Frome
Discover Frome by rail, including its historic streets, independent shops, creative venues, markets and Grade II listed Brunel-era station.
The Station
Frome Station stands a little outside and above the town.
The Station is manned for part of the day. Its single platform is fully accessible. The Station itself is of note. It is Grade 2 listed, as being one of the only surviving covered wooden stations of the Brunel’s Great Western Railway.
From Frome Station to the Town Centre
– on foot or by bike
Frome is a compact, walkable town, and the town centre is easily reached from Frome railway station by walking or cycling. Journeys across Frome are generally short, making active travel a great way to continue your journey after arriving by train.
Walking
From the station, the town centre is around a 15–20 minute walk. Follow the pedestrian route from the station towards Portway and continue towards the centre. The route includes some hills, reflecting Frome’s characterful setting, but the journey is straightforward and offers a chance to experience the town as you arrive.
For those who would like to explore further on foot, Frome has a growing network of walking routes and the town’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan is helping to develop safer and more attractive connections across the town.
Cycling
Cycling from the station to the town centre takes around 10–15 minutes. Frome’s hilly terrain means an electric bike can be particularly useful, especially for visitors carrying luggage or continuing their journey around the town.
There is now a new community bike-hire facility at Frome Station, providing five standard bikes and an electric cargo bike. The bikes can be hired by the hour using an app, providing a convenient and low-carbon way to travel between the station, town centre and surrounding areas. Standard bikes are also available at Frome Library.
Frome is also connected to the wider cycling network, including National Cycle Network Route 24 and the Colliers Way, offering opportunities to explore beyond the town centre.
Arriving by train? Continue your journey actively
Whether you choose to walk or cycle, leaving the car behind makes it easy to explore Frome at your own pace. With the station, town centre and local attractions connected by active travel routes, Frome is a great destination to discover by rail, foot and bike.
The Surrounding Area
An historic market town built on steep hillsides running down to the river of the same name, Frome still has part of a medieval street pattern, with winding streets, fascinating old buildings and a range of independent, individual retailers.
Markets, Shops & Makers
Frome is the ultimate “foodie” destination, with a strong emphasis on locally sourced produce in its markets, speciality shops and cafes, and is a Fairtrade town. A growing number of professional craftspeople are choosing to base their workshops here, with talents ranging from designer jewellery and textiles to musical instruments and artist blacksmiths. There are arts and crafts venues and galleries in historic buildings, including The Black Swan, Rook Lane Arts, and the Silk Mill.
The Cheese and Grain
This is a beautifully renovated nineteenth-century market hall at the heart of the town which hosts concerts, markets, meetings and events.
Frome Festival
Frome is a town brimming with creative people, with a thriving contemporary and performing arts scene. The prestigious Frome Festival with up to 200 exciting events takes place in early July appealing to every interest from music, literature, theatre, comedy & visual arts to gardens and food.
Black Swan Gallery
The Black Swan in Justice Lane was once a pub, but now includes a café, artists’ studios, exhibition space and a designer shop