Axbridge
The Town
Looking for a great spot for a Somerset property search? Our Recoco property finder may suggest pretty, historic Axbridge, near the southern edge of the Mendips. Our real estate buyers agent can help pinpoint it - around 3 miles from Cheddar, just under 11 miles from Weston-super-Mare. If you’re a property buyer who likes facts and figures, the town’s population is under 2,100.
As our Recoco buying agent can show you, the town’s architecture is particularly attractive; our property search company can present many half-timbered or traditional stone buildings. As our boutique buying agents can confirm, the town is extremely charming – ask your property buying agent about the Drugstore Gallery or the pretty central square. West Street, St Mary’s Street, and the High Street are also known for their architecture.
Transport
Buyers agents can confirm Weston-super-Mare is the closest railway station. The town lies on the A371; nearest M5 junctions are J21 or J22; or ask our property search company about Weston-super-Mare and Wells buses. The Plymouth to Bristol Falcon Bus stops close by on the A38. Axbridge is popular with cyclists and Bristol International Airport is ten miles away.
History
Our property buyer can confirm evidence of prehistoric occupation and Roman lead mining have been found nearby. In King Alfred’s day, Axbridge was part of the Wessex defence against the Vikings.
The town’s name is thought to be 9th century; our Recoco property finder might mention the 1086 Domesday survey entry - “Alse Bruge”. Our property buying agent might also comment that Axbridge was an important cloth manufacturing centre for the Tudors. Axbridge also supplied London with strawberries and other fruit, and as our boutique buying agents might show you, commercial lavender is still grown nearby.
As our Recoco buying agent can tell you, King John’s Hunting Lodge, now a museum, is one of many important preserved buildings. Our buyers agents might also point out that the lodge is early Tudor, despite the name – ask your property buyer about the village stocks or the fabulous uneven floors.
Education
Our independent buying agents can outline local school options. The local primary schools are Axbridge C of E First School Academy, Weare Academy First School, and Rainbow Woods Pre-School. Nearby Cheddar has a middle school, and the Church of England Kings of Wessex Academy. Nearby independents include Hazlegrove, Sidcot and Ashbrooke.
Leisure and Events
Our buyers agents will tell you the Axbridge Film Society at the Roxy Community Centre cinema will appeal to movie buffs, with its art deco box office and 32 seats. Ask our property search company about the history: the Grade II building was formerly a pub, and dates from Georgian times.
If you’d like a break from your property search for a little contemplation, ask your real estate buyers agent about the Grade I listed Church of St. John the Baptist, dating from the 13th century.
Ask our property buying agent about local events, including the annual May Somerset Showcase, on the Saturday of the early May Bank Holiday weekend. Ask our Recoco buying agent about craft displays, farmers’ and general market, exhibitions and entertainment, and live music. Our independent buying agents might also mention September harvest and blackberry festivals, and Christmas events. And since 2009, the Church of St John has hosted a Concert by Candlelight to coincide with global Earth Hour.
Sports fan? Ask our Recoco property finder about Axbridge Cricket Club, playing over 30 friendly matches a season. Get your real estate buyers agent to tell you about community events: residents’ comedy shows, DJ nights, exhibitions, live music, theatre shows, and pop-up events.
Your independent buying agents may also mention the Axbridge Pageant, held once a decade in the Square since 1967 - an “epic theatrical time machine”. The town is a pleasant centre for those who enjoy walking in the Mendip Hills or on the Somerset Levels.
Celebrity Connections
The town has sometimes provided a backdrop for commercials for companies including NatWest and Thatchers Cider. James Heappey, Conservative MP for Wells, is connected to the town.
Foodies’ Corner
Our boutique buying agents can point you towards the town’s many pleasant eateries. The monthly farmer’s market sells food and drink as well as crafts, and to consider your property search over a hearty pub meal, try The Lamb Inn or The Oakhouse. The Almshouse café on the edge of the Square has won awards.
Fun Fact
In Tudor times, Axbridge had its own mint: coins showed the Lamb and Flag, symbol of the town.