Guided Walks

Frome’s guided walk programme mixes perennial favourites such as Foul Frome, Sense of Place and Julian Hight’s Heritage Tree Walk, with new walks.

Frome Guided Walks are also now running the Frome Society for Local Study’s walks which remain on the second Sunday of each month throughout the season.

Unless otherwise stated all of the walks listed take between around 90 minutes and usually cover 1-2km.

You can also take a look at some of our downloadable self-led walks, many of which are also available in printed form at the Discover Frome Information Point and Frome Town Hall.

Our guided walks include:

Heart of Frome
This walk around the centre of Frome will take in some of the town’s most well-known landmarks and gives an overview of its 1300 years of history. This is an extended version of the walk that we used to offer on Sunday afternoon. We can also offer a family version specifically targeted at groups with younger children.

Frome in the 17th Century
Starting outside St John’s Church, this walk will focus on the hundred-year period in the town’s history which brought great upheaval and change in many areas. From the English Civil War and Monmouth Rebellion to the Act of Uniformity and building of the Trinity area, discover the impact the 17th century had on Frome. Led by local historian and author David Lassman.

Frome at War
Frome at War discovers the contribution Frome and its people made during the two World Wars as well as stories about evacuees, Dunkirk survivors, American GIs and more. Follow in Field-Marshall Montgomery’s footsteps, locate war graves of many who gave their lives, as well as Frome’s very own VC holder, and discover both the story behind Frome’s Official War Memorial and the night the town was bombed by the German Luftwaffe. Led by local historian and author David Lassman.

Foul Frome
Based on the books Foul Deeds and Suspicious Deaths in and Around Frome and The Awful Killing of Sarah Watts, the walk begins at the appropriately named Justice Lane (outside Discover Frome Information Point) and reveals the darker side of this Somerset market town. Visit the sites of fatal crimes and infamous robberies, learn about policing from parish constables to the town’s own police force, and follow in the footsteps of various infamous local villains, such as the notorious Maggs-Sparrow gang and Frome Bob. Led by local historian and author David Lassman. 90 minute walk, starting from the Discover Frome Information Point.

Saxon Frome
St Aldhelm was a writer of riddles and a singer of songs as well as Abbot, Bishop and legendary founder of Frome. Follow in his footsteps on this walk that will show you the traces of our Saxon ancestors still visible in the modern town as well as tell you the tales of the Wessex kings that lived, fought and died here. Led by local historian and storyteller Lisa Kenwright.

A Sense of Place
Have you ever wondered why Bath Street is not on the Bath side of town, what is cheap about Cheap Street or why Gentle Street is not gentle? If so, this is the walk for you. This walk will explain the origins and folklore of the names of places, streets and pubs of Frome, taking in the development of the English language and the history of the town along the way. Led by local historian and storyteller Lisa Kenwright.

Singer’s Trail
Boudicca on the Embankment, Alfred in Winchester, Justice on the Old Bailey; all of these statues and many, many more around the globe were made here in Frome at the J W Singer & Sons Art Metal Works. This walk will tell the story of John Webb Singer and show you the sites connected to his life and work as well as some of the metalwork created at his foundry in the heart of Frome. Led by Lisa Kenwright.

Email the guided walks team for more information or to book a walk.

Accessibility

Most of the walks take place on paved streets and there are some steps, though all walks can take a step-free route if necessary. Please be aware that Frome has some very steep streets. Please do discuss with us any additional needs so that we can advise you and make adjustments to the walks to accommodate you. Guides do not use any amplification and will not be wearing masks while giving their talks.