Cirencester is a captivating 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 heart to close by nature walks, stately houses, and extra.
The city is dwelling to numerous boutique outlets, 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 awesome base for exploring the Cotswolds Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence. The close by cities and villages akin to Bibury, Bourton on the Water, Stroud, and Chipping Norton are all reachable in below an hour by automotive. Take a look at Uncover Vehicles for reductions on leases.
Greatest Issues To Do in Cirencester
Beneath, you’ll discover a collection of the perfect issues to do in Cirencester from exploring the charming city heart to stress-free 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’ll be able to decide up a variety of products from domestically made meals and drinks to handicrafts, garments, and items.
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’ll be able to decide up specialty meals, drinks, and produce from native farmers.
Looking the markets is certainly one of my favourite issues to do after I’m on the town and I do know each time I go to, I’m positive to finish up shopping for a number of bits and items (often handmade cooking sauces and native brews). The Market Place overlooks the gorgeous Chuch of St John the Baptist which is nicely price testing too (see beneath).
Deal with: 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 in all probability has one thing to do with it), then you definately’ll need to head to the wonderful Corinium Museum which homes some of the spectacular Roman collections within the nation.
Right here, you’ll discover a wealth of domestically excavated stays and reveals from flooring mosaics to sculptures and far more. This is among the finest museums within the nation and is nicely price an hour or two to browse the shows. This is among 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 kids aged 5 to 16. There’s a present store and cafe that sells cold and hot drinks and lightweight snacks.
Deal with: Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX, United Kingdom. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Take a Stroll Round Cirencester Park
The beautiful Cirencester Park was initially created as a deer park within the 18th Century and likewise served as a army base through 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 of the largest park on the earth.
The park is open each day from 8 am to five pm and is free to enter. Canine are allowed however have to be saved 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’ll be able to seize a espresso and a snack. You may as well decide up provides from one of many supermarkets within the city because the park is the proper place for a picnic. There isn’t an entry charge and so visiting the park is among the finest free issues to do in Cirencester.
Deal with: 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 comprises authentic Victorian Gardens which were saved and maintained by the Angus household for lots of of years. This is among the finest locations to go to close to Cirencester when you’re trying to escape into some gorgeous nation environment.
Contained in the gardens, you’ll discover hidden walkways crisscrossing the property and secluded spots hidden by excessive partitions and vegetation. Cerney Home holds common occasions together with foraging walks that are an effective way to study native edible vegetation.
The gardens are open to the general public every single day between 10 am and seven pm (contact for visits outdoors these hours) and price £6 for adults and simply £1 for kids. Canine are additionally welcome however have to be saved on a lead. Visiting these lovely gardens is among the finest issues to do round Cirencester.
Deal with: 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 lots of the cute cottages inside the area. The church and tower as you see it as we speak was accomplished within the fifteenth Century.
St John’s is a working church however it’s doable to each go searching or attend a service. Inside, you’ll discover guides in quite a lot of languages supplying you with a historical past of the church. There are additionally guided excursions accessible on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week (ask inside for particulars).
This spectacular church is certainly one of many prime Cirencester points of interest and may be mixed with a go to to the markets round Market Place.
Deal with: 5 Market Place, Cirencester GL7 2NX, United Kingdom. Click on right here for instructions.
6. Take a Dip within the Open Air Swimming Pool
One in all my favourite issues to do on a sizzling summer season’s day is to take a dip someplace and the open-air swimming pool subsequent to Cecily Hill and the park is the proper place to chill off. The pool has implausible views of the Cecily Gates and surrounding parkland and is certainly the most effective issues to do in Cirencester for households and teams of pals.
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’ll be able to take pleasure in it even when the solar isn’t making a lot of an look. That is undoubtedly some of the enjoyable issues to do in Cirencester through the summer season.
There are completely different periods all through the week (afternoons and weekends are open swims, so everyone seems to be welcome and also you don’t must guide). Different periods embody lane swims, aqua aerobics, and kids’s swimming classes. See the web site for extra data and to guide lessons. Open each day from 7 am to 7 pm.
