Things to Do

A much-loved historic green space in the heart of Cirencester, where heritage, nature and everyday enjoyment come together. Often described as the “lungs of Cirencester”, the Grounds provide a vital green refuge in the town centre, helping to support wildlife, improve air quality and offer space for people to relax and recharge.

The Grounds are home to the former site of St Mary’s Abbey, which was consecrated in 1176 in the presence of Henry II. The Abbey stood here until the Dissolution in 1539, when it was completely demolished. Today, the only surviving Abbey structure is the Norman Arch, located in the north-eastern corner of the grounds.

Cirencester’s even earlier past is also visible here. A section of the ancient Roman town wall remains within the grounds. The lake was once the Abbey’s fishpond, used by the monastic community as a source of food.

The River Churn flows through the Abbey Grounds, adding to the character of the site and supporting local wildlife. Alongside the lake, mature trees and open grassed areas, the grounds provide valuable habitat for birds, insects and other species, combining environmental importance with historic significance.

Today, the Abbey Grounds are enjoyed by people of all ages. Facilities include a children’s play area and sandpit, and a bandstand which hosts live music and performances during the summer months. The grounds are also a key venue for community events, including the Phoenix Festival, held each summer, while the Abbot’s Garden offers a quieter space for rest and reflection.

‍A popular recreational green space just a short walk from Cirencester town centre, offering a great mix of sports, leisure and community activities. ‍ The park has something for all ages, with facilities including tennis, pickleball, croquet, pétanque and mini golf, as well as a children’s play area — making it a favourite spot for families and visitors alike.

‍There are three full-sized hard tennis courts and four pickleball courts, all of which are floodlit so they can be used in the evenings throughout the year. Tennis is available all year round, with an annual household membership and Pay and Play options. There is an online booking system using Clubspark.

‍During spring and summer, Josser — a seasonal restaurant and community hub — operates from the park, bringing food, events and a lively atmosphere to the space. Alongside The J Kiosk, which serves coffee, local juices and takeaway food.

‍For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, dogs are not permitted within St Michael’s Park, except for assistance dogs. This helps ensure the park remains a safe and welcoming space, particularly for children and those taking part in sports. The park is locked at 4.30pm during winter and early spring. During British Summer Time, the park is locked at dusk.

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A popular neighbourhood green space, offering plenty of ‍opportunities for sport, play and outdoor activity.

‍A highlight of the site is the much-loved skatepark, which includes an 890-square-metre concrete ramped area alongside a separate metal ramped section. Together, these offer a range of ramps, boxes and rails suitable for skateboards, scooters, bikes and blades. The space is well used by young people, and youth events and activities are regularly held here during school holidays.

‍There are also open grassed areas across the site, providing space for informal recreation, community activities and relaxed outdoor use.

‍For those looking to keep active, outdoor gym equipment is available on site, supporting strength, mobility and general fitness. For tips on using the equipment safely and ideas for simple workout routines, you can visit How To Use An Outdoor Gym | Beginner’s Guide & Tips.

‍The site is also home to Cirencester Men’s Shed, an established and valued community space focused on skills-sharing, social connection and practical activity. Looking ahead, a community garden, is being developed along with a new children’s play area for under-7s, is planned and expected to open in mid-2026.

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The remains of one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in Britain. Located just outside the town centre on Cotswold Avenue, it was built in the early 2nd century AD to serve the Roman town of Corinium, which at the time was second only to London in size and importance. The amphitheatre could hold around 8,000 spectators.

In Roman times, this oval-shaped arena would have hosted public entertainment and events, with seating built into the surrounding earth banks. After the Romans left Britain in the 5th century, the site was later fortified to help defend the town against Saxon invaders.

The site also features the Obelisk, erected in the 18th century to celebrate Cirencester’s Roman past and to mark the amphitheatre’s importance within the town’s historic landscape.

Today, the amphitheatre remains as a scheduled ancient monument and is managed by Cirencester Town Council on behalf of English Heritage. It is open to the public during daylight hours, with information boards around the site helping to bring its history to life.

‍Cirencester’s first designated Local Nature Reserve, recognised for its special value to both people and wildlife.

