natural wonder
Jurassic Coast
UNESCO World Heritage coastline stretching 95 miles from Devon to Dorset, exposing 185 million years of geological history in its dramatic cliffs.
7 km · about 15 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomEngland
Axminster
England, United Kingdom · Europe
About Axminster
Axminster is worth a stop: 15 minutes from Colyton, 7km from Jurassic Coast.
Axminster is in England, United Kingdom, with about 5,800 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Colyton, about 7 km away.
Axminster is a market town and civil parish on the eastern border of the county of Devon in England. It is 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. AtRead more
the 2011 census, the parish had a population of 6,557, increasing to 8,118 at the 2021 census. The town contains two electoral wards (town and rural) whose combined population is 8,125. The market is still held every Thursday.
Axminster gave its name to a type of carpet. An Axminster-type power loom is capable of weaving high-quality carpets with many varying colours and patterns. While Axminster carpets are made in the town by Axminster Carpets Ltd, this type of carpet is now manufactured all over the world as well.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Axminster?
Within an hour or so of Axminster: Jurassic Coast (7 km), The Cobb, Lyme Regis (8 km), Golden Cap (12 km), Powderham Castle (36 km).
Are there any good drives near Axminster?
The nearest famous roads are Cheddar Gorge Road (B3135), Porlock Hill and B3212 across Dartmoor.
Where is Axminster?
Axminster is in England, United Kingdom, about 7 km from Colyton.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 5,761
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- England
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 50.7826, -2.9979
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Axminster
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
landmark
The Cobb, Lyme Regis
The curving stone harbour wall at Lyme Regis, made famous by Jane Austen's Persuasion and The French Lieutenant's Woman.
8 km · about 15 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Golden Cap
The highest point on England's south coast at 191 m, its sandstone summit glowing gold above Charmouth and Lyme Bay.
12 km · about 25 min drive
castle
Powderham Castle
The fortified manor of the Courtenay family since 1391, in a deer park beside the Exe estuary.
36 km · about 40 min drive
landmark
Cerne Abbas Giant
A 55 m chalk hill figure of a club-wielding naked man above a Dorset village, now dated to the late Saxon period.
37 km · about 45 min drive
cafe
The Bike Shed Exeter
The original Bike Shed venue in Exeter's historic city centre, blending motorcycle culture with independent food and drink.
38 km · about 45 min drive
cathedral
Exeter Cathedral
Magnificent Gothic cathedral boasting the longest uninterrupted vaulted ceiling in England, dating back to the 12th century.
38 km · about 45 min drive
ancient ruins
Maiden Castle
One of the largest Iron Age hillforts in Europe, its multiple ramparts enclosing an area the size of 50 football pitches.
38 km · about 45 min drive
Driving roads near Axminster
- Right hereGolden CapThe highest point on England's south coast at 191 m, its sandstone summit glowing gold above Charmouth and Lyme Bay.
- 48 kmPortland BillThe southern tip of the Isle of Portland, marked by a red-and-white lighthouse above a fierce tidal race.
- 54 kmTarr StepsA 17-span prehistoric-style clapper bridge across the River Barle on Exmoor, repeatedly rebuilt after floods.
- 58 kmCheddar Gorge Road (B3135)The B3135 threads the floor of England's largest gorge beneath 137m limestone cliffs, tight and dramatic but often busy with visitors and goats.
- 59 kmCheddar Gorge ViewpointEngland's largest gorge with 450-foot limestone cliffs, offering jaw-dropping views from several pull-off points along the winding road.
- 59 kmDunkery BeaconThe highest point on Exmoor and in Somerset at 519 m, with views to the Brecon Beacons and Dartmoor on clear days.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
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