Whether or not you’re a historical past fanatic, an artwork lover, or just looking for a calming getaway, there are numerous nice issues to do in Cirencester. Guests can discover the beautiful structure of the Church of St. John the Baptist, wander by means of the bustling market sq., or benefit from the serene landscapes of Cirencester Park.
Uncover what makes this market city a must-visit vacation spot. Our checklist of the highest points of interest and actions helps make planning your journey to Cirencester straightforward.
The place Is Cirencester?
Cirencester is a market city in Gloucestershire, England. It’s situated within the Cotswold Hills, roughly 80 miles (130 kilometers) west of London.
The city is sometimes called the “Capital of the Cotswolds” as a consequence of its central location inside this scenic space. It’s about 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Cheltenham and 17 miles (27 km) northwest of Swindon.
The River Churn, a tributary of the River Thames, flows by means of the city.
A Transient Historical past of Cirencester
Cirencester has a wealthy historical past courting again to Roman instances. It was generally known as Corinium Dobunnorum and was the second-largest city in Roman Britain after London.
Cirencester was an essential administrative heart with main Roman roads intersecting right here. A Roman amphitheater and elaborate public buildings have been constructed throughout this time.
After the Roman withdrawal, it turned a part of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia. Cirencester Abbey was based in 1117, boosting the city’s significance.
In the course of the medieval interval, Cirencester prospered as a wool buying and selling heart. St. John the Baptist Church, which is without doubt one of the largest parish church buildings in England, was constructed.
The wool commerce continued to flourish within the Sixteenth-Seventeenth centuries, aka the Tudor and Stuart Eras. Cirencester was held by a number of completely different forces throughout the English Civil Struggle.
Within the Georgian and Victorian Eras, it turned a modern market city. The Royal Agricultural Faculty (now college) was based in 1845.
Immediately, Cirencester is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot identified for its Roman historical past, stunning Cotswold stone structure, and surrounding countryside.
High Issues to Do in Cirencester, Cotswolds
Listed here are the highest issues to do close to Cirencester that showcase its wealthy historical past, distinctive tradition, and beautiful landscapes.
These locations encapsulate the essence of days out in Cirencester; every place affords distinctive experiences that mix historic discovery with up to date enjoyment.
1. Corinium Museum
The Corinium Museum transports you to the period when Cirencester was acknowledged as Corinium, a significant location in Roman Britain. This fashionable vacationer attraction which opened in 1938 options an intensive compilation of historical artifacts bringing to mild the city’s ample historical past.
Guests can respect a number of the most finely conserved Roman mosaics in England, look at remnants from Roman Britain, and uncover riches that depict day by day life centuries again. The collections have been initially made by the Fourth Earl Bathurst and Main Wilfred Cripps and introduced to the city in 1936.
Each show narrates a story, providing an understanding of how people lived, labored, and loved on this historic hub.
2. Unbiased Retailers
Take time to discover the various, stand-alone shops adorning the streets of Cirencester. Visiting these retailers is undoubtedly a spotlight for anybody looking for enjoyable actions on this picturesque city.
These enchanting boutiques provide hand-crafted presents, custom-made clothes and native hand-made meals, making them excellent spots to expertise in Cirencester. Every retailer exudes a singular aura and attraction, providing guests a customized procuring expertise distinct from normal retail chains.
These shops not solely empower native artisans and producers but additionally play a necessary position in sustaining the city’s full of life neighborhood. Within the Corn Corridor there are indoor markets going down on daily basis of the week – from the Friday Antiques & Collectables Market to the Saturday Craft Market.
3. Cirencester Park Polo Membership & Brasserie
With its illustrious heritage firmly rooted in Cotswold custom, Cirencester Park Polo Membership stands as an embodiment of class and athleticism. The membership’s wealthy historical past and dedication to selling polo as each a sport and a social occasion make it a must-visit for sports activities fans and cultural explorers alike.
Established in 1894, that is the oldest polo area and membership within the UK. In a scenic setting, guests can witness thrilling polo matches and tournaments.
Whether or not observing seasoned gamers or studying easy methods to play polo on their fastidiously maintained grounds, guests are certain to be charmed by the timeless attract of this esteemed sporting venue. We had nice enjoyable throughout our polo lesson with Ollie, who’s an knowledgeable trainer.
