Lovely UK market town that's one of the best for Christmas shopping

Frome has been named one of the prettiest places in the UK for Christmas shopping, and it's easy to see why

With Christmas just around the corner, many folks are already immersed in their festive shopping. Halloween and Bonfire Night are behind us, and now shops are brimming with decorations.

But if you're looking for the ideal place to tick off all your Christmas shopping in one fell swoop, Frome has been hailed as one of the most charming spots in the UK during the festive season. The historic town, which traces its roots back to prehistoric times, was featured in The Times' list of most picturesque towns for Christmas shopping last year.

What caught the judges' eyes and landed Frome on this exclusive list were its numerous markets. Weekly markets take place every Wednesday and Saturday from 9am to 3pm.

Additionally, there's a flea and antique market every Wednesday from 9am to 2pm. Frome also hosts an independent market on the first Sunday of each month, where small businesses display and sell a diverse range of handcrafted items.

The town's Christmas Light Switch On is scheduled for Friday, November 22, from 5pm to 7pm. This year's theme is Winter Woodland, featuring creations such as mice, deer, foxes, and badgers, with locals being encouraged to "get as imaginative as they can", reports Somerset Live.

A Christmas makers market will be held on November 30 from 9am to 2pm. As stated on the website: "A wonderful market for crafts, art, artisan, homemade items and more.."

Frome has been recognised as one of the top places to live in Britain, attracting a host of famous faces. In 2022, Hugh Grant, known for his roles in Love Actually and Paddington, was spotted sneaking into Parsons bakery in Frome for a sausage roll.

Kevin McCloud, the face of Grand Designs, also opted to relocate to this charming town, residing in a renovated 15th-century farmhouse. The town boasts excellent transport connections, with hourly direct trains to Bristol and Weymouth.

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