King Johns Hunting Lodge
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King John's Hunting Lodge Axbridge

4.5
·78 reviews·, United Kingdom

A 1500s wool merchant's lodge turned local history museum, offering free entry and a deep dive into Axbridge's past.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Anytime

Free entry, always a good time

CrowdLow
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King Johns Hunting Lodge

King John's Hunting Lodge Axbridge

Best Time

Anytime

Free entry, always a good time

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 1500s wool merchant's lodge turned local history museum, offering free entry and a deep dive into Axbridge's past.

4.5
(78 reviews)

"A truly charming museum with true history of the village, depicted with love and skill."

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Free Entry! 🎉

Enjoy a wealth of local history without any admission fee. Donations are welcome!

Challenging Stairs ⚠️

The ancient building has steep, narrow stairs. Be mindful if you have mobility issues.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Architecture

Ancient Architecture

The Building Itself

Experience a scarily ancient, timber-framed wool merchant's house with creaky floorboards and a challenging staircase.

Local History Exhibits

Local History Exhibits

Museum Interior

Discover fascinating exhibits detailing the true history of Axbridge village, depicted with love and skill.

Knowledgeable Staff

Knowledgeable Staff

Museum

Engage with fantastic, knowledgeable staff who are passionate about the local area and its history.

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Planning Your Visit

Understand the Name

Despite its name, King John predates this 1500s wool merchant's lodge. It's run by a local charity, not the National Trust, offering a unique glimpse into Axbridge's past.

Plan Your Visit

This charming, ancient building features a steep, challenging staircase across its three floors. Entry is free, making it an accessible dive into local history.

Best Times

When
Anytime
Why
Free entry, always a good time
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Bo country song..this took a while to make #country#bo#burnham#fyp#xybca#horsescountryboy#mep#folloemeh#bofckingburnham #fyp#mep
@bo.fcking_burnham
26.6K likes • 164.2K views

Free Entry! 🎉

Enjoy a wealth of local history without any admission fee. Donations are welcome!

Challenging Stairs ⚠️

The ancient building has steep, narrow stairs. Be mindful if you have mobility issues.

Local Charity Run 👍

This gem is managed by Axbridge & District Museum Trust, not the National Trust.

Combine with Heritage Trail 🚶‍♀️

Ask for the Axbridge Heritage Trail map for a great walk before or after your visit.

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Entry! 🎉

Enjoy a wealth of local history without any admission fee. Donations are welcome!

Challenging Stairs ⚠️

The ancient building has steep, narrow stairs. Be mindful if you have mobility issues.

Local Charity Run 👍

This gem is managed by Axbridge & District Museum Trust, not the National Trust.

Combine with Heritage Trail 🚶‍♀️

Ask for the Axbridge Heritage Trail map for a great walk before or after your visit.

Pub Nearby 🍻

Pop into the pub opposite and enjoy the square with a pint after your visit.

What Travellers Say

4.5
(78 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find King John's Hunting Lodge a charming and historically rich local museum, praised for its free entry and knowledgeable staff. While the ancient building's steep stairs can be a challenge, the authentic depiction of Axbridge's history and the warm welcome make it a worthwhile stop.

"Well we had an interesting visit as the building was small but with three floors it packed in a lot of local history. It is in the National Trusts portfolio of property BUT it is run by a local charity and not the National Trust. King John was dead before the building was built so I don't quiet get the name, odd one. Whilst we were there there was some filming ment to be going on but we did not see anything."

Martin Bamforth

"What a brilliant museum! Thank you so much for the warm welcome this afternoon and telling us about the history of the Lodge. We really enjoyed the variety of the exhibits and thank you too for recommending the Axbridge Heritage Trail map - we did the walk before heading back home."

Andi P

"Great place, really interesting museum. Staff were fantastic. Really knowledgeable guy who knew all about local area.
They were great with a family that had young kids with them too. Worth a trip then pop into the pub opposite and sit in the square with a pint."

Dave Dupont

What People Like

Free entry
Knowledgeable staff
Authentic local history

What People Dislike

Steep, challenging stairs

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

King John's Hunting Lodge is located in the heart of Axbridge. Parking is available in the town square. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes is advisable.

Yes, there is parking available in the Axbridge town square, which is conveniently located near the lodge.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary as the museum is run by a local charity. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.

No, entry to King John's Hunting Lodge Axbridge is free! However, donations are gratefully accepted to help maintain this historic site.

As entry is free and it's a local museum, advance booking is generally not required. You can usually just turn up during opening hours.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Inside, you'll find a local history museum spread across three floors. The building itself is a significant part of the experience, with ancient architecture and creaky floorboards.

The building is very old and features steep, narrow stairs across its three floors, which can be challenging. It may not be suitable for those with significant mobility issues.

The museum houses a variety of exhibits focused on the local history of Axbridge village, presented with care and detail by the local trust.

Yes, children are welcome. The staff have been noted as being great with families, and the historical exhibits can be engaging for younger visitors.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted for personal use inside the lodge, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions or ask a staff member upon arrival.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

King John's Hunting Lodge offers a free and engaging historical experience for families. While the ancient, steep stairs might require extra supervision for very young children, the staff are known to be excellent with families, making the visit welcoming and informative. The local history exhibits can spark curiosity about the past, and the unique building itself is an adventure to explore. Consider grabbing the Axbridge Heritage Trail map to extend the outing with a family-friendly walk around the town.

🚶‍♀️ History Buffs & Curious Explorers

For those who love delving into local history, King John's Hunting Lodge is a must-visit. The building's medieval architecture, dating back to around 1500, provides a fascinating backdrop. You'll find a wealth of information about Axbridge's past, presented by passionate locals. The free entry makes it an easy addition to any itinerary, and the knowledgeable staff are a great resource for deeper insights. Don't miss the chance to explore the town further with the recommended Heritage Trail.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Intriguing Name and History

The name 'King John's Hunting Lodge' is somewhat misleading, as the building dates from around 1500, long after King John's reign (1199-1216). This half-timbered wool merchant's house is a testament to Axbridge's prosperous past during the medieval period. It's fascinating to explore a structure that has witnessed centuries of local life and commerce.

The building itself is a star, with its ancient timber framing and the palpable sense of history within its walls. Visitors often remark on the 'scarily ancient' feel, complete with creaky floorboards that offer glimpses into the stories held within the structure. It's a tangible connection to a bygone era, offering a unique perspective on local heritage.

Exploring the Museum and Its Treasures

Housed within this historic lodge is the Axbridge and District Museum, run by a dedicated local charity. The museum packs a lot into its three floors, showcasing a variety of exhibits that tell the 'true history of the village'. These displays are noted for being depicted 'with love and skill', offering an intimate and authentic look at Axbridge's past.

Visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable and friendly staff who are eager to share insights about the local area. This personal touch elevates the museum experience beyond just looking at artifacts. The museum also actively promotes local exploration, recommending the Axbridge Heritage Trail map for visitors to further discover the town.

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