Discover the best of Frome in 24 hours
Frome is a gorgeous town in Somerset, England. It kept popping up in my Instagram feed and made me curious. The streets paved with independent shops have a unique appeal, so I organised a visit to Frome at the first opportunity.
Frome is 2 hours away from London by train. You can walk from the station to the city centre in 10 minutes. In this post, I take you on a tour of Frome and why you should plan a visit.
I only knew once I visited, but Frome has been noted as one of the best places to live in Britain, and it’s hardly surprising. Frome is a market town with a lovely historic centre. You will be stunned by the historic buildings; the city has more than 300 listed buildings, and some pretty streets are Gentle Street and Rook Lane Chapel.
Markets are held weekly on a Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. From March to December, there’s also an independent market on the first Saturday of the month. There’s your opportunity to discover artists and designers, plants, flowers and a collection of vintage and retro items. Try to visit this market in December when it becomes all Christmassy.
The main streets with independent shops also called the Artisan Quarter, are Catherine Hill, Palmer Street, Paul Street, Stoney Street and Cheap Street.
I loved wandering along these streets and discovering shops with a unique display of items; I couldn’t resist buying some items in the Millie Moon haberdashery. Every shop along the hill has something unique to offer that you won’t find anywhere else. It is a joy to browse items that are not mainstream, sparking your creativity with new ideas.
Experience the rich history of the town at Frome Heritage Museum, situated on North Parade.
Don’t miss the Valentine Lamp Post.
I spent Valentine’s Eve in Frome and got to assist in celebrating the Valentine’s lamp tradition on Valentine’s Day.
For over 25 years now, this iconic lamp has been the centre of attention at the annual lighting ceremony, thanks to the restoration work of Reg Ling.
Dressed in a period costume, Reg kicked off the ceremony with a bang, setting off a rocket at 5:30 pm. Then, at 6 pm, he took up the original Victorian lamplighter’s pole to light up the lamp, bringing a piece of history to life.
Where to stay in Frome:
I had booked a room for the night at Bistro Lotte, located right on top of Catherine’s Hill, to stroll in the city’s old town. I recommend Bistro Lotte. The room had a French vibe, was nicely decorated and was very comfortable.
Where to eat:
- Bistro LotteĀ is a French-inspired Bistro where you can watch everything happening in the kitchen.
- Rye BakeryĀ has a fantastic display of bread and Danish pastries and a relaxed cafe environment.
- Palmer Street Bottle, you can’t miss the wine bar while walking up the hill on Palmer Street. They offer wine, ciders and beer with some nibbles on the side.Ā
- River HouseĀ is Perfect for Brunch with gluten-free options. They operate on a first-come, first-serve, no bookings.
Where to shop:
- Millie MoonĀ haberdashery
- SolskenĀ sells Scandinavian Items to add a bit of Hygge to your everyday
- Deadly is FemaleĀ a glam Hollywood Vintage Style clothing shop on Catherine Hill
- Bramble and WildĀ Flower shop has a rustic vibe. They also offer workshops.
- James GauntĀ Ā Their workshop makes beautiful curtains, blinds, cushions and throws.
Frome has proven to be a hidden gem with endless possibilities for discovery. This 24-hour guide has given you a glimpse into this town’s rich history, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences.
Have you been to Frome? Share your recommendations in the comments.
