Thomas Whitty in 1755 started making carpets the town name of Axminster Carpets is known worldwide - Jaffe et fils makers of Military Plumes - Hugh Fearnley - Whittingstall of "River Cottage" TV fame the business amongst many other individual shops and business with Milton's Courtyard. The weekly Market Stalls offer a wide selection of produce.The Church of St Nicholas is the centerpiece of the town.

With excellent rail links to London and Exeter makes Axminster Devon a very popular town with Lyme Regis resort with its Jurassic Coastline continuing towards Seaton and the fossil beach of Charmouth, Dorset a short drive away.