Fabulous Frome
Christmas shopping is all the more enjoyable somewhere you haven’t been to, especially in a town full of independent, individual shops that are brimming with fabulous crafts and creations.
The market town of Frome in Somerset, 13 miles from Bath, has dozens of handsome listed buildings, such as The Blue House and Rook Lane Chapel. Founded in the 7th century and, owing to the cloth industry, which had begun in the 14th century, was very prosperous by the 17th century.
It also has a vibrant arts and crafts scene created by dynamic and determined locals. Spend a weekend here between now and Christmas, and you’ll find a treasure trove of gift ideas, all within walking distance of each other in the bustling centre.
If you can, time your visit to coincide with one of the renowned Super Markets, held on the first Sunday of each month. This is when the whole town centre is packed with artisan food and drink stalls, and includes the work of local artists and designers, such as Avril Mann, who makes bespoke knitwear; vintage goods and homewares; plants, owers and more. Make a note of 30 November for the special Christmas Extravaganza.
Don’t miss the Frome Silk Mill for paintings, colouredglass panels and decorative cards, all by local artists, such as Kerrie McNeil who creates lovely floral silkscreen prints. There’s also Rook Lane Arts, the Cheese & Grain, and the Black Swan Arts centre in Bridge Street, a shop full of gorgeous knick-knacks.
Do schedule in plenty of time to explore Catherine Hill, which has great boutiques, among them The Owl Collective, Annette Gabbedey Jewellery, Mary Kilvert and, for vintage style, Deadly Is The Female.
Stay right in the town centre to make the most of your time there. Archangel restaurant and bar has rooms and is just off the High Street or, for a bit more peace and quiet, choose The Merchant’s House tucked away in Whittox Lane, in the heart of Frome – a B&B in a Queen Anne house, within easy reach of the shops.
You’ll find plenty of choice when it comes to eating: Café La Strada in Cheap Street serves drinks and light lunches, such as delicious wild-mushroom risotto.
There are also a number of enticing vintage shops and tempting homeware stores like Emporio La Strada, right on the doorstep. Or head for Crocker & Woods on Catherine Hill for a delicious cup of co ee and a slice of their scrumptious cake.
For dinner, The Cornerhouse in Christchurch Street East serves good, nourishing pub-brasseriestyle grub – pan-fried scallops, juicy homemade burgers – the perfect fuel for more Christmas shopping the following day.
Where to stay: Rooms at The Merchant’s House Boutique B&B cost from £120 per night: 07976-744748, www.merchantshousefrome.co.uk
For further information about Frome: www.frome-tc.gov.uk/visit-frome
Contact Wendy at wendy.gomersall@lady.co.uk
GOING SOLO
Cox & Kings has new smallgroup tours for solos. Single Travellers’ tours cost from £1,245 per person for seven days in Turkey, staying in four- and five-star accommodation. Destinations also include India, Peru, Vietnam and South Africa.
0845-527 9047, www.coxandkings.co.uk
CATHEDRAL CITY
Give a voucher for a Classic Stay at Poets House, a luxury boutique hotel in the cathedral city of Ely, for Christmas. Worth £500, it includes two nights’ B&B for two people sharing, Champagne cocktail on arrival and dinner.
01353-887777, www.thehousecollection.com
TEA AND FIZZ
The Sharksfin bar and restaurant in picturesque Mevagissey, Cornwall, a short drive from the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan, is offering a complimentary glass of sparkling wine when you buy a cream tea, from £5 per person (before Christmas).
01726-842969, www.thesharksfin.co.uk
The market town of Frome in Somerset, 13 miles from Bath, has dozens of handsome listed buildings, such as The Blue House and Rook Lane Chapel. Founded in the 7th century and, owing to the cloth industry, which had begun in the 14th century, was very prosperous by the 17th century.
It also has a vibrant arts and crafts scene created by dynamic and determined locals. Spend a weekend here between now and Christmas, and you’ll find a treasure trove of gift ideas, all within walking distance of each other in the bustling centre.
If you can, time your visit to coincide with one of the renowned Super Markets, held on the first Sunday of each month. This is when the whole town centre is packed with artisan food and drink stalls, and includes the work of local artists and designers, such as Avril Mann, who makes bespoke knitwear; vintage goods and homewares; plants, owers and more. Make a note of 30 November for the special Christmas Extravaganza.
Don’t miss the Frome Silk Mill for paintings, colouredglass panels and decorative cards, all by local artists, such as Kerrie McNeil who creates lovely floral silkscreen prints. There’s also Rook Lane Arts, the Cheese & Grain, and the Black Swan Arts centre in Bridge Street, a shop full of gorgeous knick-knacks.
Do schedule in plenty of time to explore Catherine Hill, which has great boutiques, among them The Owl Collective, Annette Gabbedey Jewellery, Mary Kilvert and, for vintage style, Deadly Is The Female.
Stay right in the town centre to make the most of your time there. Archangel restaurant and bar has rooms and is just off the High Street or, for a bit more peace and quiet, choose The Merchant’s House tucked away in Whittox Lane, in the heart of Frome – a B&B in a Queen Anne house, within easy reach of the shops.
You’ll find plenty of choice when it comes to eating: Café La Strada in Cheap Street serves drinks and light lunches, such as delicious wild-mushroom risotto.
There are also a number of enticing vintage shops and tempting homeware stores like Emporio La Strada, right on the doorstep. Or head for Crocker & Woods on Catherine Hill for a delicious cup of co ee and a slice of their scrumptious cake.
For dinner, The Cornerhouse in Christchurch Street East serves good, nourishing pub-brasseriestyle grub – pan-fried scallops, juicy homemade burgers – the perfect fuel for more Christmas shopping the following day.
Where to stay: Rooms at The Merchant’s House Boutique B&B cost from £120 per night: 07976-744748, www.merchantshousefrome.co.uk
For further information about Frome: www.frome-tc.gov.uk/visit-frome
Contact Wendy at wendy.gomersall@lady.co.uk
GOING SOLO
Cox & Kings has new smallgroup tours for solos. Single Travellers’ tours cost from £1,245 per person for seven days in Turkey, staying in four- and five-star accommodation. Destinations also include India, Peru, Vietnam and South Africa.
0845-527 9047, www.coxandkings.co.uk
CATHEDRAL CITY
Give a voucher for a Classic Stay at Poets House, a luxury boutique hotel in the cathedral city of Ely, for Christmas. Worth £500, it includes two nights’ B&B for two people sharing, Champagne cocktail on arrival and dinner.
01353-887777, www.thehousecollection.com
TEA AND FIZZ
The Sharksfin bar and restaurant in picturesque Mevagissey, Cornwall, a short drive from the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan, is offering a complimentary glass of sparkling wine when you buy a cream tea, from £5 per person (before Christmas).
01726-842969, www.thesharksfin.co.uk