Axminster is an unspoilt market town situated on the River Axe in the beautiful Axe Valley, an area of outstanding natural beauty, boasting quaint villages and unspoilt countryside. Famous for its Axminster Carpets, invented by Thomas Whitty in 1775, a design similar to Turkish Carpets, Castle Hill House, where the carpets were originally produced can still be seen.
The town has a number of independent shops and a department store as well as a bustling street market held every Thursday. This provides outlets for local produce , as does the popular Millers Farm Shop. River Cottage Stores and Canteen (Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall) stocks and works with local and organic food. The town is on the main London-Plymouth railway line. Exeter International Airport is approximately 20 miles away.
Art Exhibitions can be found in the White Space Gallery in Milton's Yard and the Arts Cafe in the Old Courthouse, whilst drama productions and other events are held in the Guildhall. There is a well equipped gym at the Axe Valley Sports Centre and the Flamingo Complex comprises a swimming pool and a hydro therapy pool.
For further information on Axminster either visit http://www.essentialdevon.com or www.axminsteronline.com. Tourist Information Centre tel:01297 34386.