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You are here > Home > Things To Do > Axminster Heritage Centre

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Axminster Heritage Centre

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About

Take a trip through time to learn what has made Axminster and the surrounding area what it is today. To complement our permanent exhibition, we also present and host temporary exhibitions. Details are on our website.

Explore Axminster and its surrounds which has its origins in the Bronze and Stone Ages - then as a crossroads on the Roman Fosse Way. Learn about the abbey built at Newenham by the Cistercian monks after they were given the Manor of Axminster in 1246. Discover how Axminster became a busy agricultural market town developing a strong rural economy over many years.

World famous Axminster carpets… Thomas Whitty started making carpets here in 1755, whilst William Harry Dutfield established his modern factory in 1937.

See a beautiful 1769 Whitty carpet. Compare our original 18th century loom used by Whitty with a 1930s Crabtree loom used in the Axminster Carpets factory. We occasionally run the Crabtree loom which is fully working.

The town has attracted all sorts of craftsmen and women, a foundry, two brush factories, both famous for their toothbrushes. A series of precision engineering companies have flourished and examples of some of their innovative products are on display.

All this is housed in a factory built by the Whitty family, which subsequently served the town as a courthouse and a hospital. At the rear is a courtyard with the Dye House and garden with plants that would have been used for dying the wool in Thomas Whitty’s day.

Upstairs is the Bradshaw Meeting Room. This community space is available for hire.

Our one-way system is still in place to ensure the safety of our visitors and volunteers and we are closely following both Government, and museum sector guidelines. To help you enjoy your experience, trained staff and clear signage will guide you through our family friendly exhibition.

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Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult£4.00 per ticket
Under 17Free

Groups of 10+ receive a discount - please telephone.

Facilities

Accessibility

  • All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors

Attraction Facilities

  • Shop

Establishment Features

  • Picnic Area
  • Toilets

Key Features

  • Smoking Some Areas

Payment Methods

  • Accept Bank Transfers, Internet Payment or SWIFT/IBAN
  • All major credit cards accepted
  • Cash accepted
  • Contactless payment accepted

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Educational Visits Accepted

Travel & Trade

  • Group discounts available

Venue Facilities

  • Groups Accepted

Map & Directions

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Road Directions

Axminster Heritage Centre is located in the centre of Axminster Town. A short walk from town centre car parks. On the A358 one mile north of the A35 Honiton to Bridport road.

Public Transport Directions

A short walk from Axminster Railway station and bus stops in Trinity Square, Axminster Town Centre.

Access Information

PARKING

Drop-off point for guests immediately outside the main entrance
Route from the parking area to the nearest public entrance is:
Flat, ie. without steps
With a ramp

LIFT

Lift

ACCESS TO PUBLIC AREAS (Displays, exhibits, rides etc)

Level access (i.e. no steps or thresholds) or access by a ramp or lift to:
Public toilet suitable for visitors who use a wheelchair

GENERAL

Audible alarm system
Routes / pathways throughout the attraction suitable for visitors with limited mobility
Seating available throughout the attraction at appropriate intervals, for visitors with limited mobility

This information is self-assessed; therefore we accept no liability for its accuracy. Please contact the venue for further information.

Thomas Whitty House, Silver Street, Axminster, Devon, EX13 5AH

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Tel01297 639884

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Opening Times

* Summer Opening (16th April 2022 - 29 October 2022)
Monday-Friday 10am-4pm
Saturday 10am-1pm

Winter Opening (1st November 2022 - 6th April 2023)
Tuesday and Thursday 10am-4pm
Saturday 10am-1pm

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