Highlighted in the press for all the right reasons, the historic Somerset market town of Frome has been labelled one of the ‘Best Places to Live in Britain’. The unassuming but attractive country town, has quickly become a vibrant and cultural community favoured by many.
Packed with historic buildings, cobbled streets and independent boutiques, Frome has built a positive image around its strong community values and creative people. It offers a charming destination for discerning tourists, seeking something a little bit different, but equally proves an important heart for its residents, who benefit from a thriving contemporary arts scene, as well as its market roots.
The town has played a hugely important part with its market since the early days of the Doomsday Book, after the decline of the cloth trade meant that locals had to lean towards a different trade. The Cheese and Grain building sits behind the centre of the town and provides a key link to this part of Frome’s history. Multiple markets existed from the time of the Norman Conquest and the tradition remains central to the townsfolk today with regular markets every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, as well as the ‘Frome Independent’ market on the first Sunday of each month, from March through to December.
Frome is full of specialist shops selling everything from arts and crafts to vintage clothing, antiques and collectibles, with the majority for store holders now independent. You can also find galleries, theatres and great live performances at The Cheese and Grain, with a range of colourful events held throughout the year as well. This thriving town has a growing reputation, as a hub for creative businesses and start-ups, with a variety of craftspeople creating specialist pieces from their workshops; everything from designer jewellery to textiles, instruments and 3D media.
To prove the icing on the cake, Frome also offers a great day’s shopping, taking great pride in the creativity and diversity of its independent shops. There are a handful of well-known chain stores as well, but without a doubt the real treasure lies along the back laneways, such as the medieval Cheap Street and St Catherine’s Hill, formerly known as the Artisan quarter. There are also a range of independent cafes and bistros in which to sit down and enjoy afternoon tea, but Palmer Street also hosts a range of foodie delights offering slow, locally sourced food from their seasonal menus.
Looking for somewhere to stay nearby? Tucking Mill offers a range of luxury self-catering properties set in the Midford Valley between Bath and Frome. Click here to view accommodation options. Frome is within easy reach by car, but also accessible by public transport with the D2 and D2A buses passing by the village of Midford on route from the centre of Bath.
