Things To Do
Visit the shrine
Take a walk through the peaceful hamlet and along the country roads to the Church of Candida and Holy Cross to see where the remains of Saint Whit. The shrine can be found in the north wall of the transept and has three large openings for pilgrims to insert heads, hands, arms or feet and hope to be cured.
Take in a play
The Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis just a few miles away is a wonderful spot to spend an evening. The bar looks over The Cobb and the theatre itself dates back to the 1800s. A weekly list of cinematic and theatrical events can be found on the website.
www.marinetheatre.com
Eat And Drink
The Five Bells Inn
A true quintessentially English country pub. Stocked with Bridport based Palmer Brewery real ales, amongst their other lagers, wines and spirits. A daily menu utilises the best of local ingredients and offers up a wallet friendly selection of sandwiches and hot meals. Pop in for a pint and some local information.
www.thefivebellsinn.co.uk
The Watch House Café, West Bay
Walking to The Watch House Café across the shingle beach you could easily imagine simple sandwiches and basic chips to be the staple menu. However on approach the laid back and informal café exudes a cool vibe and the smell of top notch cooking overpower initial assumptions. The menu is chock-a-block with fresh fish and wood-fired pizzas. The Seafood broth is widely raved about.
Symondsbury Kitchen, Manor Yard, Symondsbury
A delightful kitchen café that is renowned for their incredible Sunday Lunches. The variety of fresh vegetables are extensive and cooked to perfection to accompany the local sourced meat or vegetarian options. Homemade desserts include firm favourites, such as sticky toffee pudding, and ginger and lemon posset tart. Dining in this light and open space with a view towards Colmers Hill. Although not open for evening meals the selection of breakfast, lunches and afternoon teas are well thought out and elegantly presented.
www.symondsburykitchen.com
Wild Walks
Whitchurch Canonicorum and Shave Cross
This walk is a fairly easy one covering mostly field-paths and without the steep climbs and descents that are typical of this beautiful countryside. Covering about five and a half miles you will have to cross plenty of stiles but can reward yourself in the Shave Cross Inn at the halfway point.
Events And Festivals
MAY
Gourmet Food Walk, Kilmington & Axminster
Taking place from Millers Farm Shop on Gammons Hill, a three-course meal spaced out between three venues over an eight-mile walk. A footed foodie tour of some of the best eateries in and around Axminster.
JUNE
Axe Valley Festival, Axminster
Pop along to this traditional rural show featuring arts, crafts and flower arrangements from the local community. This is a family-friendly day out with stalls and refreshments amongst the crafty exhibitions.
AUGUST
River Cottage Summer Festival, Axminster – 25th & 26th August
An exciting weekend of live music and cooking masterclasses from Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and his team at the wild food hub of River Cottage. Join in on the foraging workshops and discover the wild ingredients you can find in the hedgerows and clifftops to add to your staple home recipes. Masterclasses to join cover pizza making, sushi, super salads and curry, to name a few.
https://www.rivercottage.net/festival/2018
SEPTEMBER
Axminster Carnival, Axminster
A procession of floats from local groups make their way through the streets of Axminster raising money for local charities. A fairground provides the backdrop for some good old-fashioned family fun. Fancy dress is optional but encouraged.
