Cirencester, the capital of the Cotswolds, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful areas in England, is an ideal destination. The town is full of tastefully restored courtyards, alleyways and lovely old streets.

There are many places to visit and sites to enjoy.

A quiet street in a historic town with cobblestone pavement, parked cars, stone and brick buildings, and a large tree with overhanging branches in the foreground.
A peaceful park scene with a pond in the foreground surrounded by green grass and plants. There are large leafy trees, people walking and sitting on benches, and a tall church tower in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A historic church or cathedral with intricate Gothic architecture, including tall clock tower, pointed arches, and detailed stonework, with a clear blue sky in the background.
  • A person dressed as a Roman soldier, wearing metal armor, a helmet, and holding a spear and shield, standing near a stone building.

    Corinium Museum

    Learn more about Cirencester’s fascinating history at the award-winning family friendly Corinium Museum. The principal collection consists of the highly significant Roman finds from the town, including a number of stunning mosaics. However, the museum today is much more than that, taking you on a journey through the development of the Cotswolds from its prehistoric landscape to modern day.

    Park Street, Cirencester GL7 2BX

    Website
  • A large historic church with a tall clock tower and intricate stone architecture, situated in a busy outdoor market area with tents, people, and a Christmas tree.

    Parish Church St. John Baptist

    Visit 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. The south porch, which adjoins the Market Place, was built around 1500 as an office for the Abbey, and later became a town hall.

    Market Place, Cirencester, GL7 2NH

    Website
  • A stone building with three small windows and a black painted section with signs that read 'New Drawings Arts'. A person is walking into the building, and there is a small tree with a wooden sign in front.

    New Brewery Arts

    Explore the best of British craft and creativity. Galleries show inspiring work by artists, makers and craftspeople, and the on-site studios offer a chance to meet the makers and buy beautifully made work direct from independent artists.

    Brewery Court, Cirencester GL7 1QD

    Website
  • The front of a historic stone building with large windows, an arched entrance, and flags hanging from the facade, including a rainbow flag.

    Bingham Gallery

    A free gallery featuring art from the Daniel Bingham Collection and contemporary changing exhibitions.

    Bingham House,1 Dyer Street, Cirencester, GL7 2PP

    Website
  • A stone building with three arched doorways and a sloped roof, situated alongside a street.

    St Johns Hospital

    The remains of the Hospital and Chantry of St John the Evangelist, founded in the 12th century by Henry 11.

    Spitalgate Lane, Cirencester, GL7 2DE

  • A woman with short brown hair, wearing a pink shirt, brown shorts, and black hiking shoes, walking past a row of flower pots and hanging baskets with colorful flowers on a stone building exterior.

    Cecily Hill, Thomas & Coxwell Street

    Take a stroll around these streets which make up the most historical part of the town. At the top end of Cecily Hill you will find the Barracks built in 1857 as the headquarters for the Royal North Gloucestershire Militia.

  • A small playground featuring a slide with a wooden structure at the top, a small hut with a circular window, and a log on the ground, surrounded by trees and greenery.

    St. Michael's Park

    A beautiful park with a variety of formal and informal sports facilities including tennis and pickleball courts and play areas.

    Please note that dogs are not allowed in this park with the exception of assistance dogs.

    King Street, Cirencester, GL7 1JT

    Book a Court
  • A park scene with a pond in the foreground, lush green trees, a grassy area with people, and a church tower in the background on a partly cloudy day.

    Abbey Grounds

    The grounds contain the site of St Mary's Abbey which was consecrated in 1176 in the presence of Henry II, remaining until the Dissolution in 1539 when the Abbey was completely demolished. The only remaining building is the Norman Arch situated at the north-eastern corner of the grounds. A portion of ancient Roman Wall is also situated in the grounds.

  • Aerial view of a large historic building with a manicured garden in the foreground and expansive green lawns and trees extending into the distance.

    Cirencester Park

    A wonderful tree-lined space stretching for five miles leading out into open countryside. Cirencester Park is open to the public, entry charges apply, courtesy of Earl Bathurst, whose ancestor, the first Earl landscaped it during the 18th century.

    Cecily Hill, Cirencester GL7 2EF

    Website

  • Barn Theatre

    An award-winning producing house with a mission to inspire people and build community.

    Beeches Road, Cirencester, GL7 1BN

    Website

  • Sundial Theatre

    A theatre offering an exciting and varied programme of local and touring shows.

    Stroud Road, Cirencester, GL7 1XA

    Website

  • Bingham Hall

    This historical venue is a thriving centre for both private and public functions and hosts many major events.

    King Street, Cirencester, GL7 1JT

    Website

  • Open Air Swimming Pool

    Cirencester also has an open air swimming pool. Built in 1869 this unique pool offers the chance to swim in natural spring water heated to an average 26°C (80F). Open May to September.

    Website

  • Skatepark

    This highly popular sports area boasts an 890sq metre concrete ramped area and a separate metal ramped area both providing a number of ramps, boxes and rails perfect for skateboards, scooters, bikes and blades. Youth events and activities are also held during school holidays.

    Kingshill Lane, Cirencester, GL7 1HS

  • Leisure Centre

    The leisure centre offers a large range of different facilities so no matter what you enjoy doing, they will have something for you.

    Website

Walking In and Around Cirencester
There are a number of interesting walks in and around the town. A wide selection of local walks and maps are available from the Local Information Centre.

Guided Walks
The Civic Society offers guided walks with knowledgeable Town Guides who explain the history of the town and point out significant buildings. Walks are 60 to 90 minutes long, and start and finish at the Memorial by the Parish Church in the Market Place. Walks can also be arranged at your request at any time in daylight hours.
Contact info@townwalkscirencester.uk or call Rob on 07771998182. Civic Society website. The Civic Society have also produced a town walk leaflet which is on sale at the Local Information Centre.

Self Guided Walks
Cirencester Ramblers have produced a number of self-guided walks which can be downloaded from the Ramblers website or purchased from the Local Information Centre.

Wildlife Walking Map
This has been produced with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust as part of their ERDF: Wild Towns Initiative.
Wildlife Map
Wildlife Information and explanation of various highlights on the routes

Useful Websites for Local Walks
Cotswolds National Landscape
Cirencester Ramblers
Walking in England
Cirencester Park

Cycling In and Around Cirencester
Cycling is a speedy and healthy way of getting about and Cirencester is on two National Cycle Network routes - 45 and 48. National Cycle Network website.

Cirencester Active Travel Map
Your guide to cycling in Cirencester. The maps in the guide grade the road network according to how easy it is for cycling and show places of interest suitable for day trips on foot or by bike. You can pick up a copy of the guide from our Local Information Centre or download the Active Travel Map.

Cycle Parking
Dyer Street (outside Bingham House); Market Place; West Market Place; Bingham Library; Brewery Court; Abbey Grounds (by the Norman Arch)
Beeches Car Park; St. Michael’s Park

Cycle Hire
Bainton Bikes - self-service 24 hours a day 7 days a week, Bainton Bike Website
Cotswold eBikes - quality electric bike rental and tours of the Cotswolds based at Abbey Home Farm in Cirencester. Cotswold eBikes Website
Go-By-Cycle - Located in Cotswold Water Park where there are many quiet country lanes and paths around the area. Go-by-Cycle Website

For more information about cycle hire and cycle routes in the Cotswolds visit the Cotswold Tourism website