The Cirencester Park Polo Brasserie serves scrumptious do-it-yourself meals ready by proficient chef Ethan Rodgers and workforce. There’s ample seating indoors and in addition a terrace overlooking the grounds.
We loved a 3 course lunch with prawn cocktail, sea bass with heritage tomatoes, rooster salad and Eton Mess to complete. The restaurant is open from Wednesday to Sunday.
4. Barn Theatre
The Barn Theatre is a cultural gem in Cirencester, providing top-notch dwell performances and leisure. This theatre showcases a various vary of productions, together with traditional performs, musicals, and up to date works.
With its dedication to excellence, The Barn Theatre has gained recognition as probably the greatest locations to expertise performing arts in Cirencester. Company can seize dinner at Teatro, the on-site restaurant or a drink within the Barn Theatre bar.
Past its creative choices, The Barn Theatre actively engages with the neighborhood by means of academic packages and outreach initiatives. The theater’s dedication to enriching the lives of residents and guests alike provides depth to its position as a vibrant cultural hub inside Cirencester.
5. Cirencester Park
Cirencester Park, a historic property courting again to the eleventh century, spans over 3,000 acres of beautiful parkland. It’s house to an array of wildlife and affords picturesque strolling trails for guests to discover.
The expansive grounds additionally present the right setting for picnics and leisurely strolls amidst historical woodlands and manicured gardens. As you wander by means of this idyllic house, hold a watch out for the spectacular structure of Cirencester Mansion Home, which stands on the coronary heart of the park.
Cirencester Park has been fastidiously maintained since its creation in 1702 by the primary Earl of Bathurst. Guests should pay to enter sections of the park, though a move shouldn’t be required to enter The Previous Kennels, its courtyards, the play space and the Jubilee Neighborhood Arboretum.
6. Dinner at Teatro
At Teatro, bask in a pleasant eating expertise with a various menu that includes Italian and Mediterranean delicacies. The restaurant affords an intimate and alluring environment, excellent for a romantic dinner or a particular celebration. There’s a big courtyard backyard for sunny days, and a piano bar part the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in dwell music a number of nights every week.
Teatro gives a super setting to savor delectable dishes ready utilizing recent native elements. Company may also take pleasure in an intensive number of tremendous wines to enrich their meal.
This acclaimed Cirencester restaurant stands out for its distinctive service and a spotlight to element in each its menu choices and presentation. Whether or not you’re craving traditional pasta dishes or revolutionary seafood creations, Teatro’s menu caters to numerous tastes whereas showcasing the best flavors of the area.
We extremely suggest the Twice Baked Cheese Souffle, Burrata with Heritage Tomatoes and the Moules Marinieres, in addition to the Native Breed Pork Store ready on a Josper grill. End with a succulent Chocolate Delice or a Sticky Toffee Pudding.
The restaurant’s dedication to offering a memorable eating expertise makes it a must-visit vacation spot for these trying to take pleasure in an unforgettable meal throughout their keep within the Cotswolds.
7. St John Baptist Cirencester
St John Baptist Church in Cirencester proudly holds the title of the biggest parish church in Gloucestershire. Courting again to the twelfth century, this historic monument showcases a formidable Perpendicular Gothic structure and is famend for its beautiful medieval stained glass home windows.
Moreover, the church is house to a group of superbly carved picket screens from the fifteenth century, a uncommon Saxon arch and Anne Boleyn’s Cup. Company can take guided excursions to discover the wealthy historical past and architectural significance of this iconic landmark.
The Church of St John Baptist additionally hosts varied occasions all year long, together with classical live shows and artwork exhibitions, making it not only a place of worship but additionally a cultural hub inside Cirencester’s vibrant neighborhood.
8. Abbey Grounds
Abbey Grounds, located within the coronary heart of Cirencester, is a scenic park with charming inexperienced areas and spectacular historic stays. Guests can discover the remnants of a Roman wall and see the unique Norman gate home.
The park additionally boasts a captivating lake the place one can take pleasure in a leisurely stroll by the water’s edge. All year long, varied occasions and actions are hosted right here, creating an attractive environment for locals and vacationers alike.
With its mix of historical past and pure magnificence, Abbey Grounds affords guests a possibility to immerse themselves in each the heritage and tranquility of Cirencester.
9. New Brewery Arts
New Brewery Arts hosts an array of up to date crafts, together with ceramics, glasswork, and jewellery. It gives a platform for native artists to showcase their work and affords workshops for guests to attempt their hand at varied craft actions.
