A day trip to the Somerset town of Frome

I mentioned in the previous post, that I was off to Frome, the following weekend. It was for a one-day visit to this pleasant, Somerset town, on a visit that would be the first for me. The trip had been a long time in the planning, involving several changes of dates between inception, and the event actually changing place, but the one constant was we would be visiting a number of pubs in the town that had been carefully chosen by Jon Benger – a beer and pub enthusiast who I first met on a visit to Bath, a couple of years ago.

Jon lives in Frome, with his wife Tracey, who was also on the Bath trip, and from memory, I remember  the couple telling me that they met, whilst at university (“uni” as the kids say), in Bath. Sometime in between the then and now, the pair moved the short distance across to Frome, where property prices were more reasonable, and the town wasn’t over-run with tourists. Before launching into the narrative, it’s worth noting that I used AI creativity tool, Copilot, to write some of this post, but the parts I am referring to are mainly a few descriptive sections about Frome, and what it has to offer the casual visitor. See if you can spot these “AI - written” paragraphs, starting off with the introduction.

There's something special about discovering a place that feels both vibrant and timeless, and that's exactly how I felt during my recent trip to Frome in Somerset. Nestled among rolling countryside and historic architecture, Frome is a town that effortlessly blends creativity, heritage, and community spirit. From the moment I arrived, I could see why it has become one of the South West's most talked-about destinations.

I travelled to Frome, by train from my home in Tonbridge, beginning my journey with a train to London Bridge. This was followed by a convenient cross-London transfer using the Thameslink and Elizabeth line services to Paddington Station. The journey showcased the excellent rail connections which now exist, between Kent, London and the Southwest, with the Elizabeth line making the transfer across London easy and efficient.

The rail journey from Paddington was a pleasant one, albeit rather boisterous, as I shared the carriage with a lively group of ladies on their way to enjoy a day out in the West Country. Several bottles of chilled prosecco were cracked open, almost from the moment that the train pulled out of Paddington, on its journey to the south-west. The ladies were bound for Totnes, whereas I would be leaving the train at Castle Cary to catch a connecting service across to Frome. 

The train was making good progress, as we headed away from the capital, but unfortunately, we hit a delay sometime after leaving Westbury. I later discovered this was due to a flock of sheep on the line, but the slow, stop-start progress of the train meant we were 30 minutes’ late in arriving at Castle Cary.

The delay meant me missing my connection and facing a wait of an hour and a half for the next train to Frome. Fortunately, there was a pleasant café and “creamery” on the opposite platform, where I enjoyed a sausage bap and a pot of tea. It was a mile or so’s walk into the small town of Castle Cary and with hindsight I perhaps should have made the effort to visit the settlement. According to Google, there are several pubs in the town, that appear worthy of a visit, but after my late breakfast it would have been a rather rushed affair, and as I’ve grown older, I try to avoid rushing, wherever possible. Instead, I enjoyed a pleasant and relaxing interlude at Castle Cary station, which is an attractive looking station, that is well maintained and decorated in a style that evokes the 1920s and 1930s.

Whilst waiting for the connection, I contacted Jon Benger who, as the local resident in charge of our day out, would be able to tell me where to meet up in Frome. Jon suggested phoning for an update, once I’d arrived in the town, which I did, and was kindly met at the station by none other, than Retired Martin – memories here of Alton and Farnham! With the pace of two people gagging for a pint after a two-hour delay, – that was me rather than Martin, we walked towards the centre of Frome. There I found myself being struck by both the character and slight quirkiness of the town, where the narrow-cobbled streets, independent shops, and the well-preserved buildings, constructed mainly from locally quarried stone, create an atmosphere that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of larger towns and cities.

One particular highlight is Catherine Hill, a steep and picturesque street lined with quirky boutiques, galleries, and cafés. It's the kind of  thoroughfare where every doorway seems to reveal another hidden gem.  As well as shops, the town is packed with independent cafés, bars and eateries, each with its own unique charm. What stood out most was the passion local business owners have for their craft. Whether it was a barista explaining their coffee beans or a shop owner sharing the story behind a handmade product, there was a genuine sense of pride throughout the town.

Frome has built a reputation as a creative hub, and it's easy to see why. Art galleries, workshops, and independent retailers are woven into the fabric of the town. Every corner seems to celebrate creativity in one form or another. The town has a welcoming atmosphere that encourages visitors to slow down, explore, and appreciate the details, so much so that I was able to explore its blend of attractive independent shops, historic streets and distinctive character, which make Frome one of Somerset's most interesting and popular towns to visit.

Beyond its creative appeal, Frome is rich in history, and as we wandered through the older parts of town, I couldn't help but admire the centuries-old buildings and fascinating architecture. The town's industrial past is still visible today, providing a glimpse into its evolution over time. The combination of history and modern culture gives Frome a unique identity that's difficult to find elsewhere.

My visit to Frome was a reminder that some of the best travel experiences come from exploring places that aren't necessarily on every tourist itinerary. Its blend of independent spirit, historic charm, and thriving creative community makes it a destination well worth visiting. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day out, a weekend getaway, or simply somewhere new to explore, Frome offers an experience that's both inspiring and memorable.

OK, that’s the tourist plug over, and the end of this post as well, but in the next one you’ll be able to learn more about the five, historic, interesting, and quite quirky pubs that we visited, in what was quite a breathless and whistle-stop tour of Frome.