Attractions and Places To See around Frome - Top 20

Frome is rich in history, boasting over 350 listed buildings. Key historical sites include Cheap Street with its medieval architecture and unique leat, the iconic cobbled Catherine Hill, and the striking 14th-century St. John the Baptist Church. You can also find the Frome Market Cross, the historic Rook Lane Chapel, and The Blue House, an almshouse from 1726. For a deeper dive, consider the 2.5-mile Frome Heritage Trail.

Yes, there are several family-friendly options. Longleat House is a popular choice, featuring an impressive Elizabethan stately home set within 1,000 acres of parkland, including the first safari park outside Africa. The approach to the estate, known as Longleat House Drive, is also family-friendly and part of a national cycle path where you might spot animals. Additionally, Colliers Way offers a family-friendly cycling and walking path through picturesque Somerset countryside.

Frome is nestled in a picturesque valley, offering beautiful natural surroundings. You can enjoy peaceful riverside walks along Rodden Meadow and the River Frome, which features a natural wildflower meadow. Victoria Park provides a green space within the town. The wider Mendip Hills, located on Frome's eastern edge, offer extensive opportunities for hiking and exploring the scenic Somerset countryside.

Cyclists have several great options. The Colliers Way is a dedicated cycle path utilizing disused railway lines and quiet country lanes. For mountain biking enthusiasts, the Shearwater Mountain Bike Trails offer a network of short downhill trails and singletrack through the woods. You can find more gravel biking routes in the area by visiting the Gravel biking around Frome guide.

Yes, the area around Frome offers a variety of hiking trails. You can explore routes like the Mells River Path or trails around Nunney Castle and Berkley Wood. For an overview of different hiking options, including easy and moderate routes, refer to the Hiking around Frome guide and the Easy hikes around Frome guide.

Frome is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. The town hosts The Frome Independent Market on the first Sunday of each month (March to December), featuring artisan crafts, food, and live music. Frome Museum delves into the town's industrial past, while Black Swan Arts is a leading contemporary arts center. The Cheese and Grain is a key music venue, and the Merlin and Memorial Theatres offer various performances. The annual Frome Festival in July also celebrates the arts.

Frome is celebrated for its independent shopping scene. Streets like Catherine Hill and Cheap Street are particularly renowned for their unique gifts, vintage clothing, bespoke jewelry, and local produce. You'll find a wide array of independent shops and artisan boutiques offering distinctive items.

The Longleat House Drive offers an amazing view as you approach the stately home, especially after dropping down from the Bath Arms in Horningsham. The drive itself is a scenic, arrow-straight tarmac road leading directly to the house. The surrounding Mendip Hills also provide numerous picturesque vistas of the Somerset countryside.

Yes, for those exploring the cycling paths, Riders Rest Tea Rooms is a great option. Located where a cycle track enters Wellow, it offers bike parking, indoor and outdoor seating, and serves hot and cold food and beverages, including delicious cakes and vegan/gluten-free options. Frome town center also has many independent cafes.

Frome's location makes it an excellent base for exploring wider Somerset and Wiltshire. Nearby attractions suitable for day trips include the 14th-century moated Nunney Castle, the renowned Longleat Safari Park, and the historic city of Bath, famous for its Roman baths and Georgian architecture. Other accessible destinations include Stourhead Gardens, Wells, Glastonbury, Cheddar Gorge, and Stonehenge.

The spring and summer months (roughly March to September) are generally ideal for outdoor activities around Frome, offering pleasant weather for hiking, cycling, and exploring the countryside. The town also hosts the Frome Festival in July and the monthly Frome Independent Market from March to December, adding to the vibrant atmosphere during these times.