Axbridge Things to Do

The main road exiting Axbridge on the western side is eyecatching for the similarity in the houses. Each one almost a mirror image of those on either side for about a mile until they suddenly stop. With no one walking around and only the occasional car it was almost eerie.

As you round the curve from the east and broach the main square, this splendid Tudor-style edifice smacks you in the eye. I would suggest that any tourist with a camera who has ever visited the place takes his first picture of this.
Dating back to Medieval times, this merchants' house was restored and opened as a museum by the National Trust in the 1970’s. Ducking to avoid hitting ceiling beams (can be a nasty experience) is something you'll have to do but you'll also be accompanied by the ever-so-atmospheric creaking floorboards that seem to flow in waves like the ocean.
At the price they charge for admission you'll never have to ask for your money back either - it's priceless.
This timber-framed house might be fine enough for royalty, but it has no association with King John though it carries his name as his hunting lodge. It seems someone guessed that it had and gave it the name. It was built around 1500 as shops on the ground floor, with living areas and workshops above. Notice the appealingly decorative window heads. The carved and painted wooden head on the corner of the building probably dates from when it became the King’s Head Tavern.

Work on the current building you see here began in the early 1400s, emerging from an earlier building dating back to about 1230. (The earliest recorded Rector’s name dates from 1264).
Strikingly placed on its small hill, it dominates the town square, which itself still keeps its mediæval shape. The entrance up the church steps is narrow, so that the full beauty of the building is only gradually revealed as you approach. The church is built of limestone and decorated with Doulting stone, while the steps are an interesting example of Dolomitic Conglomerate (pudding stone). The pierced parapets are an attractive feature.
The crossing tower is over 100 feet high, and holds six bells. The statue on the East side is that of St John the Baptist. On the West side is a king - perhaps Henry VII, which would place it after 1485. You will see plenty of evidence of recent cleaning and restoration, and these statues are good examples of that work. Take your time if you have some, it's worth a look.

You can’t fail to miss this wonderful building in the centre of Axbridge. It is a medieval Merchants house that was restored and opened as a museum by the National Trust in the 1970’s. Walking around the creaky, wooden, uneven floors, small windy steps whilst bending to avoid hitting your head on the doorframes and wooden ceiling beams is a real treat. Even if you’re not that keen on history it is still a memorable experience, plus it’s FREE.