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.
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Bingham Gallery
A free gallery featuring art from the Daniel Bingham Collection and contemporary changing exhibitions.
Bingham House,1 Dyer Street, Cirencester, GL7 2PP
-
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
-
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.
Sundial Theatre
A theatre offering an exciting and varied programme of local and touring shows.
Stroud Road, Cirencester, GL7 1XA
Sundial Theatre Website
Barn Theatre
An award-winning producing house with a mission to inspire people and build community.
Beeches Road, Cirencester, GL7 1BN
Barn Theatre 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
Bingham hall Website
St. Michael’s Park
The Park has a variety of formal and informal sports and recreation facilities and large open lawns. Access to the park is via either King Street or Tower Street. During British Summer Time the Park is open daily from 8am to dusk. In the winter the Park closes at 4.15pm. Please note that dogs are not allowed in St. Michael's Park with the exception of assistance dogs. You can also book the tennis courts.
King Street, Cirencester, GL7 1JT
The Ampitheatre
Imagine the crowds gathering in the Amphitheatre for sports and entertainment! The amphitheatre, which is one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres in Britain, would have accommodated 8000 people, almost the entire population of Roman Cirencester. The amphitheatre is best approached from Sheep Street and Querns Hill into Cotswold Avenue. A leaflet and map, the Whereat Trail, are available from the Local Information Centre. Tel: 01285 655646
Cotswold Avenue, Cirencester GL7 1XW
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. Band performances take place at the Bandstand throughout the summer months on Sunday afternoons.
Abbey Grounds Facebook page.
City Bank Local Nature Reserve
City Bank Road, Cirencester, GL7 1LN
City Bank is part of an area covering Victoria Road Playing Fields, The Glade, City Bank field and the Old Nursery. City Bank is a very special area with wild orchids, a wide range of birds and other creatures including otters, kingfishers, and water voles.
You can keep up to date with the latest news from the park on the City Bank Local Nature Reserve Facebook page.
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
Bathurst Estate Website
Kingshill Country Park
On the site of an old water meadow this Country Park hosts an outside gym and a running/walking track. There are benches for picnics and even a community orchard.
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. Skate Park lights operate in the winter period from dusk to 7pm every day, Fridays from dusk to 9pm.
Kingshill Lane, Cirencester, GL7 1HS
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. Open Air Pool Website
Tennis @ St. Michael’s Park
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.
Walking In and around Cirencester
Guided Town History 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.
Ramblers 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 and is also available from the Local Information Centre.
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.
Active Travel Map
Cirencester’s Active Travel Map is your guide to cycling and walking in Ciencester. 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 you can 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 - Cycle hire is available in Cirencester self-service 24 hours a day 7 days a week
Bainton Bike Website
Cotswold eBikes - Cotswold eBikes was started in 2019 to provide quality electric bike rental and tours of the Cotswolds. They are based at Abbey Home Farm, a 1600 acre mixed organic 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 useful information about cycle hire and cycle routes in the Cotswolds visit the Cotswolds website