‍Set alongside the River Churn, the reserve includes a rich mix of riverside and meadow habitats. These support a wide range of plants and animals, from birds and insects to rare orchids and other wildflowers. The reserve was created through a partnership between Cirencester Town Council and the Friends of City Bank Group, with a shared aim of protecting wildlife while still allowing people to enjoy and connect with nature.

‍City Bank offers a peaceful place for walking, wildlife watching and quiet enjoyment, and forms an important part of Cirencester’s wider network of green and blue spaces.

‍Outdoor gym equipment is also available on site, providing opportunities for fitness and gentle exercise in a natural setting. For tips on using the equipment safely and ideas for simple workout routines, you can visit How To Use An Outdoor Gym | Beginner’s Guide & Tips.

‍The reserve can be accessed via footpaths from Watermoor Road and nearby residential streets, with informal paths running through the site and alongside the river.

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A small and peaceful garden created in memory of Jack Gardner, a former Mayor of Cirencester. Designed as a place for quiet reflection and remembrance, the garden offers seating and thoughtful planting to create a calm and welcoming atmosphere. Memorial trees and benches provide families and individuals with a meaningful way to remember loved ones in a lasting and personal setting.

The garden forms part of Cirencester’s wider network of green spaces and is located just a short walk from the Abbey Grounds, along the River Walk. Together, these connections help reinforce the garden’s place within the town’s civic and historic landscape.

Querns Wood is a small and peaceful area of woodland and green space, located close to the town centre and just a short walk from the Amphitheatre. It offers a quieter place to slow down, enjoy a gentle walk, spot wildlife or simply spend time among the trees.

Characterised by mature trees, woodland planting and informal paths, the wood provides valuable habitat for birds, insects and other wildlife. It plays an important role in supporting local biodiversity and forms part of Cirencester’s wider network of green spaces.

Querns Wood is valued by local residents as an accessible, natural retreat within the town, offering opportunities for calm, reflective recreation and activities such as nature observation or forest bathing — a practice that encourages mindful connection with the natural environment.

The site is owned by the NHS and managed by Cirencester Town Council.

A tranquil and informal walking route that follows the course of the River Churn through the northern part of Cirencester, combining riverside scenery, wildlife, heritage and views across open green spaces. The route can be experienced in three connected sections, each with its own character.

Thomas Street to Barton Lane
A more enclosed urban route, with the River Churn and the Gumstool Stream flowing alongside high stone walls. About halfway along, the space opens out to views across pastureland, creating a quieter green area that is well used, particularly during the summer months.

Barton Lane to Gloucester Street Bridge
This section has a more rural character, with open land and tree-lined riverbanks, and features historic bridges near Barton Mill House and Gloucester Street.

Gloucester Street Bridge to Spitalgate Lane
This section includes Jack Gardner’s Memorial Garden, a more formal green space providing an important open area between the river and Abbey Way. Seating, memorial trees and landscaped planting offer places for rest and reflection, while weeping willows reinforce the waterside character.

Throughout its length, the River Walk offers: A peaceful walking route close to the town centre; Views across green open spaces and along the river; Important habitats for wildlife; Connections between key heritage sites, including the Abbey Grounds and City Bank Nature Reserve.

Some sections of the River Walk may be uneven or muddy after periods of heavy rainfall.

A peaceful open green space in north-east Cirencester, easily accessed from Chesterton Lane or via Cotswold Close on the edge of Querns Wood.

This scenic field is a favourite with dog walkers, casual sports and relaxation, and features outdoor gym equipment and a commemorative bench honouring those who served in the First World War.

Well connected to nearby paths, Four Acre Field forms part of the wider network of green spaces around Querns Wood and the Amphitheatre, offering space for informal play, fitness and quiet enjoyment close to the town.

A friendly neighbourhood green space in the heart of the Chesterton estate, offering plenty of opportunities for play, exercise and spending time outdoors.

‍Set within a landscaped area with flowers and benches, the park has lots to explore. Younger children will love the wooden train tunnels, while older children can make the most of the climbing frame and hill slide. There’s also plenty of open grass for running around and informal games, as well as a basketball court.

‍If you’re looking to be more active, an outdoor gym can be found in the neighbouring Thistle Field. For tips on using the equipment safely and ideas for simple workout routines, you can visit How To Use An Outdoor Gym | Beginner’s Guide & Tips.

‍The park can be accessed from Cranhams Lane or Springfield Road.

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