
If you’re looking for somewhere with a similar sense of independence and creativity as Bristol, just on a smaller scale, then look south to Frome. This charming Somerset town – often listed among the best places to live in the UK – is brimming with historic buildings, independent shops, and creative people. An ideal place for a monthly independent market then, wouldn’t you think?
The Frome Independent Market has become iconic to the town and beyond since it started in 2009. Taking place on the first Sunday of each month between March and December – and attracting over 80,000 visitors each year – it has become a mini-festival for the area of sorts. Full of stalls selling anything from local food and drink to art, antiques and vintage clothing.
What can I buy at The Frome Independent Market?
There are several distinct areas of the Frome Independent Market. Check out the Designer-Maker section for contemporary craft, designer-made homewares, ethical clothing and jewellery; discover new designer start-ups in the Suitcase Sale; find vintage bargains in the Flea Market; or go home with new a houseplant (or five) thanks to the Homes & Gardens section.
You’ll obviously need to fuel up for all that shopping, luckily you have numerous stalls to snack at. Hosting more than 80 food and drink producers each month, tuck into artisanal cheeses and locally brewed cider, sausage rolls and dim sum – and everything in between. On top of all showcasing the best independent traders in the South West, there’s also live music and DJs, street performers, and activities for all ages.
How do I get there?
The next market takes place on March 3, 2024 in Frome town centre between 10am and 3pm. Driving from Bristol will take less than an hour, with two Park & Ride car parks located at Frome Medical Practice and Frome College on market days. The first shuttle bus is at 10am, and the last bus leaves town at 3.45pm. You can also get a direct train which runs regularly between Bristol and Frome too.
To learn more about Frome Independent Market head here.
Why else should I visit Frome?
Down cobbled streets, among limestone buildings, filled with quirky shops and historic sites, Frome is an eccentric and charming town any day of the week. ‘Made Differently’ is the town council’s tagline and it really is like no other small town we’ve ever been to. You’ll find very few ‘high-street shops’ here, while The Cheese and Grain have hosted some world-famous musicians (we’re talking Paul McCartney and Food Fighters famous.)
For a bit of history, head to The Frome Museum, while the Merlin and Memorial theatres always offer a bit of culture. It also has the stunning Somerset countryside on its doorstep – like Cley Hill, which is rich in wildlife, as well as a famous UFO hotspot… And circle Frome’s annual arts festival, Frome Festival, in your calendars too if you can (July 5 – 14, 2024).