It

It
would be wrong to say “there’s no place like Frome”, because
in fact “Frome” rhymes with room, not Rome – but the sentiment’s
there.

Set on the eastern cusp of the Mendips, a half-hour drive south
from Bath or just over two from London, this Somerset market town
has a long history of nonconformism and community, which today
manifests in features such as communal fridges, share shops and
co-working spaces. Frome is the kind of place that welcomes you
with a smile and a good cuppa – or perhaps a craft coffee. Indeed,
in 2018 the town slashed its emergency hospital admissions when its
indie council supported an anti-loneliness scheme and, when Brexit
got the go-ahead, locals threw a party for the town’s immigrant
population.

Sure, some have branded Frome as “wokeville”, but the town’s
progressive persuasion is one that sits well on its cobbled streets
lined with independent shops, vintage emporiums, small galleries
and performance venues. It’s a destination as good for a pit-stop
on a village-hopping road trip across Somerset as it is a weekend
break or simply a Sunday day trip to explore The Frome Independent
market.

We’ve worn out our legs on Catherine Hill and beyond to find the
quirky landmarks and creative enclaves that make Frome, Frome –
stopping at the bakery where locals pick up their sustainable
sourdough and the wine bar where a fizzing glass of Dorset crémant
pairs well with a West Country cheeseboard. And when night falls?
Choose between under-radar cabins, Georgian B&Bs and some of
the UK’s best country piles.