mustsee

From its famous monthly markets to artisan boutiques, this charming town should be on your radar

The UK is brimming with stunning towns and villages, and I’ve been fortunate enough to explore quite a few. One aspect that has consistently struck me is how distinct they all are, even when they’re situated close together.

Some are bustling and contemporary, while others seem stuck in the past. That’s precisely why I adore discovering the UK, as you’re never quite sure what you’ll encounter.

Frome in Somerset is one of those destinations that genuinely lingers in your memory afterwards. It isn’t one of those household-name tourist hotspots like Bath or Wells, but that’s part of what makes it special.

Nestled in eastern Somerset near the Wiltshire border, Frome wasn’t particularly high on my list of places to visit, but I’m absolutely delighted I made the trip.

Frome, pronounced Froom, is positioned in a valley along the River Frome, roughly 13 miles from Bath. Historically, it flourished as a wool and textile town, and you can still spot remnants of its heritage in the architecture and street patterns today.

What made the town particularly memorable for me was its blend of historic and contemporary elements, which seemed to resonate with virtually everyone.

There are twisting medieval lanes, Georgian terraces, and former industrial structures sitting alongside modern cafes and independent retailers.

It has long been a market town, and that heritage remains central to its character, which is largely why I chose to visit after spotting it on TikTok.

The highlight is the Frome Independent Market, held on the first Sunday of each month. The entire town centre essentially transforms for the day.

Streets become packed with stalls offering everything from artisan food and freshly baked bread to handcrafted goods, antiques and clothing. There’s frequently live music and street food on offer too.

Even when the big monthly market isn’t on, smaller regular markets maintain that community atmosphere throughout the week.

Its high street has also been recognised as one of the finest in the UK on multiple occasions, and it was easy to see why.

Beyond markets and shopping, one of the most enjoyable aspects of Frome is simply wandering around it. It’s compact enough to navigate with ease, yet packed with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

Catherine Hill is arguably the most iconic street in the town. It’s steep and cobbled, lined with independent shops.

But it’s also among the finest vantage points, offering views back across the town’s rooftops.

There’s also a thriving arts and culture scene there. Galleries, studios and numerous creative venues are dotted throughout the centre, and the Frome Festival in July brings the town alive with music.

If you’re after something more peaceful, there are numerous riverside walks, as well as being far from open fields and rolling hills. The town is ideal for anyone and everyone.

The airport was once Britain’s main international gateway and birthplace of the ‘Mayday’ distress call

Croydon Airport has thrown open its doors to the public once more after being shut for 67 years. Once the nation’s main international airport, it closed down for good in 1959 and has remained vacant ever since.

Earlier this year, the airport received visitors for the first time as a heritage attraction. Now converted into a museum, the site enables people to discover the original terminal building on the first Sunday of each month.

Having initially opened in 1920, Croydon Airport played a pivotal role in the advancement of aviation in the aftermath of World War 1.

The location is celebrated as the birthplace of the ‘Mayday’ emergency call. In 1923, F.S. Mockford, Croydon’s Senior Radio Officer, devised the distress signal “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday”, taken from the French expression “m’aidez” (“help me”), reports Surrey Live.

Historic Croydon Airport said: “‘Mayday, Mayday, Mayday’ was subsequently approved by the Air Ministry as the required radio procedure to be used in an emergency. In 1924, the UK promulgated its approval and use through the publication of The Air Pilot: Great Britain.

“Adopted by the International Radiotelegraph Convention of Washington in 1927, ‘Mayday’ became the international standard distress phrase. The ‘Mayday’ distress call still saves lives today.”

The airport shut its doors due to its inability to accommodate larger aircraft, with its final flight departing the iconic terminal in September 1959.

The Croydon Airport Visitor Centre has an impressive 4.6 Google rating at the time of writing.

On Tripadvisor, recent visitors to the museum were full of praise, with one writing: “Fascinating trip through the history of passenger aviation!”

Another visitor said: “I have lived in the area all my life and even used to go to Purley Way Lido across the way from the airport as a child, and didn’t know the significance of Croydon Airport.

“I was amazed how well preserved the building was, and didn’t even know it had a control tower. If you are into aviation or history, it is a must-see.”

A third wrote: “Very nice and detailed tour, highly recommended. But you will have to keep checking for the tour date as it’s not year round function.”

One person commented: “This local gem has great volunteers and interesting history (such As being the world’s first control tower and carrying almost half of the UK’s air passengers in 1935). The tour, photos, and signage do give an interesting view as to what it was like in the 1920s and 1930.”

Finally, another said: “Great place to visit. Tour guide Micheal in the museum gave a great talk and overview. Would recommend for all ages. Visually great with so much so see. Definitely a must see for anyone who loves aviation.”