Deal with: Riverside Stroll, Thomas Road, 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 price a go to for historical past lovers (like me). The remaining artworks signify 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 among the prime locations to see within the city. The positioning is open throughout sunlight hours all year long and there’s free onsite parking. The encompassing space is a superb place for a stroll or a picnic and canines are welcome.
Deal with: 30 Cotswold Ave, Cirencester GL7 1XW, United Kingdom. Click on right here for instructions.
8. Examine Out New Brewery Arts House
The New Brewery Arts House is situated inside an previous brewery constructing that closed in 1937. The constructing was as a consequence of be demolished however was saved by a neighborhood group of artists and became the inventive area it’s as we speak. Should you’re searching for stuff to do in Cirencester the New Brewery has a lot occurring and is certainly price stopping by.
The area features a gallery, craft store, cafe, and workshop amenities 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 presently on show within the gallery. You may as well go to the onsite Glaze Cafe for a lightweight lunch, a cup of espresso, and a collection of yummy do-it-yourself muffins and different treats.
Deal with: Brewery Court docket, 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 timber and vegetation from all over the world on this magical backyard that’s successful with visitors of all ages. With over 2,500 completely different species unfold throughout an enormous space, this can be a great place to flee into nature.
There’s an aerial walkway above the timber for spectacular views, an out of doors cinema for night leisure below the celebs, and a restaurant serving a collection of cold and hot drinks and snacks. That is certainly one of my favourite locations to go to in Cirencester as there’s at all times a lot to see and do.
The arboretum is open every single day from 9 am to five pm. Canine are allowed and there are areas the place they are often let off the lead. Tickets value £12 for adults and £4 for kids and there’s free onsite parking.
Deal with: 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 chook species and is the proper place for wildlife watching all year long. There’s even a sandy seashore for swimming, making sandcastles, and a number of various watersports to strive. You’ll additionally discover a seashore shack cafe right here, and it’s doable to rent your individual BBQ if you wish to cook dinner up your individual lunch.
I like visiting the water park as there’s a lot to do, and in summer season I’m the primary into the lake for a swim (often adopted by beers and a bbq on the lakeshore). It’s doable to remain inside the water park in one of many many accommodations, B&Bs, or below canvas with each tenting and glamping choices accessible. Click on right here for more information.
Deal with: 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 Effectively at Thames Head is nothing however a trickle that belies its development into some of the 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 tough and takes round 5 hours to finish. The route is extraordinarily various and gives gorgeous 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 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 certainly one of my favorites.
This is among the most spectacular websites in England with flooring 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 items, and a restaurant promoting cold and hot drinks, ice lotions, and different goodies.
The villa and museum are open each day from 9 am to five pm and tickets value £12 for adults and £6 for kids.
Deal with: 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 among the prettiest cities and villages in England. Public transport within the area isn’t nice so apart from having your individual automobile, taking a tour means you’ll be able to 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 among 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 beautiful River Coln that winds its means by the village, and cease for lunch at The Catherine Wheel (their Sunday roast is wonderful).
One of the simplest ways to get to Bibury from Cirencester is to drive which can take you simply quarter-hour. There aren’t any buses however you’ll be able to take a taxi or guide an Uber. An alternative choice is to stroll which ought to take round two and a half hours.
15. Go to the Metropolis of Bathtub
The beautiful 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 alter in Swindon). This implausible metropolis is nicely price a day journey to see the well-known Roman baths, take a dip in a spa, and research Georgian structure.
Bathtub is certainly one of my favourite cities in England and is a must-visit when within the Westcountry. There are additionally numerous wonderful pubs and eating places, boutique outlets, and loads of picturesque walks across the city alongside the River Avon or Kennet and Avon Canal.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Cirencester
Should you’re undecided what to see in Cirencester first, these helpful itineraries will provide help to get probably 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, you’ll want 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 gorgeous park. Cease for a spot of lunch on the MBB Brasserie earlier than persevering with to discover the city. Should you’re visiting on a Monday, Friday, or the 2nd or 4th Saturday of the month, you’ll want to cease by the Market Place.
