Cirencester is an enthralling market city situated within the coronary heart of the Cotswolds. With a wealthy historical past courting again to Roman instances, there are various great issues to do in Cirencester from exploring the bustling city middle to close by nature walks, stately properties, and extra.
The city is residence to numerous boutique retailers, eating places, and cafes and there are weekly markets, in addition to a bi-monthly farmers’ market, promoting native produce, beers, wines, and handmade items. A number of the prime locations to go to in Cirencester embody the Corinium Museum and the Roman Amphitheatre.
I’ve been visiting the Cotswolds for years and I usually discover Cirencester makes an excellent base for exploring the Cotswolds Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence. The close by cities and villages resembling Bibury, Bourton on the Water, Stroud, and Chipping Norton are all reachable in beneath an hour by automotive. Take a look at Uncover Vehicles for reductions on leases.
Finest Issues To Do in Cirencester
Beneath, you’ll discover a collection of the perfect issues to do in Cirencester from exploring the charming city middle to enjoyable within the many parks and gardens and testing historic websites and museums just like the Roman amphitheater and villa at Chedworth.
1. Store on the Weekly Markets
Among the best issues to do in Cirencester is to take a look at the weekly markets. The Constitution Market takes place each Monday and Friday within the Market Place between 10 am and three pm. Right here, you may choose up a spread of products from domestically made meals and drinks to handicrafts, garments, and presents.
Across the Market Place, you’ll additionally discover the Corn Corridor Indoor Market which holds common specialty stalls from artisan meals to classic clothes and extra. On the second and fourth Saturday of the month is the Cirencester Farmers’ Market the place you may choose up specialty meals, drinks, and produce from native farmers.
Shopping the markets is one in every of my favourite issues to do once I’m on the town and I do know each time I go to, I’m certain to finish up shopping for a couple of bits and items (often handmade cooking sauces and native brews). The Market Place overlooks the beautiful Chuch of St John the Baptist which is nicely value testing too (see beneath).
Tackle: Bingham Home, 1 Dyer St, Cirencester GL7 2NX, United Kingdom. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Go to the Corinium Museum
If, like me, you’re fascinated by Roman historical past, (being born within the Roman capital of Britain most likely has one thing to do with it), then you definitely’ll wish to head to the wonderful Corinium Museum which homes one of the crucial spectacular Roman collections within the nation.
Right here, you’ll discover a wealth of domestically excavated stays and reveals from ground mosaics to sculptures and far more. This is without doubt one of the finest museums within the nation and is nicely value an hour or two to browse the shows. This is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Cirencester for households because it’s each academic and interesting.
The Corinium is open from 10 am till 5 pm from Monday to Saturday and a couple of pm till 5 pm on Sundays. Entrance prices £7.40 for adults and £4.60 for youngsters aged 5 to 16. There’s a present store and cafe that sells cold and warm drinks and light-weight snacks.
Tackle: Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX, United Kingdom. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Take a Stroll Round Cirencester Park
The attractive Cirencester Park was initially created as a deer park within the 18th Century and likewise served as a army base in the course of the First and Second world wars. The park covers an space of over 3,000 acres of woodland and open pasture that was as soon as thought-about the largest park on the planet.
The park is open day by day from 8 am to five pm and is free to enter. Canines are allowed however should be stored on a lead, and there are designated signposted trails particularly for canine strolling. Contained in the park, you’ll discover the spectacular Cecily Hill Gates which is a Grade I listed constructing used to type a part of the army barracks.
Simply contained in the Cecily Hill Gates is the Beano espresso stand the place you may seize a espresso and a snack. It’s also possible to choose up provides from one of many supermarkets within the city because the park is the right place for a picnic. There isn’t an entry payment and so visiting the park is without doubt one of the finest free issues to do in Cirencester.
Tackle: Cecily Hill, Cirencester GL7 2EF, United Kingdom. Click on right here for instructions.
4. Go to Cerney Home and Gardens
The picturesque Cerney Home and Gardens accommodates unique Victorian Gardens which have been stored and maintained by the Angus household for lots of of years. This is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to close to Cirencester for those who’re trying to escape into some beautiful nation environment.
