Frome Museum

Tucked away in the historic market town of Frome, this compact museum tells the story of one of Somerset's most interesting settlements. The collection spans everything from Roman finds to the town's famous printing heritage, housed in what feels more like someone's well-curated front room than a formal museum space. It's the sort of place where you'll learn something genuinely surprising about local history - I had no idea Frome once rivalled London for cloth production.

Families with curious kids will find plenty to spark conversations, though it's not the kind of hands-on experience that'll keep restless toddlers occupied for hours. History enthusiasts and anyone staying nearby will get proper value from a visit, especially if you're already wandering Frome's excellent independent shops and cafes.

The museum works brilliantly as a rainy day option when you're based at one of the holiday parks around Longleat. Center Parcs Longleat Forest is just ten minutes away, making it an easy cultural detour from the forest activities. After soaking up some local knowledge, you're perfectly placed to explore Frome's artsy quarter - the town has reinvented itself as quite the creative hub in recent years.