2-3 Days in Cirencester Itinerary
With a number of days to discover, ensure to see the archaeological websites of the Roman amphitheater and the Roman Villa at close by Chedworth. If the climate is sweet head to the open-air swimming pool or Cotswold Water Park for boating on the numerous lakes on the outskirts of city.
Should you take pleasure in getting outdoors, you’ll be able to 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 comfortable 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. You may as well add in a day journey to the close by metropolis of Bathtub.
The place to Keep in Cirencester
These are a number of of the perfect locations to remain in Cirencester for vacationers:
Kings Head Lodge – Greatest 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 bogs, air con, flatscreen TVs, and the chance to calm down 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 – Greatest for {Couples}
The beautiful Corinium Lodge and Restaurant is situated on a quiet aspect avenue only a five-minute stroll away from the city heart. The lodge dates again to the sixteenth Century and is among the most romantic locations to remain in Cirencester for {couples}. There’s a big backyard and an outdoor restaurant excellent for summer season al-fresco eating. Click on right here to guide.
The Previous Brewhouse – Greatest for Households
The seventeenth Century Previous Brewhouse is a mattress and breakfast located within the coronary heart of Cirencester that gives trendy and cozy rooms with en-suite bogs (bathtub or bathe accessible). Rooms include a Flatscreen TV, DVD participant, and tea and coffee-making amenities. There’s additionally a fairly, patio backyard for visitors to take pleasure in. Click on right here to be taught extra.
Greatest Eating places in Cirencester
Discover a collection of the perfect locations to eat (and drink) in Cirencester listed beneath. Whether or not you’re searching for a snack, pub grub, effective eating, or cuisines from all over the world, 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 cheap costs (mains below £20). The crispy pork and Asian salad is a must-try. Click on right here for instructions.
Tierra & Mar: I like Spanish meals and Tierra & Mar restaurant within the coronary heart of the Cotswolds gives a style of Spain utilizing the freshest native substances. From paella to the Iberian platter and wonderful tapas choices, that is someplace I like to return for a chunk 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 among the finest pub meals within the Cotswolds and is among the finest issues to do in Cirencester at night time. From gentle lunches to an fascinating 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 a cultured brasserie with an open kitchen and is among 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’ll be able to’t take pleasure in a style of South East Asia. I like Thai meals and the Thai Emerald serves up genuine dishes from curries to Phad Thai and Tom Yum soup. This is among 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 through the M4 and A429. You may as well 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 below two hours. There are additionally hourly coach providers from London’s Victoria Coach Station which is the most cost effective methodology and takes solely half-hour longer than the practice.
An alternative 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 guide your spot.
Because it’s such a small city, all the foremost points of interest in Cirencester are inside strolling distance. Nonetheless, to get probably the most out of a visit to the Cotswolds it’s nicely price hiring a automotive so you’ll be able to 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 here 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 outside points of interest and discover the gorgeous countryside that surrounds it. To benefit from the open-air swimming pool and lengthy evenings eating al-fresco, summer season is finest.
Cirencester is certainly price visiting, particularly when you’re excited about Roman historical past like me. It’s additionally an awesome vacation spot for foodies as eating places and pubs within the city use native substances 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 when you want to discover the broader Cotswolds (which you undoubtedly ought to) then every week will permit you to go to among the different picturesque cities and villages throughout the area.
Cirencester is a protected place in comparison with bigger city areas in England and was in actual fact named one of many finest locations to stay within the UK. Take the identical precautions you’ll when touring wherever akin to 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, purchasing on the market, and making an attempt out the numerous great pubs, cafes, and eating places are among the hottest issues to do within the Cirencester.
The Westcountry is among the finest locations for recent, native produce, and the highest issues to strive embody the native cider, ice cream, and cheeses.
In Closing
Now you realize what to do in Cirencester; some of the charming small cities within the Cotswolds however one large enough that you simply 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 fascinating outlets and eating places, Cirencester ought to undoubtedly be in your checklist of Cotswolds locations.