Contained in the gardens, you’ll discover hidden walkways crisscrossing the property and secluded spots hidden by excessive partitions and crops. Cerney Home holds common occasions together with foraging walks that are an effective way to find out about native edible crops.
The gardens are open to the general public on daily basis between 10 am and seven pm (contact for visits exterior these hours) and price £6 for adults and simply £1 for youngsters. Canines are additionally welcome however should be stored on a lead. Visiting these stunning gardens is without doubt one of the finest issues to do round Cirencester.
Tackle: Cerney Home, North Cerney, Cirencester GL7 7BX, United Kingdom. Click on right here for instructions.
5. See the Church of St John the Baptist
The Church of St John the Baptist is situated within the Market Place and was first a part of an Augustinian monastery that dates again to 1117. The church is constructed with the native Cotswold Stone which can also be used for most of the cute cottages throughout the area. The church and tower as you see it at this time was accomplished within the fifteenth Century.
St John’s is a working church however it’s potential to each go searching or attend a service. Inside, you’ll discover guides in quite a lot of languages providing you with a historical past of the church. There are additionally guided excursions out there on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week (ask inside for particulars).
This spectacular church is certainly one of many prime Cirencester points of interest and could be mixed with a go to to the markets round Market Place.
Tackle: 5 Market Place, Cirencester GL7 2NX, United Kingdom. Click on right here for instructions.
6. Take a Dip within the Open Air Swimming Pool
Certainly one of my favourite issues to do on a sizzling summer time’s day is to take a dip someplace and the open-air swimming pool subsequent to Cecily Hill and the park is the right place to chill off. The pool has implausible views of the Cecily Gates and surrounding parkland and is certainly top-of-the-line issues to do in Cirencester for households and teams of mates.
The pool first opened in 1870 and guests have loved splashing about right here ever since. Not like many others across the UK (together with my native one), the pool at Cirencester is heated so you may take pleasure in it even when the solar isn’t making a lot of an look. That is positively one of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Cirencester in the course of the summer time.
There are completely different classes all through the week (afternoons and weekends are open swims, so everyone seems to be welcome and also you don’t must e book). Different classes embody lane swims, aqua aerobics, and youngsters’s swimming classes. See the web site for extra info and to e book lessons. Open day by day from 7 am to 7 pm.
Tackle: Riverside Stroll, Thomas Avenue, Cirencester GL7 2EF, United Kingdom. Click on right here for instructions.
7. See the Roman Amphitheater
Though not intact like amphitheaters present in Greece and Italy, the archaeological website of the Roman amphitheater is nicely value a go to for historical past lovers (like me). The remaining artworks symbolize what was as soon as one of many largest amphitheaters in Britain.
That is one other of the perfect free issues to do in Cirencester and is without doubt one of the prime locations to see within the city. The location is open throughout sunlight hours all year long and there’s free onsite parking. The encircling space is a good place for a stroll or a picnic and canine are welcome.
Tackle: 30 Cotswold Ave, Cirencester GL7 1XW, United Kingdom. Click on right here for instructions.
8. Examine Out New Brewery Arts Area
The New Brewery Arts Area is situated inside an outdated brewery constructing that closed in 1937. The constructing was as a result of be demolished however was saved by an area group of artists and became the inventive house it’s at this time. For those who’re in search of stuff to do in Cirencester the New Brewery has a lot occurring and is certainly value stopping by.
The house features a gallery, craft store, cafe, and workshop services the place artists and makers can develop their expertise and showcase their work. The venue additionally hosts a variety of occasions and exhibitions all year long, together with performances, talks, workshops, and lessons.
Examine the web site to see what’s occurring throughout your go to or simply pop in and see what’s at the moment on show within the gallery. It’s also possible to go to the onsite Glaze Cafe for a lightweight lunch, a cup of espresso, and a collection of yummy do-it-yourself desserts and different treats.
Tackle: Brewery Courtroom, Cricklade St, Cirencester GL7 1JH, United Kingdom. Click on right here for instructions.
9. Go to the Westonbirt Arboretum
One of many prime issues to do close to Cirencester is to go to the Westonbirt Arboretum. Discover bushes and crops from around the globe on this magical backyard that’s successful with company of all ages. With over 2,500 completely different species unfold throughout an unlimited space, this can be a great place to flee into nature.
