SOUTHWEST

Frome, Somerset, named best place to live in the Southwest 2021

A pretty, cobbled town that likes its shops the way it likes its politicians — independent

Best Places to Live in the Southwest: Frome’s picture-perfect centre is home to more than 300 listed buildings
Best Places to Live in the Southwest: Frome’s picture-perfect centre is home to more than 300 listed buildings
ALAMY
The Sunday Times

What’s left to say about Frome? It’s pretty — we’re talking cobbles, tasteful Farrow & Ball tones and period architecture — and punches well above its weight for independent shops and schools.

While not the most convenient location, Frome is fine for daily commuters working in Bristol and Bath, but everyone else is here because they really want to be. They show that by getting involved, hence the huge number of local groups, from ladies’ cycling and inland diving to Nifty Needles sewing and the Zone, aimed at young carers. There’s canoeing in the River Frome, gorgeous riverside walks and all manner of organised clubs and classes, including angling and Zumba.

No one is left out. Politics isn’t left to politicians — the town council