The gallery store options distinctive handmade merchandise which are excellent as souvenirs or presents. Guests may also benefit from the on-site café, serving regionally sourced delicacies and providing a calming house to unwind.
The New Brewery Arts is understood for its various assortment of artworks and crafts, making it a must-visit attraction in Cirencester. With its concentrate on native expertise and hands-on experiences by means of workshops, it has turn out to be a hub for creativity inside the neighborhood.
10. Roman Amphitheatre
The Roman Amphitheatre in Cirencester is a formidable historic web site that dates again to the Roman occupation of Britain. With a capability for over 8,000 folks, this historical construction was as soon as used for public occasions and gladiatorial fight.
The stays of the amphitheater are well-preserved, providing guests a glimpse into the previous and offering a possibility to soak up its wealthy historical past.
Notably, Cirencester Roman Amphitheatre stands as a powerful testomony to the area’s previous, and it additionally affords beautiful views of the encircling countryside. Located on Cotswold limestone, it serves as an intriguing attraction for historical past fans and curious vacationers alike.
The positioning gives a captivating perception into life throughout the Roman period whereas including depth to Cirencester’s attraction as a prime historic vacation spot inside the Cotswolds.
11. Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool
Since 1870, Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool affords a refreshing expertise on the coronary heart of Cirencester. With various opening hours from morning to early night, guests can take pleasure in a dip or some leisurely swimming.
This spring water pool is situated on Riverside Stroll and is a perfect spot for households and people to unwind and funky off throughout heat climate.
With altering rooms and a tuck store serving drinks and ice lotions, this attraction caters to all ages looking for to take advantage of the outside whereas staying energetic and having fun with a swim underneath sunny skies.
12. Dinner at Stratton Home
Stratton Home affords a pleasant eating expertise in Cirencester. The menu encompasses a mixture of traditional British delicacies and regionally sourced elements.
With its elegant ambiance and attentive service, The Backyard Restaurant is a perfect spot for guests trying to savor native flavors in consolation and elegance. Company can bask in dishes similar to baked camembert and pan-seared sea bass or succulent roasted lamb whereas having fun with the charming environment of this historic constructing.
The fastidiously curated wine checklist enhances every dish completely, including to the general culinary expertise. In Summertime, friends can dine on the terrace with its picturesque backyard views.
13. Water Sports activities at Cotswold Water Park
Discover a wide range of water sports activities at Cotswold Water Park, excellent for adventurers searching for extra than simply sightseeing. With 180 lakes and an array of actions, together with paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, and crusing, there’s one thing for everybody.
Whether or not you’re navigating the intricate waterways or venturing on custom-made experiences tailor-made in direction of adrenaline seekers, the park affords an ever-changing realm of aquatic adventures.
Not solely does it function one of many prime points of interest in Cirencester but additionally gives a first-hand expertise for thrill-seekers. So should you’re contemplating diving into exhilarating water-based actions throughout your go to to Cirencester, contemplate the choices at Cotswold Water Park.
14. Supply of the River Thames
Take into account a go to to the supply of the River Thames for a singular expertise. The Thames begins as a small spring within the village of Kemble close to Cirencester, the place guests can witness the common-or-garden starting of England’s most well-known river.
Surrounded by picturesque countryside, this group of seasonal springs affords a serene setting for nature lovers and outside fans.
The supply of River Thames is a necessary cease for these excited about understanding the historical past and pure fantastic thing about the Cotswolds area. There’s a marker stone in a meadow known as Trewsbury Mead, which has the very best situated springs.
15. Cotswold Sculpture Park
Situated simply outdoors Cirencester, the Cotswold Sculpture Park presents a formidable 10-acre outside gallery that showcases over 300 sculptures created by greater than 80 completely different artists.
Set amidst stunning environment, this park affords a singular alternative to understand up to date artwork in a peaceable and pure setting. Guests can wander by means of the serene panorama whereas admiring all kinds of sculptures crafted from supplies similar to stone, steel, and wooden.
With its various vary of items on show all year long, this park is a hidden gem ready to be explored by vacationers looking for one thing distinctive throughout their go to to Cirencester.
16. Chedworth Roman Villa
A go to to Chedworth Roman Villa affords perception into the realm’s wealthy historical past. The villa, courting again to the 2nd century AD, is an distinctive archaeological web site that includes well-preserved Roman mosaics and bathhouses.
