Tucked away in Somerset, the charming town of Frome is a haven for arts enthusiasts and independent businesses. Visitors flock to Frome to discover hidden treasures whilst wandering its cobbled streets and popping into its colourful shops.

But it's not just about retail therapy; the town boasts over 500 listed buildings and a rich history that stretches back from Saxon times to medieval legends. The strong sense of community in Frome draws touristsfrom far and wide to enjoy locally sourced and crafted products.

Whether it's the items sold in stores or the fare served up in cafes and restaurants, Frome's residents take great pride in showcasing their town's talents and creations.

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At the heart of Frome lies its main tourist draw, Catherine Hill – a renowned cobbled street brimming with independent shops, cafes and creative spaces.

Despite its steep incline, tourists brave the climb daily to explore these local businesses, offering everything from clothes and crafts to books, toys, homeware, plants, food and more.

One visitor shared their experience on TripAdvisor, 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."

A highlight of the neighbourhood is Raves From The Grave, a lively record shop that's been attracting music enthusiasts since 1997. Alongside it sits Pilea Plant Shop, bursting with foliage, which is ideal for any green-thumbed gardeners seeking fresh additions to their collection.

One reviewer praised the shop as "particularly excellent", situated near the summit of the hill. They remarked they could easily have splashed out a "small fortune" there given all the "unusual" plants available.

The neighbourhood also boasts no shortage of spots to pause for a cuppa or a meal. With establishments including Moo & Two, Little Walcot, The Good Heart, Castelli Cafe and others, there's an abundance of casual dining venues, making it perfect for a leisurely brunch outing.

A visitor shared: "Stepping out onto the wonderful cobbled street every morning was a lovely way to start the day. The range of independent shops is extensive, each one like an Aladdin's cave of treasures."

As scenic as it gets, this fortress on the outskirts of Frome is an unmissable sight, constructed by a local knight during the 1370s. Though since its prime, the impressive structure has undergone considerable modernisation, especially during the 16th century, it now stands in ruins.

Yet it's a stunning ruin nonetheless, with its striking tower well maintained for visitors, featuring four circular towers linked by robust walls. Even the estate encircling the castle is equally pleasing to behold, with the pale stonework contrasting beautifully against the backdrop of verdant countryside.

Just a stone's throw from Nunney Castle lies a complimentary car park, though visitors should be prepared for a moderately steep walk uphill. Entry to the castle grounds themselves is entirely free. One visitor left a glowing review describing the castle as something straight out of a "fairy tale".

They wrote: "Almost absurdly picturesque, in a beautiful setting and with some fascinating architecture to enjoy – this site is well worth visiting."

Another visitor shared: "The castle itself is a rarity, being of French design and reminiscent of fairy tale castles. For a ruin, it's very well maintained, and if you look around the village, the evidence of castle stone being used for building material is pretty obvious."

Billing itself as "more than a market", The Frome Independent is an award-winning street market that takes over the high street monthly. This all-day affair features stalls from some of the region's finest cooks, designers and makers, all completely free to explore and wander through, with opportunities to snap up unique items along the way.

Running from March through to December, the market takes place on the first Sunday of each month. Annually, it draws approximately 80,000 visitors to the bustling town of Frome and provides an opportunity to revive the area's traditional market town character.

One visitor said: "Trendy, funky, full of the world's lovely people, the stall's atmosphere and generally the place to be on the first Sunday of the month." Another reviewer noted it's "busy for a reason" owing to its "massive selection" of stalls.

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