Frome feels like an artist’s haven. Everywhere you turn, you encounter painters, sculptors, craftspeople, musicians, and designers shaping the town’s eclectic character. As a reporter, I met people from all walks of life across Somerset, but Frome stands out as a creative sanctuary brimming with independent boutiques, galleries, workshops, and bustling markets.
Amy, an artist who has called Frome home for 25 years, recalls a different era: “It wasn’t like this when I first arrived. Catherine Street was boarded up and derelict.” Today, that same cobbled street, known for its steep incline, is lined with charming family-run shops, quirky boutiques, and is a favorite spot for photographers and visitors alike. The artistic revival started slowly in the early 2000s but has flourished ever since.
Frome has earned a reputation as the unofficial “Somerset County Capital of Twee” — a delightful mix of the quaint, quirky, and creative. The town’s most talked-about event recently was the long-awaited return of the Cobble Wobble. This quirky bicycle race kicks off at Stony Street and ascends 179 yards uphill to the summit of Catherine Street. After a 13-year break, it made a triumphant comeback on Sunday, November 23, drawing spirited cyclists adorned in vibrant costumes, many raising funds for charity.
READ MORE: Violent man jailed for assaulting Tinder date and draining her bank account
READ MORE: NHS Leaders Urged to Demand Developer Contributions for GP Funding in Bridgwater
Local cyclists Charlie Hoy and Amelie Eaton earned the titles of King and Queen of the Cobbles, finishing in just under 24 and 35 seconds, respectively. Textile artist Laura Holden remembers the spectacle fondly: “It’s this massive cycling event where people pedal up the entire street in outrageous costumes — I saw someone dressed as Big Bird!”
Adding to the town’s colorful charm, Frome’s own ‘Cheese Lord,’ Martin Scott, joined the race. Scott isn’t just a cheesemonger renowned for his artisanal cheeses but also the town crier, a title he earned at Frome’s annual wassail ceremony earlier in 2024. This joyful celebration sees locals offer cider and toast to a nearby orchard to promote a fruitful year.
Nearby, florist Max Denlisoz was leading a wreath-making workshop as the race passed her shop. Max, who once lived on Catherine Street, embraces the town’s independent spirit: “People are used to big chain stores, but here it’s all about lovely small businesses.” Beyond the Cobble Wobble, Frome boasts popular events like Frome Festival and monthly independent markets that draw crowds from far and wide. “If you visit during Frome Fest, expect the town to be buzzing,” Max adds.
But despite its charm and creativity, Frome faces challenges. The growing demand to live here has driven up rents, with average monthly prices hitting £1,499 in 2023. Laura acknowledges this tension candidly: “There’s lots of people having a hard time.”
Still, the sense of community remains strong. While interviewing a local shop owner, a woman came in calling out for a lost bus pass. Without hesitation, the shopkeeper offered to pay for her ride home—a simple act reflecting Frome’s deep-rooted kindness.
Laura sums it up beautifully: “I’ve never lived anywhere where people look after each other so much.”
With the Cobble Wobble already planned for next year and the markets continuing to thrive, Frome is undeniably a place to visit in 2026. If you haven’t experienced this unique town yet, perhaps make it your New Year’s resolution.