The picturesque Somerset town of Frome, often overshadowed by better-known neighbours such as Glastonbury and Wells, has quietly become a favourite retreat for Hollywood star Courtney Cox, famed for her role as Monica Geller in the sitcom Friends.
Cox, now 62, has spoken fondly of her time in Frome, sharing glimpses of her visits with her Instagram followers since 2021. She further highlighted the significance of the area during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where she recounted her New Year’s Eve stays at Babington House, a luxury hotel just 15 minutes from Frome. She described Babington House as “the most beautiful place” located about two and a half hours outside London and affirmed, “This is our third year. It is fantastic.”
But Frome isn’t just a celebrity getaway. For everyday visitors, this town offers a delightful day out or an easy staycation with plenty to see and do. At the heart of Frome lies Catherine Hill, a charming cobbled street known for its rich assortment of independent shops, cafes, and community spaces. The steep incline of the hill does not deter visitors, who come to enjoy the variety of local establishments offering everything from clothing and crafts to books, toys, homeware, plants, and food.
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A TripAdvisor visitor praised the area, saying, “Catherine Hill is well worth the climb up the cobbled street. Such a wide and eclectic range of things to buy. Great to see that these shops are continuing to trade, and I so hope that they can continue to survive.”
For food enthusiasts, Frome’s vibrant Sunday market, known as ‘The Frome Independent,’ is a highlight. Operating on the first Sunday of each month from March to December, from 10am to 3pm, this award-winning street market showcases a variety of local craftspeople, designers, makers, food producers, and vintage traders.
One market visitor commented on TripAdvisor, “Great market. Our second visit since the summer, and what a great one it is. The stalls were different both times, and the prices were reasonable. Busy, but not too bad as we went later in the day. Good atmosphere and very friendly people.”
Nestled in Somerset, Frome is small in size but offers a vibrant local community, an abundance of history, and a welcoming atmosphere – making it a must-visit destination for those exploring the region beyond the usual spots.