There’s an aerial walkway above the bushes for spectacular views, an outside cinema for night leisure beneath the celebrities, and a restaurant serving a collection of cold and warm drinks and snacks. That is one in every of my favourite locations to go to in Cirencester as there’s all the time a lot to see and do.
The arboretum is open on daily basis from 9 am to five pm. Canines are allowed and there are areas the place they are often let off the lead. Tickets value £12 for adults and £4 for youngsters and there’s free onsite parking.
Tackle: Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS, United Kingdom. Click on right here for instructions.
10. Spend a Day on the Cotswolds Water Park
One of many prime vacationer points of interest in Cirencester is the Cotswolds Water Park on the outskirts of city. This isn’t your typical water park with slides and flumes although; it’s made up of 180 lakes over 42 sq. miles. There are many enjoyable actions on supply from riverside walks and picnics to boating, kayaking, and swimming.
This wetland habitat is a breeding floor for hundreds of chicken species and is the right place for wildlife watching all year long. There’s even a sandy seaside for swimming, making sandcastles, and a number of various watersports to strive. You’ll additionally discover a seaside shack cafe right here, and it’s potential to rent your individual BBQ if you wish to prepare dinner up your individual lunch.
I really like visiting the water park as there’s a lot to do, and in summer time I’m the primary into the lake for a swim (often adopted by beers and a bbq on the lakeshore). It’s potential to remain throughout the water park in one of many many resorts, B&Bs, or beneath canvas with each tenting and glamping choices out there. Click on right here for more information.
Tackle: Rigsby’s Ln, Cirencester GL7 6FJ, UK. Click on right here for instructions.
11. Hike A part of the Thames Path Nationwide Path
It would shock you to know that the supply of the River Thames is situated in a meadow three miles from Cirencester. The spring of Lyd Nicely at Thames Head is nothing however a trickle that belies its development into one of the crucial well-known rivers within the nation.
Among the best methods to go to the spring is to hike a part of the scenic Thames Path Nationwide Path which runs for 148 miles (240 km) from Tewsbury Mead close to Cirencester to the Thames Barrer in east London.
This 12-mile (20 km) point-to-point part from Thames Head to Cricklade is for severe hikers because it’s reasonably troublesome and takes round 5 hours to finish. The route is extraordinarily diversified and gives beautiful views of the rolling hills of the Cotswolds.
12. See the Chedworth Roman Villa
Go to the ruins of a 4th Century Roman villa at close by Chedworth which is only a 20-minute drive from the city. I really like exploring Roman ruins and have been fortunate sufficient to go to websites throughout England, Italy, Greece, and Turkey. Out of all of the websites I’ve seen, the villa at Chedworth is certainly one in every of my favorites.
This is without doubt one of the most spectacular websites in England with ground mosaics nonetheless in situ, bathhouses, and a water shrine. There’s an onsite museum with finds from the realm, a store promoting souvenirs and academic presents, and a restaurant promoting cold and warm drinks, ice lotions, and different goodies.
The villa and museum are open day by day from 9 am to five pm and tickets value £12 for adults and £6 for youngsters.
Tackle: Chedworth Roman Villa, Cheltenham GL54 3LJ, United Kingdom. Click on right here for instructions.
13. Take a Cotswolds Tour of Britain’s Prettiest Villages
Taking a tour of the Cotswolds is the easiest way to get on the market and see a few of the prettiest cities and villages in England. Public transport within the area isn’t nice so aside from having your individual automobile, taking a tour means you may slot in many locations in any other case unreachable.
A number of the prime locations to go to embody Fort Combe, Chipping Norton, Bourton on the Water, and Stow on the Wold. Excursions depart from London, Oxford, Bathtub, and Stratford upon Avon.
14. Go to Bibury
Bibury is without doubt one of the most picturesque villages within the Cotswolds (and certainly the entire of England) and is a must-visit when staying in Cirencester because it’s simply 7.5 miles (12 km) from the middle of city. Right here, you’ll discover picture-perfect stone cottages with thatched roofs, manicured lawns, and brightly coloured flowerbeds.
See the well-known Arlington Row homes that date again to the 14th Century, stroll alongside the attractive River Coln that winds its manner by the village, and cease for lunch at The Catherine Wheel (their Sunday roast is superb).
