Living in Frome

Frome has a strong sense of community, with many residents involved in local initiatives and volunteering. The Frome Independent Market, held monthly, is a major event that brings together traders, craftspeople, and residents in a festive atmosphere. Regular events at the Cheese & Grain, Frome Festival, and smaller community centres promote a strong calendar of cultural activities.

Green spaces such as Victoria Park, Rodden Meadow, and the riverside Millennium Green provide outdoor meeting places and support a culture of relaxed, sociable living. Walks along the River Frome and into the surrounding countryside are popular, and local organisations often organise group walks, litter picks, and nature conservation projects. Overall, the town’s open, community-driven atmosphere is a defining feature of life in Frome.

Crime rates in Frome are generally lower than national and regional averages, contributing to a sense of safety among residents. Most incidents tend to be minor, such as anti-social behaviour or petty theft, particularly during large events or busy market days. The local neighbourhood policing team is visible around the town and engages directly with residents and businesses through initiatives such as community meetings and awareness campaigns.

Neighbourhood Watch schemes are active, especially in residential areas on the outskirts of the centre. Recent years have seen targeted efforts to reduce traffic-related incidents and improve night-time safety in the town centre. Overall, Frome is perceived as a safe place to live, with the majority of residents feeling secure during the day and evening.

Parking in Frome can be limited at peak times, as the narrow historic streets and high visitor numbers put some pressure on space. Several pay-and-display car parks are located close to the town centre, including Cattle Market, Merchants Barton, and Vicarage Street. Resident parking permits are available for certain streets near the heart of town, while on-street parking outside the centre is usually easier to find.

Congestion is most often experienced during market days and school drop-off times, and various road improvement schemes have aimed to keep main routes flowing. Frome is well connected by road, with access to several key regional routes:

• Bath – approx. 40 mins via A36 (13 miles)
• Bristol – approx. 1 hour via A37/A361/A4 (23 miles)
• Wells – approx. 25 mins via A361 (13 miles)
• Salisbury – approx. 55 mins via A36 (37 miles)

Road access to smaller villages and the Mendip countryside is good, making Frome suitable for those who commute or enjoy rural drives.

Frome is renowned for its independent food scene, with a host of eateries, delicatessens, and coffee shops lining its historic centre. Restaurants such as The High Pavement, The Fat Radish, and Bistro Lotte draw visitors for fresh, locally sourced menus. The town is equally known for its array of cosy traditional pubs, including The Archangel and The Griffin, which serve local ales and foster a vibrant but welcoming pub culture.

For more casual dining, takeaways and independent bakeries are well represented. Frome’s nightlife is relaxed but lively, with various venues hosting live music and open mic nights, particularly at local institutions like the Cheese & Grain arts centre and venues on Palmer Street. The town is not known for late-night clubs, but the social scene is creative and community-based, attracting music lovers and foodies alike.

Frome is widely considered a family-friendly town. School quality is generally high, with good-rated primaries and a strong community secondary school. The town is rich in green space, including Victoria Park and a network of play areas, which provide plenty of safe spots for recreation. Childcare options include nurseries, pre-schools, and childminders, and the local authority is proactive in supporting families with young children.

Safety is good, with low crime rates offering families peace of mind, while the abundance of family-friendly activities, such as outdoor walks, organised sports, and creative workshops, makes it easy for parents and children to get involved. The welcoming community and inclusive social culture further enhance Frome’s reputation for family life.

Pet-friendly living in Frome is supported by the town’s ample green spaces, riverside walks, and proximity to the Mendip Hills. Victoria Park and Rodden Meadow are popular with dog walkers, and the river paths offer dog-friendly walking within minutes of the centre. Country lanes and the nearby Longleat Estate provide more options for longer walks.

Local veterinary clinics and pet shops serve the area, and many pubs and cafés welcome dogs. Renting with pets is generally accepted, though as elsewhere it may depend on individual landlords or agents. The community’s outdoor lifestyle and access to open countryside make Frome a desirable spot for pet owners seeking a balanced town-and-country environment.

Frome benefits from excellent transport links for a town of its size. The Frome railway station is on the Heart of Wessex Line, offering direct trains to Bath, Bristol, and London Paddington (via Westbury). The journey to London takes around 1 hour 50 minutes, making rail commuting feasible for those working in the city. Regular bus services connect Frome to Bath, Wells, and Trowbridge.

The A361 bypasses the town, giving good road access to the A36 to Bath and Warminster, and to the M4 motorway via Bath. Bristol Airport is around 45 minutes by car, providing direct flights to UK and international destinations. Major regional hubs and commute times from Frome include:

• Bath – 35 minutes by train, around 40 minutes by car
• Bristol – 50 minutes by train, 1 hour by car
• Salisbury – 55 minutes by train, just over an hour by car
• London (Paddington) – around 1 hour 50 minutes by train

Frome’s location makes it attractive for both local workers and commuters to regional cities.

Frome offers a diverse range of educational options, making it attractive for families. Primary schools in Frome are well regarded, with Trinity Church of England First School and Vallis First School both receiving positive Ofsted reports (Trinity: Good, 2017; Vallis: Good, 2017). Hayesdown First School is also popular with local families, while St Louis Catholic Primary School stands out for its community feel and inclusive ethos.

For secondary education, Frome College serves as the town’s main secondary school, offering GCSE and sixth form studies. Rated 'Good' by Ofsted (2014), it is known for strong links with the local community, good extracurricular activities, and an emphasis on creative subjects.

For post-16 options, Frome College Sixth Form provides a broad curriculum, while nearby Mendip Studio School, within Frome, focuses on STEM and digital qualifications. Further afield in Bath, students may access Bath College for vocational courses and A-levels, just 15 miles away. Independent schooling is available at nearby All Hallows Prep School (East Cranmore) and Downside School (Radstock), both reachable within a short drive.

Although Frome does not have its own university, nearby towns and Bath (University of Bath and Bath Spa University) are within commuting distance, expanding higher education options for residents.