Frome feels like a town where creativity thrives on every corner. Whether it’s the painters, sculptors, designers, or musicians you meet, nearly everyone seems to be an artist or craftsman of some kind. This vibrant community, packed with independent boutiques, galleries, workshops, and markets, has earned Frome a reputation as a creative haven in Somerset.
Amy, a local artist who has lived in Frome for 25 years, recalls how dramatically the town has changed: “It wasn’t always like this. When I first moved here, Catherine Street was boarded up and empty.” Today, that very street is one of the town’s most iconic spots— a cobbled hill lined with charming family-run shops and boutiques. While it once lay derelict, the artistic renaissance of the 2000s has transformed it into an indie shopping paradise.
Frome has now become the heart of Somerset’s artsy, ‘twee’ culture, with a calendar packed full of community events. The highlight recently was the triumphant return of the Cobble Wobble, a quirky uphill bike race that starts at Stony Street and climbs 179 yards up Catherine Street. After a 13-year break, it made a comeback on Sunday, November 23, drawing cyclists who donned flamboyant costumes—some even cycling in charity. Local riders Charlie Hoy and Amelie Eaton were crowned King and Queen of the Cobbles, finishing in impressive times of 23.54 and 34.52 seconds respectively.
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Textile artist Laura Holden joyfully remembered the event: “It’s a big deal here—people really get into dressing up. I saw someone as Big Bird this year.” The race even featured Frome’s beloved ‘Cheese Lord,’ Martin Scott, a cheesemonger and town crier known for selling artisan cheeses from his van near the train station. Scott was recently crowned town crier at Frome’s 2024 wassail festival, where locals toast their orchards with cider to encourage growth.
Nearby, florist Max Denlisoz was hosting a wreath-making workshop as the Cobble Wobble riders passed her shop window. Having once lived on Catherine Street herself, she values Frome’s independent spirit: “People are so used to big chain stores, but here it’s full of lovely little independent shops.” Beyond the bike race, Frome is animated by the Frome Festival and monthly independent markets, which Max notes can turn the town into a bustling hive of activity: “If you visit during Frome Fest, you’ll be surprised by how busy it gets.”
It’s easy to see why visitors and residents alike are drawn to this creative town. But this popularity hasn’t come without challenges. In 2023, Frome Town Council declared a housing crisis, with average rents reaching £1,499 a month. Laura, while passionate about the town, acknowledges the economic strain some residents face: “There are a lot of people having a hard time.”
Despite financial pressures and the wider cost-of-living crisis, the spirit of community shines through. During an interview in a gift shop, a stranger accidentally lost his bus pass, and a local immediately offered to pay for his ticket—a small but touching act that encapsulates Frome’s caring nature. Laura sums it up perfectly: “I’ve never lived anywhere where people look after each other as much as they do here.”
With the Cobble Wobble set to return and its markets and festivals thriving, Frome is undoubtedly a town worth exploring in 2026. If you haven’t experienced its charm yet, make visiting Frome your New Year’s resolution—you’ll discover a place unlike any other.