types; there’s a monthly farmer’s market where the air is lively with people filling their baskets with locally produced delights, and there are regular events, like The Blackberry Carnival & Fair, and Santa in the Square.
If you’re thinking of stopping in Axbridge for food, try the award-winning Almshouse Tea Shop, or The Lamb Inn.
Well worth a jaunt when you’re on your large group holiday in Somerset.
All information correct at the time of writing