Explore a beautifully preserved 15th-century timber-framed merchant's house filled with fascinating exhibits on local history, geology, and heritage from Neolithic times to World War II.

King John's Hunting Lodge is a Grade II* listed museum housed in a remarkable 15th-century wool-merchant's house located in Axbridge, Somerset. Built around 1460, this three-storey jettied timber-frame building showcases over 350 items from a collection of 2,000+ artifacts, offering visitors a compelling journey through local history and heritage spanning from the Neolithic period to World War II. The museum is run by dedicated local volunteers under the Axbridge and District Museum Trust, with the building owned by the National Trust. Visitors can explore the building's original features, including its distinctive oak staircase with 27 steps, curved supporting brackets, and recreated medieval ground floor with arcaded stalls. A notable highlight is the preserved carved king's head, originally used as a sign for The King's Head Inn, which now resides inside the building alongside a replica on the exterior. The venue welcomes families and home educators, with special morning sessions available for educational groups. The museum maintains seasonal opening hours and participates in Heritage Open Days, making it an accessible destination for those interested in local heritage. The temporary exhibitions, such as the fascinating display on Axbridge in the 1950s and 1960s, provide engaging insights into the town's evolution. With free entry and welcoming volunteer staff, King John's Hunting Lodge offers an intimate, authentic museum experience ideal for curious visitors of all ages.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

M

Malcolm Petfield

4 months ago

Super enjoyed visiting this National Trust property. It’s bigger inside then what you think , with lots of details on the local history. Free to enter 👍🏻

S

Steve Cole

4 months ago

Great little place to visit in a lovely little village thats like stepping back in time 😊

M

Martin Bamforth

a year ago

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.

C

Chris Kinnersley

2 years ago

An old medieval Tudor timber framed wool merchant's house dating from around 1500. It's now run as a local history museum by Axbridge and District Museum Trust. Lots of interesting things to see!

H

Hazel Williams

3 years ago

What a truly charming museum. No self obsessiveness, just true history of the village, depicted with love and skill. The building is scarily ancient, with a staircase to challenge the unstable, and creaky floorboards you can see through to the storeys below! Hours could easily be spent here studying the fascinating exhibits. And it is free entry!!

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026