Things to do in Cirencester, Cotswolds: A local’s guide

From an important Roman settlement to a centre of the medieval wool trade, Cirencester has had a long and fascinating history. Styling itself as the ‘capital of the Cotswolds’, this market town on the River Churn is known for its independent shops and restaurants, pretty courtyards, golden stone church and acres of green space. So discover the best things to do in Cirencester, as well as the town’s top places to eat, drink and stay, with this insider’s guide from our local expert.

Cirencester’s history

Cirencester’s recorded history began when Roman Emperor Claudius invaded Britain in 43 AD and chose it as the location for a fort. By 75 AD, a town called Corinium Dobunnorum had replaced the fort, which became an important centre, with a grand amphitheatre, forum and basilica.

By the second century, Corinium Dobunnorum was the second largest Roman town in Britain, covering 240 acres with a population of 15,000.

It’s thought the Roman name came from a local Iron Age tribe, the Dobunni of the Cornovii. The Old English word corin (corn) gave the town – and River Churn – the start of its current name. And by the Domesday Book of 1086, cester (fort) had been added to make it ‘Cyrescestre’.

After Roman rule came to an end in the fifth century, Cirencester became a Saxon settlement. In 1117, Henry I founded the Augustinian St Mary’s Abbey, which took 50 years to build. The medieval wool trade made the abbey and town a wealthy place, with local cloth highly sought after.

The abbey was destroyed following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539. And the 1640s saw fighting in the streets as the Royalists and Parliamentarians battled it out during the English Civil War. The town was held by the Royalists from 1643–1645. And King Charles II spent the night of 11 September 1651 in Cirencester, on his way to France after the Battle of Worcester.

The wool industry thrived in Cirencester during the 16th and 17th centuries. But by the 18th century it was in decline, with Cirencester becoming a quiet market town. Farming and later tourism became the town’s main industries, and it’s now a popular place to visit, with a population of 20,000.

Map of Cirencester

Things to do in Cirencester

Shop the markets

Cirencester has a long history as a market town – its Charter Markets are some of the oldest in the country and were mentioned in the Domesday Book. Today, Charter Markets take place on Mondays (10am–3pm) and Fridays (9am–3pm) in the marketplace in front of the Church of St John the Baptist. You can pick up fresh produce, bread and cakes, plants, homewares and gifts.

Cirencester also has a farmers’ market on the second and fourth Sundays of the month (9am–2.30pm), and an arts and crafts market on the first Saturday of the month (9am–5pm). And the Corn Hall hosts a range of indoor markets, including craft, antique and general markets.

Church of St John the Baptist

Cirencester’s Church of St John the Baptist is one of the largest parish churches in England. The oldest part of the building dates from the 12th century and was part of St Mary’s Abbey. The church was rebuilt and added to over the following centuries, including its 15th-century tower.

Highlights include the fan-vaulted ceiling, medieval chapels with elaborate carved tombs, a 15th-century ‘wine-glass’ pulpit and the Anne Boleyn cup – a gift from Anne to a local doctor who treated her daughter (later to become Elizabeth I). You can take a tour of the church to find out about its history. Or climb the tower on selected dates (£5 per person) for views over Cirencester.

Corinium Museum

The award-winning Corinium Museum (entry £8.70 adults, £7.50 over 65s, £3.90 children aged 5–16) takes visitors on a tour through Cirencester’s history. As you’d guess from the name, there’s a strong focus on the Roman era, with mosaics and sculptures unearthed locally. You can find out how the Romans lived and worked in Corinium Dobunnorum over their centuries of occupation.

There are also galleries taking you through other periods of Cirencester’s past, with artefacts like Saxon gold jewellery, stonework from the medieval abbey and Civil War-era coins. And hands-on exhibits and regular family-friendly events help keep younger visitors interested.

Cirencester Amphitheatre

In its Roman heyday, Cirencester’s Amphitheatre was one of the biggest in the country. It was built just outside the town walls in the early second century and held 8000 spectators, who would come to see everything from gladiatorial contests and sporting events to public executions.

After the Romans left it was abandoned, and only excavated in the 1960s when Roman coins and remains of the original stands were uncovered. Today it’s looked after by English Heritage (free entry), and although only the earthworks remain you get a good idea of its huge scale.

New Brewery Arts

After the Cirencester Brewery closed down in 1937, its buildings were scheduled for demolition. But they were saved by a group of local artists and turned into craft workshops in 1978.

Now known as New Brewery Arts, you can still meet local makers and see them at work in their studios, as well as buying handcrafted jewellery, pottery and textiles in the shop. There’s also an exhibition space, café and craft classes for both adults and kids. Choose from weekly courses or one-off workshops in everything from jewellery-making to embroidery and lino printing.

