A gorgeous market town nestled in the Somerset countryside has something for everybody.
Gorgeous Frome has a historic centre, burgeoning crafts scene and beautiful walks. The pretty town sits just 13 miles from Bath, and many in the nearby city are flocking to the market town for a more affordable and quieter lifestyle.
The market town was once the largest in Somerset, far bigger than Bath, until the mid-1600s. It was the centre of the wool and cloth industry, as well as metal-working and printing, but all of these industries have since declined.
Despite this, the historic market town has preserved huge parts of its history, with a large number of listed buildings. Most of the town centre falls within a conservation area. Tourists are urged to potter around the small town, which has a population of just under 30,000.
There are countless independent galleries, vintage shops, majestic gardens, and cafes for visitors to wander through or admire.
Visitors are also encouraged to explore the town’s narrow lanes and secretive corners.
The town is home to Nunney Castle, which is called a “hidden gem” and one of Somerset’s “most romantic castles” by TripAdvisor. Nunney is a medieval castle with a moat that is now run by English Heritage and is free to enter and explore.
On the first Sunday of each month, from March until November, Catherine Hill is transformed into Frome Independent, an award-winning, destination street market. The monthly mini-festival takes over the whole town attracting thousands of visitors.
Frome Independent brings together the best local food and drink, artists and designers, produce, plants, flowers, retro, vintage, collectables, homewares and street entertainment.
With the monthly market and annual festival, Frome has a growing reputation as a hub for creative industries.
Visitors in the summer can also look forward to the nationally renowned annual ten-day Frome Festival in July. The festival is a community-led celebration of local arts, literature, music, and history.
Time Out, which listed it as among the best weekend breaks from London in 2019, called it “Somerset’s answer to Versailles”. In 2021, The Sunday Times listed it as one of the “best places to live in the UK”.