Axbridge Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Axbridge Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Axbridge packs a lot into a small space. The town square is lined with buildings spanning several centuries, including the King John's Hunting Lodge (BA26 2AP, open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-4pm), now a museum telling the story of Axbridge through the ages.

St John the Baptist Church dominates the skyline with its 15th-century tower. I recommend climbing to the top for spectacular views across the Somerset Levels - on clear days you can see all the way to Wales!

Cheddar Gorge is just 3 miles away (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor) with its dramatic limestone cliffs. The caves are particularly impressive - Cox's Cave and Gough's Cave display some amazing rock formations. We think the cliff-top walk offers the best views in Somerset.

Wells Cathedral (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor) is 8 miles away and absolutely worth the trip. The West Front features over 300 medieval statues, while inside you'll find the famous scissor arches supporting the central tower. The Bishop's Palace gardens are lovely for a stroll afterwards.

For something different, Weston-super-Mare's beach and pier are just 12 miles away. The Grand Pier (4/5 on TripAdvisor) has rides, games and food options that kids love. The beach is massive at low tide - perfect for long walks even in winter.

Pet Friendly

Many Axbridge cottages welcome dogs, often with enclosed gardens where they can run safely while you enjoy your hot tub. The Strawberry Line path runs through Axbridge - it's a disused railway line perfect for dog walks with no traffic worries.

The Lamb Inn (BA26 2AP) in the town square welcomes dogs in the bar area and serves good pub food. They even keep dog treats behind the bar! The Crown Inn nearby is similarly welcoming to four-legged guests.

Cheddar Gorge allows dogs on leads throughout the gorge and on the cliff-top walks. The caves don't allow dogs, but if you're a couple, you can take turns exploring while one watches the dog.

Sand Bay near Weston-super-Mare has no dog restrictions year-round, unlike many beaches. It's quieter than the main Weston beach and has miles of sand for dogs to run on.

Remember to pack towels specifically for your dog - Somerset can get muddy, especially after enjoying walks around the Levels or Mendips before heading back to your cottage.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Axbridge

The Axbridge Town Square is the heart of the community. This medieval market square is surrounded by buildings dating from the 15th to 18th centuries. The Town Hall (built 1830) houses the council offices, while the King John's Hunting Lodge museum shows how people lived here through the centuries. Market Day (first Saturday monthly) fills the square with local produce stalls.

The Cheddar Reservoir sits on the edge of town and offers a 2-mile circular walk with stunning views of the Mendips. It's a sailing and fishing centre too. The path is flat and well-maintained, making it accessible for everyone. Birdwatchers will spot great crested grebes, coots and various ducks. One visitor commented: "Such a peaceful spot for a morning walk - we saw herons fishing at dawn."

The Strawberry Line Path runs through Axbridge's old railway station, now a heritage centre (BA26 2AR, open weekends 11am-4pm April-October). This 10-mile traffic-free path connects Yatton to Cheddar. The Axbridge section includes a short tunnel and offers lovely countryside views. Cycle hire is available at the old station if you haven't brought bikes. A recent visitor wrote: "Flat, easy cycling with great coffee stops along the way - perfect for families."

Is Axbridge good for families with young children?

Yes! The traffic-free Strawberry Line is perfect for safe cycling and many cottages provide games and DVDs for rainy days. Nearby attractions like Animal Farm Adventure Park (15 minutes' drive) and Wookey Hole (20 minutes) are designed with kids in mind. The reservoir walk is pushchair-friendly too.

What's the best time of year to visit Axbridge?

Axbridge is lovely year-round. Summer brings warm weather perfect for exploring the Mendips, while autumn offers spectacular colours. The annual Blackberry Carnival in September sees the whole town celebrate with floats and costumes. Winter is quieter but cosy - nothing beats a hot tub under the stars on a clear winter night!

Are there good restaurants in Axbridge?

For a small town, Axbridge has excellent food options. The Lamb Inn serves traditional pub food with local ingredients. The Oak House Restaurant offers more upmarket dining in a 16th-century building. Tea and Cake (closed Mondays) does brilliant breakfasts and homemade cakes. For something special, The Ethicurean near Wrington (20 minutes' drive) serves incredible food from their walled garden.

Do I need a car in Axbridge?

While buses connect Axbridge to Weston-super-Mare and Wells, a car makes exploring much easier. Many of the best attractions are spread across the countryside. That said, you can enjoy several days just in Axbridge and walking/cycling the Strawberry Line if you prefer not to drive.

Is there good mobile reception and WiFi in Axbridge cottages?

Most cottages offer WiFi, though speeds vary. Mobile reception is generally good in the town but can be patchy in the surrounding countryside, especially in the Mendips. EE typically has the best coverage in this area.

Where's the nearest supermarket to Axbridge?

There's a Co-op in the town for essentials. For bigger shops, Tesco and Sainsbury's are in Cheddar (3 miles) and there's a large Tesco in Weston-super-Mare (12 miles). Many cottages provide welcome hampers with local produce to get you started.

1. Visit Somerset - Axbridge Information
2. Mendip Hills AONB - Walking Routes and Information
3. Cheddar Gorge Official Website
4. The Strawberry Line Path - Maps and Access Points