A vibrant independent culture, quirky shops, a thriving performing arts and creative scene, local culinary talent, pretty cobbled streets and calm green spaces - just a few reasons to head half an hour south of Bath into Somerset to Frome (pronounced "Froom").

Local resident Emma shares some of her favourite spots to relax and explore a town that encourages a relaxed and slower rhythm…

Festivals and Events

The renowned Frome independent Market that runs on the first Sunday of every month (excluding Jan & Feb), is great for a browse or to pick up some locally crafted product and scrumptious food.

The annual Frome Festival in July always kicks off with a mighty food festival followed by a packed programme of art, music, theatre, dance and open gardens.

Rode Comedy Festival takes place every year in August a 10-minute drive towards the villages of Rode and Laverton and promises world-class talent from the likes of Lenny Henry, Katherine Ryan and Jason Manford – book tickets early as it sells out super quickly.

Also on the Frome events calendar is Frome Children’s Festival, Frome Kindness Festival, Window Wanderland (where residents decorate their windows with art to illuminate the town’s streets), and Frome Pride.

Local traditions include the Cobble Wobble on Catherine Hill, where you can watch both professional riders and young children race to the top of the hill on bikes, and the annual procession and lighting of the town’s Valentine’s lamp on 14 February.

Image - Frome Independent Market

Food and Drink

A stone’s throw from Frome station, At The Station is an independent food hub and events space, named one of the UK’s best food halls in the UK by The Times. Find wood-fired pizza from Rye Bakery, Indian street food by Lunghi Babas, local cheeses from the Cheese Lord, and craft wine by Saddle Goose, a wine company passionate about English Grapes. Bistro Lotte is a firm favourite with its restaurant, cocktail and wine bar and newly opened deli ‘Le Picnic’.

The High Pavement serves a delicious ever-changing menu of moorish tapas inspired by Spain and the Middle East, while Little Walcot is perfect for people watching and dining on seasonal local produce. Café hot spots include Moo & Too, Projects, Café La Strada and the River House Café. For evening cocktails and drinks stop at Flow Bar, The Archangel or Palmer St Bottle Shop.

Communa in the heart of the town is a new community hub and wine bar, with DJ’s spinning the decs at weekends and alfresco pop-up kitchens bringing tasty dining options. Look out for incredible supper clubs by The Wild Pear and The Burnt Sugar Collective popping up in locations in the town and beyond.

Local Artists

Frome has a thriving creative arts scene – stumble across artists and textile designers at The Silk Mill (also home to Frome Arts School) ceramists, florists and jewellery designers tucked away in the studio shops at Black Swan Arts and a growing arts community at Makers Yard Frome, a converted Victorian tannery hosting a diverse range of creatives, art exhibitions, screenings and workshops.

Independent Shopping

Frome has many fabulous independent shops. Browse quirky boutiques, fashion studios, gift shops, book shops and plant shops on Catherine Hill or wander up Cheap Street – famous for its tiny stream running down the centre.

Image - Catherine Hill 

Nights out

You might well have heard of The Cheese and Grain, the town’s main entertainment venue where Emily Eavis of Glastonbury Festival is patron and bands and artists including Paul McCartney the Foo Fighters and Coldplay have performed for Glastonbury warm-up gigs and used the venue for rehearsals.

The Memorial Theatre hosts many touring productions and is home to Frome Musical Theatre Company. Don’t miss their annual panto – it’s full of warmth and humour and is performed by amateur actors. The Merlin Theatre also attracts some great talent and film screenings, and we now have The Lucky Chance, the creative home of Emma Rice’s award-winning touring theatre company.

Image - The Cheese and Grain 

Nature in Frome

While away a few hours with a picnic by the river along Rodden meadow or explore the unique wetlands at Rodden Nature Reserve. Frome buzzes with bees and has been declared a bee-friendly town by the Bee Friendly Trust – spot bird boxes, bee-friendly planters and flowers scattered throughout the town.

Vallis Farm on the edge of Frome is a growing destination passionate about rewilding and biodiversity - connect with nature and stay in shepherd huts, wallow in the wild swimming pond, explore the gardens and take part in workshops and events.