Frome

Frome is a bustling market town at the eastern end of the Mendip Hills that is known for its charming streetscapes and interesting independent shops and it is also noted for the monthly Frome Independent Market, which is held on the first Sunday of every month between March and December.

There aren’t many tourist attractions in Frome, apart from the 7th-century St John’s Church and a small museum, and it is more a place to potter about in. Cheap Street has been described as Europe’s best-preserved medieval street and Catherine Hill, Cork Street and Stony Street are also worth a visit.

Although Frome may not be packed with lots of tourist attractions, is a charming place to visit with charming streetscapes, lovely independent shops and the feel of an authentic English town. It is the sort of town that everyone should put on their itinerary.

Its location on the eastern edge of Somerset means that it is in close proximity to the attractions of western Wiltshire with Longleat House and Longleat Safari Park only 7km (4½ miles) away and Stourton, Castle Combe and Lacock all less than a half-hour drive away. However, without any convenient public transport links between Frome and Longleat, this is a day trip that is only practical if you’re driving.

Coming and going

Frome railway station has several direct trains from London Paddington every day but services between Bristol and Weymouth are much more frequent. The station is around a 12-minute walk east of the town centre.

Local buses operate to nearby towns in Somerset and western Wiltshire. These include the D2 bus to Bath, bus X69 to Bradford-on-Avon, route X34 to Chippenham, buses 234, 47, 67, 81, X47 and X81 to Trowbridge and bus routes 53, 67, 234 and X53 to Warminster.

Berrys Coaches and National Express operate direct coach services to London.

Sights and activities in Frome

Places to stay in Frome