Picturesque town ‘perfect for walking’ and a gem for antique treasure hunting

When it comes to planning a break, many of us are looking closer to home these days and for good reason.

Flights abroad can often be a hassle and with many towns bursting with charm, history and natural beauty without the stress of bundling through an airport, staycations could be the way forward.

From cute market towns that turn orange with leaves in the autumn months to countryside escapes to curl up into a fire, there’s never been a better time to embrace the staycation.

With the weather cooling, England in particular, takes on a new charm. Crisp mornings, crunch leaves and streets no longer packed with coach-loads of tourists give even the most popular towns a cosy, inviting feel.

Whether you’re after a bracing country walk, a rummage through independent shops or simply a spot to enjoy a hearty pub lunch, one town nestled in the Somerset countryside has become a great place for a weekend away.

While a sliver of the Cotswolds dip into Somerset, the heart of the county offers something just as stunning, but without the hundreds of tourists piling across its footpaths. The county still offers everything from rolling hills to quaint villages which will allow you to detox for a slower pace of life.

Known for its cider, cheese (its brie is particularly a must) and rich farming heritage, the county is dotted with picture-perfect spots just waiting to be discovered.

It’s the kind of place where you can spend your morning on a quick walk around the countryside, an afternoon browsing through its town’s winding high streets and evening tucking into some hearty pub food with a pint of cider in hand.

Undoubtedly, among Somerset’s gems is a town that ticks all the boxes for an autumn getaway - Frome. Perfect for walking, brimming with independent shops and renowned as a haven for antique treasure hunting, it has become a favourite for those seeking somewhere a little different.

The town boasts Medieval cobbled streets, artisan markets, and a strong sense of community, often highlighted in its numerous festivals and events throughout the year.

Despite being built upon the cloth industry, the town's creative spirit has made it into a haven for artists, many galleries, studios, and craft shops line its streets inspiring shoppers walking by.

The town is one of the largest in the county, and being just two hours away from London on the train can be perfect for a weekend getaway; something both Time Out and Conde Nast Traveller have caught onto.

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Time Out named Frome as among the best weekend breaks from London, while CN Traveller named the town as one of the UK’s best places to visit this Autumn.

Travel expert Madeleine Silver was particularly excited about the antiques, she wrote: “Savvy treasure hunters will mark the first Sunday each month in their diary from March to December, when Frome Independent takes over the centre of this Somerset town with a sea of antiques, vintage clothes, handmade jewellery and stoneware, as well as local beer and artisan snacks”

But if you happen to miss market day, fret not, as a walk up Catherine Hill and you’ll find plenty of homeware and furniture you’ll be wanting to take home.