The easiest way to get to Bibury from Cirencester is to drive which is able to take you simply quarter-hour. There aren’t any buses however you may take a taxi or e book an Uber. Another choice is to stroll which ought to take round two and a half hours.
15. Go to the Metropolis of Bathtub
The attractive metropolis of Bathtub lies simply 36 miles (58 km) to the south of Cirencester and takes lower than an hour to drive to (or 90 minutes to 2 hours by practice as you’ll want to vary in Swindon). This implausible metropolis is nicely value a day journey to see the well-known Roman baths, take a dip in a spa, and research Georgian structure.
Bathtub is one in every of my favourite cities in England and is a must-visit when within the Westcountry. There are additionally numerous glorious pubs and eating places, boutique retailers, and loads of picturesque walks across the city alongside the River Avon or Kennet and Avon Canal.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Cirencester
For those who’re unsure what to see in Cirencester first, these helpful itineraries will show you how to get essentially the most out of your go to. Whether or not you have a day to spend or for much longer, these itineraries embody all the highest issues to do in Cirencester:
1 Day in Cirencester Itinerary
With simply sooner or later in Cirencester, remember to take within the prime issues to see within the city such because the Church of St John the Baptist, the Corinium Museum, and the attractive park. Cease for a spot of lunch on the MBB Brasserie earlier than persevering with to discover the city. For those who’re visiting on a Monday, Friday, or the 2nd or 4th Saturday of the month, remember to cease by the Market Place.
2-3 Days in Cirencester Itinerary
With a couple of days to discover, make certain to see the archaeological websites of the Roman amphitheater and the Roman Villa at close by Chedworth. If the climate is nice head to the open-air swimming pool or Cotswold Water Park for boating on the numerous lakes on the outskirts of city.
For those who take pleasure in getting exterior, you may hike a stretch of the Thames Path Nationwide Path or see the spectacular Cerney Home and Gardens. Attempt some extra of the native pubs and eating places like the wonderful Tierra and Mar or the comfy Bear Inn.
1 Week in Cirencester Itinerary
With every week to spend within the city, observe the above itineraries for the primary three days and add in visits to locations throughout the Cotswolds Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence. See the cities of Stroud and Chipping Norton and the picturesque villages of Bibury and Bourton on the Water. It’s also possible to add in a day journey to the close by metropolis of Bathtub.
The place to Keep in Cirencester
These are a couple of of the perfect locations to remain in Cirencester for vacationers:
Kings Head Lodge – Finest for First-Time Guests
The Kings Head Lodge is a boutique lodge situated within the coronary heart of the city. Right here, you’ll discover elegant and trendy visitor rooms full with en-suite loos, air con, flatscreen TVs, and the chance to chill out with a therapy day. There’s additionally an onsite restaurant and bar. Click on right here to seek out out extra.
Corinium Lodge and Restaurant – Finest for {Couples}
The attractive Corinium Lodge and Restaurant is situated on a quiet aspect avenue only a five-minute stroll away from the city middle. The lodge dates again to the sixteenth Century and is without doubt one of the most romantic locations to remain in Cirencester for {couples}. There’s a big backyard and an out of doors restaurant excellent for summer time al-fresco eating. Click on right here to e book.
The Previous Brewhouse – Finest for Households
The seventeenth Century Previous Brewhouse is a mattress and breakfast located within the coronary heart of Cirencester that provides trendy and comfy rooms with en-suite loos (tub or bathe out there). Rooms include a Flatscreen TV, DVD participant, and tea and coffee-making services. There’s additionally a reasonably, patio backyard for company to take pleasure in. Click on right here to be taught extra.
Finest Eating places in Cirencester
Discover a collection of the perfect locations to eat (and drink) in Cirencester listed beneath. Whether or not you’re in search of a snack, pub grub, high quality eating, or cuisines from around the globe, there’s one thing for everybody.
Teatro: Teatro is a wonderful bar and restaurant that was established in 2017 by the house owners of the close by Ingleside Lodge. Anticipate a high-end eating expertise and be pleasantly shocked by the very affordable costs (mains beneath £20). The crispy pork and Asian salad is a must-try. Click on right here for instructions.
