Nestled in the Mendip Hills, Frome is an atmospheric market town in Somerset. It was one of the largest towns in the county prior to the Industrial Revolution and flourished on the back of the wool and cloth industry. Independent stores and cafes now occupy its heritage-listed buildings, while the town’s monthly market attracts makers from across the region.
Things to do in Frome
Spend an afternoon wandering around Frome’s Artisan Quarter, where some of the town’s most interesting shops are located. Many of the buildings are centuries-old and some are also heritage-listed. You can browse the homewares for sale at Resident or spend an afternoon at Hunting Raven Books before enjoying baked goods in a former chapel at the Rye Bakery.
For a dose of local history, visit the Frome Heritage Museum, which houses a small but fascinating collection of local memorabilia. It occupies an institution building dating back to 1865 and showcases artefacts from the area’s once-thriving wool, printing and metalworking industries. Highlights include the fully-stocked vintage pharmacy and an ancient quern used for grinding grain.
Coincide your visit with the Frome Independent, a sprawling market that showcases independent craftspeople, designers and food producers. It takes place in the town centre and has a buzzing atmosphere, with live music and food stalls where you can feast throughout the day. In the lead-up to Christmas, the market has a distinctly festive feel and is a great place to shop for gifts.
Getting around Frome
Frome is around 30 minutes’ drive from Bath and 45 minutes from Bristol Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Frome railway station and buses travel throughout the town. The centre of Frome can easily be explored on foot.