Axminster Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Axminster Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Axminster sits in a prime spot for exploring East Devon and Dorset. The town itself has the fascinating Axminster Heritage Centre (Thomas Whitty House, Silver St, Axminster EX13 5AH) where you can learn about the famous carpet industry. It's open Tuesday to Friday 10am-4pm and scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor.

Just 5 miles away is Lyme Regis with its famous Cobb harbour (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor). Fossil hunting along this stretch of the Jurassic Coast is a must-do activity - I've found some amazing ammonites there myself!

River Cottage HQ (Park Farm, Trinity Hill Rd, Axminster EX13 8TB) is a big draw for foodies. They run courses and dining events throughout the year. Book well ahead as they're extremely popular and score 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.

Seaton Tramway (Harbour Rd, Seaton EX12 2WD) offers a nostalgic journey on heritage trams between Seaton, Colyford and Colyton. It's open daily from March to October, 10am-5pm and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.

Beer Quarry Caves (Quarry Ln, Beer, Seaton EX12 3AT) provide a fascinating underground tour of caves where stone has been quarried since Roman times. They're open Easter to October, scoring an impressive 5/5 on TripAdvisor.

Pet Friendly

Many cottages around Axminster welcome dogs, often with enclosed gardens where they can run safely. We've found the area brilliant for dog owners.

The Jurassic Coast has numerous dog-friendly beaches. Monmouth Beach in Lyme Regis allows dogs year-round, while Seaton Beach has seasonal restrictions but is fully dog-friendly from October to April.

For walkies, try Trinity Hill Nature Reserve just outside Axminster. It's got woodland trails and heathland where your dog can explore safely. The East Devon Way also passes near Axminster with miles of marked footpaths.

Dog-friendly eateries include The Old Inn at Kilmington (EX13 7RB) which welcomes dogs in the bar area and garden. The Hunters Lodge Inn (EX13 5SY) near Axminster is also great for dogs with water bowls provided and treats behind the bar.

Remember to pack towels for muddy paws after countryside walks. Many cottages with hot tubs have specific rules about dogs, so check before letting your pet near the tub!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Axminster

River Cottage HQ (Park Farm, Trinity Hill Rd, EX13 8TB) is more than just a restaurant. It's a working farm where sustainability and local food are celebrated. Their dining events are legendary but book early as they sell out fast. They also run courses from bread making to butchery. One visitor told us: "The Friday Night Feast was worth every penny - amazing food in a beautiful setting with the chance to meet like-minded foodies."

Axminster Heritage Centre (Thomas Whitty House, Silver St, EX13 5AH) tells the story of the town's famous carpet industry. The interactive displays show how the carpets were made and the impact on the town. It's small but packed with information. The volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and there's often demonstrations of traditional carpet-making techniques. A recent visitor commented: "I had no idea about the history of Axminster carpets before visiting - really eye-opening!"

Burrow Farm Gardens (Dalwood, EX13 7ET) is a hidden gem covering 13 acres with stunning planting and countryside views. It's open April to October, Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-6pm. The gardens include woodland walks, formal areas and a beautiful lake. The tearoom serves excellent homemade cakes. A TripAdvisor reviewer noted: "We spent three hours here and could have stayed longer - every corner reveals something new and beautiful."

Is Axminster good for families with young children?

Yes! Besides your cottage hot tub (which kids love), nearby attractions include Pecorama at Beer with its gardens and miniature railway, Seaton Tramway and numerous beaches. The Flamingo Pool in Axminster has a fun splash pool for little ones. Many local pubs are family-friendly with play areas.

What's the best time to visit Axminster?

Summer offers the best weather for enjoying the coast, but spring and autumn are lovely for walking and avoiding crowds. The Axminster Food Festival in September is worth timing your visit for. Winter breaks can be magical - imagine returning to your hot tub under starry skies after a brisk coastal walk!

Can I get around without a car?

It's possible but challenging. Axminster has a train station with services to London Waterloo and Exeter. Local buses connect to Lyme Regis and Seaton, but services are limited. For exploring the countryside and smaller villages, a car is definitely useful.

Where can I buy local food in Axminster?

The town is a foodie paradise! River Cottage Canteen sells local produce and there's a weekly farmers' market on Thursdays. Complete Meats butchers on South Street offers award-winning local meats. Felicity's Farm Shop (10 minutes' drive) has an amazing selection of Devon and Dorset products.

Are there any good walks directly from Axminster?

Yes, several footpaths lead from town into beautiful countryside. The East Devon Way passes nearby and the River Axe has lovely riverside walks. Pick up the "Walks around Axminster" leaflet from the Heritage Centre for detailed routes ranging from 2-8 miles.

What should I pack for my hot tub cottage break?

Besides swimwear for the hot tub, bring walking shoes for countryside trails, waterproofs (Devon weather can be unpredictable) and binoculars for wildlife spotting. If visiting beaches, pack rock pooling equipment and containers for fossil hunting finds.

1. Visit Dorset - Lyme Regis Guide
2. East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
3. Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site
4. Seaton Tramway