Tierra & Mar: I really like Spanish meals and Tierra & Mar restaurant within the coronary heart of the Cotswolds gives a style of Spain utilizing the freshest native elements. From paella to the Iberian platter and glorious tapas choices, that is someplace I really like to return for a chew to eat when on the town. Attempt the five-course tapas-sharing menu from £32 per particular person. Click on right here for instructions.
The Bear Inn: The Bear Inn is a comfy, 18th-Century pub within the coronary heart of the city that serves up a few of the finest pub meals within the Cotswolds and is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Cirencester at night time. From mild lunches to an attention-grabbing night menu that includes the likes of burgers, Korean pork, haddock fishcakes, and extra, there’s one thing for everybody. Click on right here for instructions.
MBB Brasserie: The MBB Brasserie is an aesthetic brasserie with an open kitchen and is without doubt one of the prime locations to eat in Cirencester. The menu options British classics with a contemporary twist. From grilled aubergine steak to battered haddock and shoulder of lamb, there’s one thing to excite even the fussiest of tastebuds. Click on right here for instructions.
Thai Emerald: Simply since you’re within the coronary heart of the Cotswolds doesn’t imply you may’t take pleasure in a style of South East Asia. I really like Thai meals and the Thai Emerald serves up genuine dishes from curries to Phad Thai and Tom Yum soup. This is without doubt one of the finest Thai locations I’ve eaten at. Click on right here for instructions.
Attending to Cirencester
The closest worldwide airport to Cirencester is Bristol which is 40 miles to the southwest. It takes round 80 minutes to drive by way of the M4 and A429. It’s also possible to take a shuttle bus to Bristol after which take one of many many hourly trains into Cirencester (change at Swindon).
From London, Cirencester is a two-hour drive alongside the M4. There are additionally hourly trains that depart from London Paddington with journey instances beneath two hours. There are additionally hourly coach providers from London’s Victoria Coach Station which is the most cost effective technique and takes solely half-hour longer than the practice.
Another choice from London is that this enjoyable, small-group, day journey to the Cotswolds. The tour takes in Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, and extra. Click on right here for particulars and to e book your spot.
Because it’s such a small city, all the main points of interest in Cirencester are inside strolling distance. Nevertheless, to get essentially the most out of a visit to the Cotswolds it’s nicely value hiring a automotive so you may discover the lovable cities and villages that aren’t accessible utilizing public transport (which is most of them).
Issues To Do in Cirencester: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Cirencester:
Cirencester is understood for its Roman historical past and proximity to the Cotswolds Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence.
Spring to Fall is the perfect time to go to Cirencester to reap the benefits of its many out of doors points of interest and discover the attractive countryside that surrounds it. To benefit from the open-air swimming pool and lengthy evenings eating al-fresco, summer time is finest.
Cirencester is certainly value visiting, particularly for those who’re enthusiastic about Roman historical past like me. It’s additionally an excellent vacation spot for foodies as eating places and pubs within the city use native elements from across the Cotswolds and Westcountry (native meats, cheese, and naturally cider).
Because it’s a small city two to 3 days is sufficient time for sightseeing in Cirencester, however for those who want to discover the broader Cotswolds (which you positively ought to) then every week will let you go to a few of the different picturesque cities and villages throughout the area.
Cirencester is a protected place in comparison with bigger city areas in England and was actually named one of many finest locations to reside within the UK. Take the identical precautions you’ll when touring anyplace resembling avoiding darkish streets at night time and leaving valuables on show, significantly in your automotive.
Visiting the wonderful Corinium Museum, seeing the church of St John the Baptist, procuring on the market, and attempting out the numerous great pubs, cafes, and eating places are a few of the hottest issues to do within the Cirencester.
The Westcountry is without doubt one of the finest locations for recent, native produce, and the highest issues to strive embody the native cider, ice cream, and cheeses.
In Closing
Now what to do in Cirencester; one of the crucial charming small cities within the Cotswolds however one large enough that you just gained’t be bored. With its wealthy Roman historical past as evidenced by the Corinium Museum, Roman amphitheater, and Roman Villa, miles of picturesque countryside, and attention-grabbing retailers and eating places, Cirencester ought to positively be in your listing of Cotswolds locations.
