Frome Guide Somerset

Frome Guide, Somerset

Fabulous Frome: Bohemian bliss, a stone's throw from Bath

Daniel Allen

Architecture, Frome, UK — Fabulous Frome is 13 miles south of Bath in Somerset

The cobbled streets of Frome in Somerset. — The cobbled streets of Frome in Somerset

Strategically positioned at the eastern edge of the Mendips, Frome is a Somerset market town with a uniquely Bohemian character.

Located 13 miles south of Bath, it offers gorgeous architecture, a great selection of restaurants, pubs and cafes, and bustling artisan markets.

A fantastically quirky array of shops line the cobbled thoroughfares of the Cheap Street and Catherine Hill areas, adding to the town's appeal as a boutique shopping destination. Throw in the nearby attraction of Longleat, and there's enough to see and do to fill a long weekend and more.

Catherine Hill and Stony Street, Frome, Somerset, UK. — The cobbled hilly streets of Frome include Catherine Hill and Stony Street

Weekly Markets

Frome means "brisk-flowing water", and the early town and its market grew up around the area's springs. Today these still provide a constant supply of fresh clean water - one of the town's quaintest attractions is a leat that flows hurriedly down the centre of Cheap Street (one of the best preserved medieval streets in the whole of Europe).

Frome has hosted a thriving market since the time of the Domesday Book, and the tradition continues today with markets every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

The bustling commerce becomes even more colourful on the first Sunday of each month (March to December), when The Frome Independent Market is hosted. This festival-cum-bazaar takes over the whole town, with its local food and drink, artists and designers, produce, plants and flowers, retro and vintage collectables, homewares and street performers drawing huge numbers of visitors.

Cheap Street, Frome, Somerset, UK — Cheap Street has a small stream running through the middle

Many of the houses are built from local, grey limestone from the Mendip Hills. — Many of the houses are built from local, grey limestone from the Mendip Hills

Shopping & Events in Frome

Frome is also packed to the rafters with shops, offering a smorgasbord of clothing, antiques, handicrafts and local produce.

There are a number of arts venues and galleries in historic buildings, including Black Swan Arts, Rook Lane Arts, and the Silk Mill.

There's also a well-established calendar of events, including the 10-day Frome Festival in July, the Frome Agricultural & Cheese Show, and the Frome Carnival both in September, as well as the Frome Christmas Extravaganza.

Stony Street, Frome, Somerset, UK. — Stony Street in Frome

Eating & Nightlife

Frome's nightlife and performing arts scene has developed enormously in recent times.

What was once the fairly downbeat Wheatsheaves pub is now the buzzing 23 Bath Street, which welcomes great live acts on a regular basis, while the Cheese & Grain (or "Cheeser") also welcomes big bands and DJs. There are also two theatres - the Memorial and Merlin - and the Westway Cinema.

The Archangel

Located in the centre of Frome, the Archangel is renowned for its vibrant, warm hospitality, top quality food and stylish, luxurious accommodation.

First recorded as an inn in 1311, it wears its medieval history proudly, with ancient beams and walls. Modern touches have been added, such as a suspended glass mezzanine cube, Italian-made mustard yellow chairs and zinc-topped bar.

Food at the Archangel is locally sourced, with British classics complemented by seasonal dishes. There is also a large selection of ales, wines and cocktails.

Book a room at the Archangel

Catherine Hill, Frome, Somerset, UK. — Catherine Hill, Frome

Accommodation in Frome

Places to stay in and around Frome include the three star Bistro Lotte, both a quality eatery and a guest house and the four star George Hotel offering a full English breakfast each morning.

Frome Access - Getting To Frome

Frome is located south of both Bath and Bradford on Avon. Trains from Bristol Temple Meads Station in Bristol to Frome Station take about one hour.

There are also trains from Weymouth to Frome which take around 80-90 minutes.

Trains from Bradford on Avon Station to Frome take about 25 minutes and from Bath Spa Station 40 minutes.

Frome is located on the B3090 about a 30 minute drive (23 km) from Bath. The D2 bus service runs from Bath to Frome. Yeovil is 30 miles southwest of the town on the B3092 and A303.

London is around a two hour drive or a 90 minute train ride from Bath.