Axminster has a population of approximately 6,000 and is a market town and civil parish on border of East Devon and West Dorset. The town, built on hill overlooking River Axe, dates back to the Celtic times of around 300 BC, and lies on two major Roman roads – The Fosse Way (Lincoln to Seaton) and the Dorchester-Exeter road.
The town is closely linked to carpet industry this dates from 1755 when Thomas Whitty started making carpets near the church. Axminster gives it’s name to a type of carpet – made not just in Axminster, but all over the world. The railway station opened on the 19th July 1860 and nowadays has regular trains to London.
Axminster is a quiet rural town which as a result of its proximity to the Devon coast has a constant stream of tourists. A market is held every Thursday near the Minster Church.
More recently , Celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall established River Cottage Store and Restaurant in the town centre, selling local produce. River Cottage HQ is also situated in the nearby Axe Valley.
Other places of interest/activities in Axminster: Axminster Museum (situated in the centre of town) has a variety of exhibits on display dating back to 300BC. Cloakham Lawns, the Axe Valley Sports Centre and Flamingo Pool, a library and several churches are among the facilities available to people. Shops include a small department store (Trinity House), two supermarkets and other independent retailers. The Guildhall is a theatre with many meeting rooms that host clubs, such as Axminster Drama Club.
Axe Valley Community College is the only secondary school within Axminster, with three primary schools in and around the town.
Axminster is twinned with Douvres-la-Delivrande, France.