AXBRIDGE

 Coming from the south, visitors can see how the medieval town of Axbridge hugs the southern slope of the Mendips. Approaching from the north, the Levels spread out below the town. An important wool-producer in the Middle Ages, the town has always been at the crossroads, the centre of things, indeed it was a river port in earlier times.

Now most traffic bypasses this sleepy little town, it's a lovely spot to relax and explore, with a charming brick-paved central square, and some interesting old buildings.

This is King John's Hunting Lodge, now the town museum, situated right in the square. It was built around 1460 AD - more than 200 years after the death of King John, who used the Mendips as a Royal hunting ground.

And this is the church of St. John The Baptist, set just off the other end of the square, and accessed via a long stone stairway