Londoners often get a bad rap for being unfriendly, with tales of unsmiling faces on the Tube and greetings on the street met with less than polite responses.
However, if you’re looking to escape this perceived hostility, there’s a charming town in Somerset that has been recognised as one of the UK’s friendliest places to live – though tourists might struggle with its pronunciation.
Frome – pronounced ‘Froom’ – is a quaint town nestled in East Somerset. The town is centred around the River Frome, located just south of Bath, and is renowned for its historic charm and array of attractions.
Boasting a rich history in the wool, cloth, metal working and printing industries, Frome is home to over 350 listed buildings which preserve the town’s industrial heritage. A visit to the Frome Heritage Museum is a must for those keen to delve into the town’s past.
Once you’ve had your fill of history, Frome offers a thriving arts scene with theatres, music venues and galleries.
Black Swan Arts is a combined studio-shop-café where local artists showcase their work, or you could explore Rook Lane, a unique arts centre housed within a restored 18th century chapel.
Frome boasts a variety of independent shops offering an eclectic mix of items to suit all tastes. The best place to discover these unique independents is on Catherine Hill, known as Frome’s Artisan Quarter.
If you time your visit right, you could coincide with the Frome Independent, a vibrant street market that takes over the high street on the first Sunday of each month from March through December.
For those who enjoy a good walk, there are numerous trails in and around Frome to suit all abilities. The Heritage Trail offers a circular route through the town, highlighting Frome’s architectural and industrial heritage.
Alternatively, you can join guided walks with various themes or embark on the parks walk, which showcases all the green spaces Frome has to offer.
After all that exploration, if you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Rye Bakery for some delightful baked goods or River House for a hearty brunch. Don’t miss Bistro Lotte, a charming French bistro where you can savour classic dishes from our continental neighbours.
Getting there.
Frome is approximately two hours and two minutes from London by direct train.
If you prefer to drive, it would take around two and a half hours, following the M3 out of London, then onto the A303, and finally the A36 into Frome.
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