King John's Hunting Lodge;King John's Hunting Lodge (Axbridge Museum)

Medieval timber framing rises above Axbridge's market square in what might be Somerset's most misleadingly named building. Despite its royal moniker, this three-storey Tudor merchant's house has precious little to do with King John - the name's pure marketing from centuries past. What you'll find instead is a proper slice of 16th-century life, now serving as Axbridge Museum. The creaking floorboards and low-beamed ceilings house local artefacts spanning everything from Roman finds to Victorian domestic bits. Kids might enjoy the Tudor dress-up box, though the cramped rooms and delicate displays make this better suited to older children who won't fidget through the historical explanations. The real draw is the building itself - those wonky timber frames and narrow staircases tell the story of a once-prosperous wool trading town. From Cheddar, it's barely five minutes by car through the Mendip countryside. Perfect for combining with a trip to the famous gorge, especially if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Cheddar Woods Resort or Mendip Basecamp. Allow an hour tops unless you're particularly keen on local history. The museum volunteers are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, though opening times can be patchy - worth checking before making the journey from your campsite.