Gorgeous Frome has a historic centre, burgeoning crafts scene and beautiful walks. Many people are flocking to the market town for a more affordable and quieter lifestyle
A delightful market town set in the heart of Somerset’s countryside offers something for everyone. The charming town of Frome boasts a historic core, a thriving arts and crafts scene, and picturesque walking routes. Situated a mere 13 miles from Bath, it’s becoming a hotspot for those seeking a more affordable and tranquil way of life away from the bustling city.
Once Somerset’s largest market town, surpassing even Bath until the mid-17th century, Frome was a hub for the wool and cloth trade, as well as metalworking and printing industries, which have all dwindled over time. Nevertheless, this heritage-rich town has managed to retain much of its past, with numerous buildings gaining listed status.
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A significant portion of the town centre is designated as a conservation area, inviting tourists to meander through its quaint streets, home to nearly 30,000 residents.
Frome is dotted with an array of independent art spaces, retro boutiques, grand gardens, and cosy cafés that beckon visitors to explore or simply relax and take in the scenery, reports the Express.
Exploration is further rewarded by the town’s labyrinth of narrow alleyways and hidden nooks waiting to be discovered. Among Frome’s treasures is Nunney Castle, dubbed a “hidden gem” and one of Somerset’s “most romantic castles” by TripAdvisor.
This medieval fortress, complete with its own moat, is maintained by English Heritage and welcomes guests free of charge to delve into its storied past.
Every first Sunday of the month, from March through November, Catherine Hill bursts into life with the Frome Independent, an acclaimed street market that has won hearts and awards. This monthly mini-festival entirely captivates the town, drawing in throngs of people.
The Frome Independent is a cornucopia of local culinary delights, artistic talents, fresh produce, plants, flowers, retro finds, vintage goods, collectables, homewares and lively street performers.
Featuring this bustling monthly market and the well-known yearly bash, Frome is cementing its status as a mecca for the creatively inclined.
Summer visitors have the added treat of the nationally celebrated Frome Festival, a ten-day extravaganza in July glorifying community spirit and the arts, literature, music, and local history.
Time Out, which hailed it as one of the top weekend getaways from London in 2019, dubbed it “Somerset’s answer to Versailles”. Further acclaim came in 2021 when The Sunday Times honoured it as one of the “best places to live in the UK”.
