Cirencester is an enthralling market city positioned within the coronary heart of the Cotswolds. With a wealthy historical past relationship again to Roman occasions, there are a lot of great issues to do in Cirencester from exploring the bustling city middle to close by nature walks, stately properties, and extra.
The city is dwelling to plenty of 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 high locations to go to in Cirencester embrace the Corinium Museum and the Roman Amphitheatre.
I’ve been visiting the Cotswolds for years and I typically discover Cirencester makes an incredible 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 underneath an hour by automotive. Take a look at Uncover Automobiles for reductions on leases.
Greatest Issues To Do in Cirencester
Beneath, you’ll discover a collection of one of the best issues to do in Cirencester from exploring the charming city middle 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
Top-of-the-line 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 spread of products from regionally 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.
Shopping the markets is one in all my favourite issues to do after I’m on the town and I do know each time I go to, I’m certain to finish up shopping for just a few bits and items (often handmade cooking sauces and native brews). The Market Place overlooks the gorgeous Chuch of St John the Baptist which is properly price testing too (see under).
Handle: 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), you then’ll need to head to the superb Corinium Museum which homes one of the spectacular Roman collections within the nation.
Right here, you’ll discover a wealth of regionally excavated stays and reveals from flooring mosaics to sculptures and rather more. This is without doubt one of the finest museums within the nation and is properly price 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 fascinating.
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 light-weight snacks.
Handle: 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 in addition served as a army base throughout 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 can too decide 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 charge and so visiting the park is without doubt one of the finest free issues to do in Cirencester.
Handle: 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 a whole lot 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 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 a good way to find out about native edible vegetation.
The gardens are open to the general public day-after-day between 10 am and seven pm (contact for visits exterior these hours) and value £6 for adults and simply £1 for kids. Canine are additionally welcome however have to be saved on a lead. Visiting these stunning gardens is without doubt one of the finest issues to do round Cirencester.
Handle: 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 positioned 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 inside 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 but it surely’s attainable 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 out there on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week (ask inside for particulars).
This spectacular church is certainly one of many high Cirencester sights and may be mixed with a go to to the markets round Market Place.
Handle: 5 Market Place, Cirencester GL7 2NX, United Kingdom. Click on right here for instructions.
6. Take a Dip within the Open Air Swimming Pool
Considered one of 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 right place to chill off. The pool has improbable views of the Cecily Gates and surrounding parkland and is certainly among the finest issues to do in Cirencester for households and teams of buddies.
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 get pleasure from it even when the solar isn’t making a lot of an look. That is positively one of the enjoyable issues to do in Cirencester throughout the summer season.
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 guide). Different classes embrace lane swims, aqua aerobics, and kids’s swimming classes. See the web site for extra info and to guide lessons. Open each day from 7 am to 7 pm.
Handle: 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 web site of the Roman amphitheater is properly price 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 one of the best free issues to do in Cirencester and is without doubt one of the high locations to see within the city. The location is open throughout daytime all year long and there’s free onsite parking. The encircling space is a good place for a stroll or a picnic and canines are welcome.
Handle: 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 positioned inside an previous brewery constructing that closed in 1937. The constructing was attributable to be demolished however was saved by a neighborhood group of artists and became the artistic house it’s at this time. If you happen to’re in search of stuff to do in Cirencester the New Brewery has a lot occurring and is certainly price stopping by.
The house features a gallery, craft store, cafe, and workshop amenities the place artists and makers can develop their abilities 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. You can too go to the onsite Glaze Cafe for a light-weight lunch, a cup of espresso, and a collection of yummy do-it-yourself desserts and different treats.
Handle: Brewery Courtroom, Cricklade St, Cirencester GL7 1JH, United Kingdom. Click on right here for instructions.
9. Go to the Westonbirt Arboretum
One of many high 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 a success with company of all ages. With over 2,500 completely different species unfold throughout an enormous space, it is 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 underneath the celebrities, and a restaurant serving a collection of cold and hot drinks and snacks. That is one in all my favourite locations to go to in Cirencester as there’s at all times a lot to see and do.
The arboretum is open day-after-day from 9 am to five pm. Canine are allowed and there are areas the place they are often let off the lead. Tickets price £12 for adults and £4 for kids and there’s free onsite parking.
Handle: Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS, United Kingdom. Click on right here for instructions.
10. Spend a Day on the Cotswolds Water Park
One of many high vacationer sights 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 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 attainable to rent your personal BBQ if you wish to prepare dinner up your personal lunch.
I really 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 attainable to remain inside the water park in one of many many motels, B&Bs, or underneath canvas with each tenting and glamping choices out there. Click on right here for more information.
Handle: Rigsby’s Ln, Cirencester GL7 6FJ, UK. Click on right here for instructions.
11. Hike A part of the Thames Path Nationwide Path
It’d shock you to know that the supply of the River Thames is positioned in a meadow three miles from Cirencester. The spring of Lyd Properly at Thames Head is nothing however a trickle that belies its development into one of the well-known rivers within the nation.
Top-of-the-line 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 critical hikers because it’s reasonably tough and takes round 5 hours to finish. The route is extraordinarily diverse and presents 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 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 all my favorites.
