Top 10 Must Sees in Cirencester
Considered one of the prettiest towns in the Cotswolds, Cirencester is a gorgeous getaway filled with a multitude of breathtaking sights. Between the artisanal markets in the Market Place and the Corn Hall, and the Roman ruins displayed at the Corinium Museum, there is something for everybody on this list of the 10 absolute must-sees in Cirencester.
1. The Abbey Grounds
The open grounds, lake, wildfowl, trees and greenery of Cirencester’s public park make it a stunning setting to simply sit back and relax. Containing the site of St Mary’s Abbey (which was demolished in 1539) as well as the oldest building in the town and a section of roman wall, the Abbey grounds is home to multiple key parts of Cirencester’s history.
The Norman Arch is the only surviving building from the demolished Abbey, and was built as the gateway to St Mary’s in 1180, making it over 800 years old. It now sits next to the children’s enclosed play area in the grounds, making the area an excellent attraction for the whole family. As the oldest building in Cirencester, it has earned its place as a must-see.
Continue up from the Arch and you’ll find the Bandstand, completed in 1999 as a millennium project. Live band performances take place throughout the summer months, a great source of entertainment. From it you can view the lake, used historically as the Abbey’s trout lake, perfect for feeding the ducks and watching the swans.
A number of events in Cirencester take place in and around the Abbey Grounds, the most prominent being the annual Pheonix Festival during the last weekend of August. Filled with local music, craft stalls and plenty of food, the Pheonix Festival is a great way to spend a weekend.
2. St John Baptist Parish Church
Situated next to Cirencester’s Market Place, St John Baptist is one of the largest parish churches in England and one of the great wool churches of the Cotswolds built from the prosperity of the wool trade. It has been a place of worship for well over a thousand years. With it’s incredible 12th- 15th Century architecture and intricate stained-glass windows, it’s a photographer’s dream.
The chancel is the oldest part of the church. Construction started around 1115, but the original stained glass of the east window has long since disappeared and it is now filled with fifteenth century glass from other parts of the church. Church tours, led by the stewards, are wonderful to clue you in on the secrets of the church, and a guided climb up the tower gives you the best view in all of Cirencester.
3. The Corinium Museum
Cirencester, known as Corinium in the Roman times, was the second largest Roman town outside London. Learn all about Cirencester’s fascinating past in an award winning, family friendly environment, with plenty of trails and games to entertain the kids (and the adults).
Explore a principal collection filled with Roman finds from all across the town, including stunning mosaics. But Roman enthusiasts aren’t the only ones able to enjoy the Corinium. A range of medieval artifacts, 17th Century finds and even an Iron age dog called Rusty are eagerly awaiting your visit.
4. Blackjack Street
You’ll find one of Cirencester’s oldest streets by the Parish Church. People say it takes its name from the old statue of St John that used to overlook the street, so darkened by all of the soot in the air that the townsfolk nicknamed him Black Jack. Sadly, the statue has long since been removed, but in 2020 it was replaced by a bronze statue of St John Baptist designed by Rodney Munday.
These days this historical street is full of independent businesses, selling everything from clothing, jewellery and furniture to gourmet meat, coffee, chocolate and art! The Golden Cross pub is a great place to stop for a drink and multiple coffee shops can be found along the street.
The two pedestrian shopping mews are hidden along the walkway. Find delicious desserts in Templar Mews, with its very popular waffle shop, and visit the Stable Yard Mews for even more delight: , a paint your own pottery shop, a cafe, a Bistro and multiple small businesses spanning all sorts of retail. Don’t miss out on this hidden gem!
5. The Roman Amphitheatre
Imagine the crowds gathering in the amphitheatre for entertainment almost 2000 years ago! The Cirencester amphitheatre, one of the best-preserved amphitheatres in Britain I might add, could accommodate almost the entire roman population of Cirencester (around 8000). Even now, though not as grand as it once may have been, the heather covered slopes and lush woodland behind the structure make it a lovely walk, exploring Cirencester’s green space. Found on Cotswold Avenue, enjoy the stunning sights of Cirencester’s history reclaimed by nature.
6. Market Place
Right in the heart of Cirencester is the Market Place, a pedestrian area bustling with activity and, you guessed it, plenty of markets. A war memorial takes centre stage next to the massive 12th Century church, commemorating the Cirencester soldiers who fought and fell during the World Wars.
The markets that take place are jam packed with a variety of colourful wares. Find hand crafted necklaces next to fudge stalls and garden statues. Locate perfect gifts and treat yourself at the weekly General Markets, filled to the brim with local art and long-lasting merchandise to browse to your hearts delight.
7. New Brewery Arts
Cirencester’s hub of creativity, the New Brewery Arts, is the place to go if you’re an artist seeking your next challenge. Or if you’re just an aspiring creative, don’t fear. With the insane catalogue of classes that the New Brewery Arts offers, there’s always bound to be one that’s the perfect fit for you.
If getting your hands dirty isn’t your style, the New Brewery Arts has you covered. Their constant flow of exhibitions (the majority of which are free) cater to everyone’s interests. Fine art, abstract, textiles, sculptures, even hats! There is no limit to the forms art can take at the New Brewery Arts. Enjoy a leisurely wander around the displays, and no worries if you get peckish. The fantastic in-house café Blend has delicious sweet snacks and savoury meals, from all day brunch to tea and scones.
8. Corn Hall
The Corn Hall is found quite centrally in Cirencester on the Market Place near the Church. Open all year round, the hall is always worth a visit. Diversitea, the onsite café, is the most charming spot for a cake or light lunch. It can be found in the extension area serving an array of different teas and coffees and delicious food which makes it the perfect meeting place. The arcade has the fabulous MMB Brasserie, the Corn Hall Deli, the delightful Witches Knickers and other independent retailers, perfect for completely unique gifts and trinkets.
Dating from the mid 19th Century, the Corn Hall marked a major economic change for Cirencester. It’s fitting that the historic centre of trade is still used as a market place to this day. Wander down to the indoor markets to marvel at the gorgeous artisanal wares on sale. To list a few: handmade sterling silver jewellery, fine art and the most fabulous pairs of socks. Who could say no?
9. Cecily Hill and Dollar Street
If you’re in for some 19th Century history, a stroll up the architecturally beautiful Cecily Hill should definitely be on your to do list. The street is filled with listed, blue plaque buildings and surrounded in bright, eye-catching flora, impossible to miss. The cherry on top is the old Cecily Hill Barracks. Built in 1857 as the Royal North Gloucestershire Militia Armoury, the Barracks have served as a base for the Home Guard during WW2. The building has been nicknamed “The Castle” and it’s easy to see why, so go take a look for yourself!
Follow Thomas Street down from Cecily Hill to where it joins Dollar Street for some more of Cirencester’s history. The listed buildings may not have as much evident history attached to them, but the beauty of the street makes it a charming place for a quick walk. At one end of the street sits the Parish Church, and at the other is Spitalgate Lane, where you can find the old Hospital of St John, founded in 1343 by Henry 1, the structure of which is remarkably well preserved!
10. Barn Theatre
Meet the Barn, Cirencester’s local theatre and cinema! Since it opened in early 2018, the Barn has produced and presented some of the UK’s most inspiring professional theatre. With a constantly jam-packed catalogue of new and exciting shows that you won’t want to miss, it’s perfect for an evening out. Located opposite the Beeches car park in the historic Beeches Hall, come and sample some local performing arts, as well as some delicious snacks during your interlude. The adjoining Teatro Bar and Restaurant can turn a few hours of fun into a fully decked out evening of theatre and fine dining.