This historical property gives a glimpse into the lavish way of life of its former inhabitants and showcases superior heating techniques that have been forward of their time.
Chedworth Roman Villa is without doubt one of the largest in England and boasts charming shows of intricate mosaic flooring, illustrating scenes from classical mythology. Guests may also witness how the Romans ingeniously managed water provide on this grand property.
17. Cotswold Nation Park and Seashore
Cotswold Nation Park and Seashore boasts the biggest inland seashore within the UK. The park spans 42 sq. miles and affords alternatives for biking, SUP and kayaking, hen watching, mini golf, and picnicking towards the picturesque backdrop of the Cotswold Water Park.
The factitious seashore space is ideal for households to take pleasure in swimming or constructing sandcastles within the designated protected swim zone. There’s an array of amenities like a café, playgrounds, BBQ areas, and bookable pedal go-karts.
AquaVenture is the biggest inflatable waterpark within the space.
The place to Keep in Cirencester
Ingleside Home stands out as one of many prime accommodations in Cirencester, providing fashionable lodging and wonderful service. Situated on Beeches Highway inside strolling distance of Cirencester city heart, friends can simply discover the native impartial retailers and vacationer points of interest.
This elegant resort boasts 11 well-appointed rooms and suites, providing friends a calming retreat in a picturesque setting. The Grade II listed constructing has undergone cautious restoration to protect its historic options whereas incorporating all mod cons.
We beloved the Roberts radio and lovely tub in our King Dimension Tremendous Deluxe Room. The Backyard Room is one other stunning house, open to resort residents.
Ingleside Home has a well-liked restaurant known as Teatro. The constructing additionally contains occasion areas for varied capabilities and an enormous backyard.
The serene environment of Ingleside Home present a peaceable retreat after a day of exploring Cirencester’s points of interest or participating in outside actions at Cotswold Water Park or Chedworth Roman Villa.
How one can Get to Cirencester
There are a number of methods to get to Cirencester, relying in your place to begin and most well-liked mode of transportation:
- By Automobile:
- From London: Take the M4 westbound, then exit onto the A419 north in direction of Cirencester.
- From Birmingham: Take the M5 southbound, then exit onto the A417 in direction of Cirencester.
- The city is definitely accessible from different elements of the UK through the A417 and A429.
- By Practice:
- The closest prepare station is Kemble, about 4 miles (6.4 km) from Cirencester.
- Common providers run from London Paddington to Kemble (journey time about 1 hour quarter-hour).
- From Kemble, you’ll be able to take a taxi or bus to Cirencester.
- By Air:
- The closest airports are Bristol (46 miles/74 km) and Birmingham (64 miles/103 km).
- From these airports, you’ll be able to lease a automobile or take public transport to Cirencester.
Parking in Cirencester
Parking in Cirencester is mostly well-managed, with a number of choices accessible. Right here’s an summary of parking within the city:
- Automobile Parks:
- Discussion board: A big, central automobile park with each brief and long-stay choices.
- The Brewery: One other centrally situated automobile park, good for brief stays.
- Waterloo: Appropriate for longer stays, barely farther from the middle.
- Abbey Grounds: Near the city heart, good for brief visits.
- The Beeches: An extended-stay automobile park, barely additional out however nonetheless walkable to the middle.
- On-Road Parking:
- Restricted on-street parking is offered within the city heart, normally with time restrictions.
- Some residential areas close to the middle have parking restrictions, so verify indicators fastidiously.
- Park and Experience:
- Cirencester doesn’t have a devoted park and experience service, however a number of the outer automobile parks (like Beeches) serve an identical function.
- Disabled Parking:
- Designated disabled parking areas can be found in most automobile parks and a few on-street places.
- Cost Choices:
- Most automobile parks provide pay-and-display machines accepting cash and typically playing cards.
- Some automobile parks could have cellular fee choices – verify native signage for particulars.
Conclusion
Discover Cirencester, Cotswolds with a plethora of actions and experiences. Immerse your self within the fascinating historical past at Corinium Museum or take pleasure in a calming stroll by means of Abbey Grounds.
It’s also possible to bask in outside adventures at Cotswold Water Park or go to the outstanding Chedworth Roman Villa. Whether or not you’re a historical past buff, nature lover, or journey seeker, Cirencester affords one thing for everybody to take pleasure in!
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