It may appear sleepy, but Cirencester and the Cotswolds have a wealth of activities

for HISTORY buffs

Known as the Capital of the Cotswolds, Cirencester is a bustling market town with a long history. In Roman times it was called Corinium and was the second largest town after London. The Roman legacy can still be found in the local Ampitheatre and Corinium Museum, which houses many original mosaics which were discovered in the town. 

The town was destroyed by the Saxons in the 6th century but came back to prominence in Medieval times as the centre for the prosperous wool trade. Many of the town’s narrow streets take their names from this time.  

We highly recommend taking a walking tour with the Cirencester Civic Society to learn more about this period. They start outside the St John Baptist Church. The wool church dates from 1490 and dominates the Marketplace. It is a welcoming place to spend a bit of time and features a silver-gilt cup that once belonged to Anne Boleyn. 

for Arts and Culture lovers

The Barn Theatre is an award-winning independent theatre located in the heart of the town. Alongside its critically acclaimed productions, it runs cinema screenings of the latest movies and theatre productions from the National Theatre Live. 

New Brewery Arts, which is located in the town’s former Brewery building, is a charity dedicated to transforming lives through craft. Entrance to its gallery is free and worth a visit to see the best of UK craft. Watch makers in action in their many courtyard studios (including a glass blowing studio) or sign up to one of their diverse range of workshops to try your hand at making. 

for Shoppers

Cirencester is a haven to independent shops and makers. Whether it’s the quaint boutiques and shops of Black Jack Street – home to the renowned Octavia’s Bookshop – or  the many levels of the Cirencester Antiques Centre, there’s something for everyone. Markets are regularly held in the Marketplace and in the Corn Hall, which includes night markets in the summer and Christmas periods. 

for Outdoorsy types

Picture the English countryside and it’s hard to beat the beautiful grounds of Cirencester Park, home of the The 9th Earl and Countess Bathurst. From the pretty Cecily Hill entrance you can stroll up the impressive avenue or explore the wooded pathways – the 3,000 acre-grounds were designed by renowned landscape architect Alexander Pope. 

Just off the Market Place, lies the Abbey Grounds. Here you can walk the outline of the St Mary’s Abbey, which was destroyed in the Dissolution in 1539, walk the old Roman wall, see the historic Norman Arch, or simply enjoy the lake. 

From May to September, the town’s Open Air Swimming Pool opens to the public. The heated outdoor pool is a popular spot, especially during the warmer months. Dating back to 1870, it has recently been refurbished and is the perfect place to while away an afternoon. 

Key Events

Cheltenham Races: March
Four extraordinary days of racing.

Giffords Circus: April-September 
A magical, village-green, travelling circus brought to you by Giffords Circus. Touring England throughout the summer. 

Cheltenham Festivals (Jazz, Science, Literature and Music): April-Oct
Four world-class Festivals which convene established and emerging artists, writers and thinkers annually for a public celebration of Jazz, Science, Music and Literature

Badminton Horse Trials: May
A five-day horse trial event.

Cotswold Show: June 
Country show held in Cirencester Park that caters for all the family with fairground rides alongside popular country attractions such as equine demonstrations. 

The Royal International Air Tattoo: July
See aircraft and nations descend on Fairford for a festival of flight.

Pheonix Festival: August 
Community music and arts festival that offers two days of music, dance and family fun in the Abbey Grounds, Cirencester. 

Cirencester History Festival: October 
Terrific programme of local, national and global history, reaching out to the curious of every age with stimulating talks and lectures, family events and community activities. 

Further afield

Organic Farm Shop 
Fantastic farm shop and cafe with beautiful countryside walks through the fields and woods. 

Cotswold Water Parks 
Diverse range of lakes that include watersports and wild swimming at Lake 32, Cotswold Country Park and Beach, country activities such as archery and shooting and much more. 

Cerney House Gardens 
Romantic Victorian walled garden in the grounds of a private manor house with its own cafe that comes alive in the summer months. 

Westonbirt 
The national arboretum is home to 2500 different species from the far corners of the globe and 5 national tree collections. 
 

Surrounding Towns

Tetbury: Location of Royal residence Highgrove and home to King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort of the United Kingdom. 

Bibury: Picturesque village on the River Coln that is home to Arlington Row, which historically featured on the inside cover of the British passport.  

Bourton-on-the-Water: Known as the Venice of the Cotswolds, it comes alive in the summer as visitors picnic on the banks and dip their feet in the River Windrush. 

Stroud: Alternative mill town that is home to a popular farmers market.