The beautiful town of Axminster, filled with charm and character, stands on the River Axe. It achieved worldwide fame for its Axminster Carpets, first made by Thomas Whitty in 1755. Each time a carpet was finished the bells at the Minster were rung in celebration.

The Minster stands in its oasis of green at the heart of the town, and was once so prestigious that Saxon princes were buried here. The Heritage Centre & Museum in Thomas Whitty House stands nearby, where you can find out more about the town’s carpet industry.

The town is a great location if you want to get close to nature, with the East Devon Way footpath and Buzzard Route cycle track passing close to Axminster. The mudflats of the Axe Estuary are superb for birdwatching with curlew, oystercatcher, and egret.