Top 15 amazing things to do in Frome

The Top 15 Amazing Things to do in Frome

Dating back to 685AD, Frome, Somerset has an extraordinarily rich history – but more importantly it’s a centre for arts, crafts and culture. Here’s a list of the top 15 things you can do in Frome.

 

Explore the streets and soak in the history

Frome is a beautiful town with a rich history, and has been the setting for many films. Take a stroll down the cobbled streets and admire the architecture. Be sure to look out for the many independent shops, cafés, and restaurants. Catherine Hill and neighbouring Stony Street are cobbled streets with many interesting stores.

Visit the Frome Museum

Learn about the town’s history at the small Frome Museum, which is housed in a beautiful 17th-century building. The museum has exhibits on the town’s social history, industry, and art. Learn more here: frome-museum.org

Browse the many independent shops

Frome is a haven for independent shops. You’ll find everything from clothes and homewares to books and toys. Be sure to take your time and explore all the different shops that Frome has to offer. Check out Cheap Street, with its ancient leat or stream, running down the  middle of it.

Follow the Frome Heritage Trail

The Frome Heritage Trail is a great way to see the town on foot. The trail takes you past the town’s most important historical landmarks. You can pick up a map of the trail from the Frome Tourist Information Centre.

Go on a guided walking tour

Walk About Frome offers a variety of tours, including pub tours, historical tours, and general sightseeing tours. Here are some of the tours they provide:

• Foul Frome: This 1.5-hour tour delves into Frome’s darker side, exploring its “dark and tumultuous history.”
• Frome Pubs: This 2-hour tour focuses on the town’s pubs, delving into their history and offering a taste of their atmosphere. The fee includes a drink at three of the most iconic pubs.
• General Sightseeing Tours: Walk About Frome also offers a historic general tour. Called A sense of Place.

For more information and to book a tour, visit the website at WalkAboutFrome.com or call them at 01373 800 815.

Buy gifts and local produce at one of Frome’s markets

There are not one but three regular markets in Frome: the Thursday Market, the Frome Farmers’ Market, and the Independent Market. The Thursday Market is a general market selling a variety of goods, while the Frome Farmers’ Market is a great place to buy fresh, local produce. The popular Independent Market takes place on the first Sunday of the month, with free live music, and stalls selling artisan crafts, take-away food from local producers, and much more. Discover more about the Frome Independent Market at their website: thefromeindependent.org.uk

See the beautiful Valentine Lamp

It’s one of the few working gas lamps in the country. Donated to the town in 1712 by a local man named Peter Valentine, you’ll find this romantic ironwork light at the top of Catherine Hill. You can sit at the nearby love seat, and post your love letter or postcard card from the renovated George V post box. And on Valentine’s day each yea, the lamp is lit using the original lamp lighters’ pole.

 

Visit Black Swan Arts

Housed in a building that has a shop and cafe, it hosts regular fine art and craft exhibitions.

See a show at the Merlin Theatre or Memorial Hall

Frome has a thriving music and theatre arts scene. There are always a variety of shows and events taking place.

Dance the night away at 23 Bath St

The venue hosts bands and DJs until late at night.

Check out the programme at the Cheese and Grain

The Cheese & Grain is a historic venue that hosts a variety of events, from gigs and club nights to comedy shows and farmers’ markets. It’s even hosted Paul McCartney and the Foo Fighters, not to mention many tribute bands. cheeseandgrain.com

Relax in Victoria Park

It’s a beautiful park near the centre of Frome. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. There’s a playground, and plenty of space to run around, plus a charming café.

Attend the Frome Festival

Each year at the beginning of July, Frome holds its annual celebration of arts and culture. Held annually for 10 days every July, this community festival transforms Frome into a bustling hub of creativity. Here’s what awaits you at the Frome Festival:

• Over 200 Events: Immerse yourself in a diverse program featuring music (from classical to indie), talks, workshops, film screenings, theatre productions, dance performances, and visual arts exhibitions.
• Hidden Gems: Explore the town from a fresh perspective! Events take place in unique venues like concert halls, pubs, churches, parks, and even underground tunnels.
• Something for Everyone: The festival caters to all ages and interests. There are numerous free events alongside ticketed options, making it an affordable and inclusive experience.
• Family Fun: Keep the little ones entertained with workshops, performances, and activities designed just for them.

The next Frome Festival will be held from Friday, July 5th to Sunday, July 14th, 2024. Visit the official Frome Festival website [FromeFestival.co.uk] for the latest programme, artist lineup and online booking. And book your stay in Frome well in advance, as the festival attracts visitors from all over. There are a variety of hotels, B&Bs, and holiday rentals.

Visit a film location

Take yourself back in time down Gentle Street. It’s an iconic and somewhat steep cobbled street, that’s been used as a location for Poldark. If there’s straw on the street, you’ll know another film crew has been there recently. Take care when it’s been raining.15. Watch the Frome Carnival: Taking place annually in September, the Frome Carnival is a spectacle, especially for children. Large, brightly lit floats make their way slowly through the darkened centre of town. Watch out especially for the lovely lantern parade.