This is without doubt one of 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 world, 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 price £12 for adults and £6 for kids.
Handle: 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 one of the best ways to get on the market and see a number of the prettiest cities and villages in England. Public transport within the area isn’t nice so apart from having your personal car, taking a tour means you’ll be able to slot in many locations in any other case unreachable.
A number of the high locations to go to embrace Fort Combe, Chipping Norton, Bourton on the Water, and Stow on the Wold. Excursions depart from London, Oxford, Tub, 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 beautiful River Coln that winds its means by means of the village, and cease for lunch at The Catherine Wheel (their Sunday roast is superb).
One of the simplest ways 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’ll be able to take a taxi or guide an Uber. Another choice is to stroll which ought to take round two and a half hours.
15. Go to the Metropolis of Tub
The beautiful metropolis of Tub 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 improbable metropolis is properly price a day journey to see the well-known Roman baths, take a dip in a spa, and examine Georgian structure.
Tub is one in all my favourite cities in England and is a must-visit when within the Westcountry. There are additionally plenty of wonderful 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
If you happen to’re unsure what to see in Cirencester first, these helpful itineraries will aid you get probably the most out of your go to. Whether or not you have a day to spend or for much longer, these itineraries embrace all the highest issues to do in Cirencester:
1 Day in Cirencester Itinerary
With simply at some point in Cirencester, be sure you take within the high 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. If you happen to’re visiting on a Monday, Friday, or the 2nd or 4th Saturday of the month, be sure you cease by the Market Place.
2-3 Days in Cirencester Itinerary
With just a few 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.
If you happen to get pleasure from getting exterior, 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 superb Tierra and Mar or the comfortable Bear Inn.
1 Week in Cirencester Itinerary
With per week to spend within the city, comply with 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 can too add in a day journey to the close by metropolis of Tub.
The place to Keep in Cirencester
These are just a few of one of the best locations to remain in Cirencester for vacationers:
Kings Head Lodge – Greatest for First-Time Guests
The Kings Head Lodge is a boutique resort positioned 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 loosen up with a remedy day. There’s additionally an onsite restaurant and bar. Click on right here to search out out extra.
Corinium Lodge and Restaurant – Greatest for {Couples}
The beautiful Corinium Lodge and Restaurant is positioned on a quiet aspect road only a five-minute stroll away from the city middle. The resort 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 outdoor restaurant excellent for summer season al-fresco eating. Click on right here to guide.
The Outdated Brewhouse – Greatest for Households
The seventeenth Century Outdated Brewhouse is a mattress and breakfast located within the coronary heart of Cirencester that provides trendy and cozy rooms with en-suite bogs (bathtub or bathe out there). Rooms include a Flatscreen TV, DVD participant, and tea and coffee-making amenities. There’s additionally a reasonably, patio backyard for company to get pleasure from. Click on right here to be taught extra.
Greatest Eating places in Cirencester
Discover a collection of one of the best locations to eat (and drink) in Cirencester listed under. Whether or not you’re in search of 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 homeowners of the close by Ingleside Lodge. Count on a high-end eating expertise and be pleasantly shocked by the very affordable costs (mains underneath £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 presents a style of Spain utilizing the freshest native substances. From paella to the Iberian platter and wonderful tapas choices, that is someplace I really like to come back for a chew to eat when on the town. Attempt the five-course tapas-sharing menu from £32 per individual. Click on right here for instructions.
The Bear Inn: The Bear Inn is a comfortable, 18th-Century pub within the coronary heart of the city that serves up a number of the finest pub meals within the Cotswolds and is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Cirencester at evening. From gentle 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 a cultured brasserie with an open kitchen and is without doubt one of the high 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 get pleasure from 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. You can too 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 occasions underneath 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.
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 guide your spot.
Because it’s such a small city, all the key sights in Cirencester are inside strolling distance. Nevertheless, to get probably the most out of a visit to the Cotswolds it’s properly 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 below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Cirencester:
Cirencester is thought for its Roman historical past and proximity to the Cotswolds Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence.
Spring to Fall is one of the best time to go to Cirencester to make the most of its many outside sights and discover the attractive 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 for those who’re occupied with Roman historical past like me. It’s additionally an incredible 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 a few days is sufficient time for sightseeing in Cirencester, however for those who want to discover the broader Cotswolds (which you positively ought to) then per week will permit you to go to a number of the different picturesque cities and villages throughout the area.
Cirencester is a secure place in comparison with bigger city areas in England and was in actual fact named one of many finest locations to reside within the UK. Take the identical precautions you’d when touring wherever resembling avoiding darkish streets at evening and leaving valuables on show, notably in your automotive.
Visiting the superb Corinium Museum, seeing the church of St John the Baptist, buying on the market, and attempting out the numerous great pubs, cafes, and eating places are a number 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 embrace the native cider, ice cream, and cheeses.
In Closing
Now you realize what to do in Cirencester; one of the charming small cities within the Cotswolds however one sufficiently big that you simply received’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 checklist of Cotswolds locations.
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