Why You’ll Love… Axminster
nestled in the devon countryside near the dorset border, axminster deserves a visit for its prime location alone. as it’s placed perfectly between exeter, sidmouth, Lyme regis and chesil Beach, the options for exploring are endless.
i first discovered the town while visiting family, and have loved it ever since. known for manufacturing luxury carpets, axminster is now more famously the location of hugh FearnleyWhittingstall’s river cottage kitchen & deli and nearby hQ.
With its many farm shops, gorgeous walking routes and beautiful beaches all close by, you’d be mad to miss an extended weekend in this little haven in southwest england.
What to do
start with a great breakfast at the river cottage kitchen & deli in the centre of the town. From 9am-11am, it serves everything you’d expect from a Fearnley-Whittingstall venture.
if you have a car, a visit to the rousdon Village Bakery won’t disappoint. you’ll find freshly baked pastries, plus a winning egg-and-bacon sandwich.
it goes without saying that a walk along the famous Jurassic coast is a must. i’d recommend starting at hive Beach near Burton Bradstock and heading up the hill for fabulous views. you can go as far as you want before walking back down to the beach for a seafood lunch.
if you love to browse, head to Bridport on a Wednesday or saturday from 8am for its amazing street market. you can easily while away a few hours and buy everything from plants and clothing to paintings and local cheese.
Where to stay
trill Farm is an organic working farm just five minutes from axminster station. the rooms (£110 per night with own bathroom) are well decorated and warm, using groundsource underfloor heating. sustainability is the focus, with organic towels, and body wash made from plants from the herb garden. the farm also runs courses and workshops
throughout the year.
What to eat
i always eat at the hive Beach cafe, where the whole crab or fish soup are spot on. For afternoon tea, head to Lyme regis and the gardens of the alexandra hotel – the view is as good as the clotted cream.
Travel details
axminster has its own rail station with direct services from London Waterloo and exeter. a car is the easiest way to get around in devon and dorset; or you can use the local bus service to travel from axminster to exeter, taunton, Beer, Bridport or Lyme regis.