This UK town is steeped in history (Image: Getty Images)
A pretty UK town is packed with independent shops, ancient medieval buildings and cobbled streets brimming with character.
Nestled in Somerset is the charming town of Frome, known for its steep and hilly terrain, having been built on uneven high ground at the eastern end of the Mendip Hills. The River Frome runs through the town, which is just 13 miles south of the city of Bath, and was previously named as one of the ‘best weekend breaks from London’ by Time Out.
It’s made up of medieval architecture and historic streets, including along Cheap Street and Gentle Street, beside its winding lanes. It’s thought to have more than 350 listed buildings, making it one of the most well-preserved towns in the region, and it holds a rich heritage in the wool, textile, metal and printing industries.
Frome is a haven for boutique shops and independent businesses (Image: Getty Images)
Its town centre strikingly sits around 213 ft above sea level, with cobbled lanes lined with boutique shops and cosy coffee houses. The main shopping street runs along Catherine Hill, with shops selling gifts, clothes, accessories, ceramics, and art. Due to its picture-postcard scene, it’s become an iconic landmark in the town.
The Frome Independent market is another standout feature of the town, which lines the high street on the first Sunday of every month from March to December. With over 250 traders, stalls are packed with handmade ceramics and wire sculptures, vintage clothing, antiques, homeware, and prints.
The market attracts more than 80,000 visitors each year and aims to be ‘more than a market’ by hosting live music, DJs, street performances, workshops, and other activities. Following a visit, one fan shared on TripAdvisor: « Trendy, funky, full of the world’s lovely people stalls’ atmosphere and generally the place to be on the first Sunday of the month! »
Not to mention the market’s culinary offerings, which are nothing short of exceptional, from Mexican- and Italian-style street food to Lebanese wraps and Japanese dumplings. There’s a feast to behold with baklava, churros and Choux Box, to artisan coffees and handcrafted cocktails, all available during the bustling market in this picturesque town.
There are charming cobbled lanes to wander along (Image: Getty Images)
But the independent market isn’t the only one to grace the town. Frome also holds its Vegan Market on the first weekend of every month, followed by its Farmers’ Market on every second Saturday.
The town has a vibrant art scene, with a catalogue of venues, art galleries and event spaces, including the Cheese and Grain for live music and Merlin and Memorial for theatre productions or live comedy. There’s art to admire at the Black Swan Arts and Silk Mill Studios and Galleries, with history to uncover at Frome Museum and Iford Manor.
For those looking to explore the town on foot, there are ample green spaces and pretty buildings to marvel at, with guided walking tours also available. And with the winding Frome River running directly through the town, it makes an idyllic day out for a gentle stroll before stopping by one of the charming cafés or taprooms, or spending time browsing its collection of boutique stores.
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