The Barn Theatre

Located on the edge of Cirencester, The Barn Theatre started life as a Second World War Nissen hut, built to protect local people from bombing. Then after stints as a school and a community centre, it was transformed into a professional, 200-seat theatre which opened in 2018.

Despite it’s small size, The Barn boasts some impressive performances, with a mix of original dramas, touring productions, musical theatre and family entertainment. Shows for 2026 include Yes, Prime Minister and The King’s Speech, plus the popular annual Christmas pantomime.

Abbey Grounds

Cirencester has plenty of green space for a stroll or a picnic on a sunny day. The Abbey Grounds next to the church were once the site of 12th-century St Mary’s Abbey but are now a public park. The abbey was destroyed in 1539, just leaving a Norman Arch which you can see in the north-eastern corner. There’s also a section of an old Roman wall, a lake, bandstand and playground.

Cirencester Park

Cirencester Park has been the seat of the Bathurst family for over 300 years. It stretches across 3000 acres of woodland and open pasture, and is open to visitors daily from 8am–5pm. The main entrance is at the top of Cecily Hill and a day pass costs £4 adults (£2 children aged 5–15).

There’s miles of walking and horse-riding paths, with dogs welcome. You can get drinks and snacks from the Beano in the Park converted caravan, or visit the shops and restaurant in the Old Kennels. There are also occasional tours of the mansion house – hidden away behind the tallest yew hedge in the world – and the park hosts events like the Cotswold Show and Horse Trials.

Cirencester Open-Air Swimming Pool

The Cirencester Open-Air Swimming Pool was built in 1870 by the Bathurst family for the people of the town. It lies on the edge of Cirencester Park with a view of the old military barracks. The pool is open from May to September, with a 27-metre main pool and children’s pool, both of which are filled with natural spring water heated to 26°C, so you don’t need to worry about the cold.

There are a mix of lane and open swimming sessions (entry £6.50 adults, £5 over 60s/students, £3.30 children aged 4–16), with special dawn and night swims on selected evenings.

Walks from Cirencester

You can take a guided history walk around Cirencester led by members of the local Civic Society. Tours last 75–90 minutes and run several times a week between April and October. They start from the Market Square and you don’t need to book in advance. A £5 donation is suggested.

Cirencester Ramblers also have some self-guided local walking routes, including an easy 2.5-mile circular walk around Cirencester town centre, the Roman Amphitheatre and Cirencester Park. There’s also a 5-mile circular route through Cirencester Park to the village of Stratton. Or a 9.5-mile circular walk to the source of the River Thames along a disused canal and railway line.

Things to do near Cirencester

Just five miles south of Cirencester, the Cotswold Lakes has over 180 lakes set across 42 square miles. As well as being a nature reserve and wild bird habitat, there are lots of activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing, plus a beach and inflatables course.

There are also beautiful gardens nearby, including romantic Cerney House Gardens (4.5 miles) and the Arts and Crafts house and garden at Rodmarton Manor (9 miles). And the Cotswold Sculpture Park (5.5 miles) displays contemporary artworks in an outdoor art gallery.

Cirencester is also within easy reach of the picturesque Cotswold village of Bibury (8 miles), the wool town of Northleach (11 miles) and the antique shops of Tetbury (11 miles). Or learn more about the Cotswolds’ Roman history with a visit to Chedworth Roman Villa (10 miles).

Places to eat in Cirencester

Cafés and delis

One of our favourite Cirencester brunch spots is Jacks, next to the Corinium Museum, who serve tasty brunch bowls as well as pancakes and croffles (crispy waffle pressed croissants) with a range of sweet and savoury toppings. Then there are toasties and deli specials for lunch.

The pastel pink décor and flower wall at Luxe café bar have made it a favourite with Instagrammers. Sweet treats on the menu at their Swan Yard café include pancake stacks topped with Biscoff and Nutella hot chocolates. Or Phoenix Café in is Gloucestershire’s first Ukrainian café, serving top-notch coffee as well as brunches and traditional dishes like borscht and pierogi.

Cosy Diversitea Café inside the Corn Hall indoor market serves a range of ‘specialitea’ blends in vintage china cups. And they have homemade cakes, sandwiches and salads to go with them.

You can also shop for Cotswold produce at the nearby Corn Hall Deli, which stocks everything from cheeses and charcuterie to freshly made pies, pastries and sausage rolls.

Restaurants

In the scenic location of Cirencester Park’s Old Kennels, Roots + Seeds Café showcases sustainable local produce, with herbs, fruit and veg grown on site. It’s a bright, relaxed dog- and family-friendly spot for breakfast, lunch or coffee. We loved their crispy Corinium Ales battered fish and classic Caesar Salad, and they also do a delicious Sunday Roast Sharing Platter.

Right next door, Cattivo pizzeria is a new venture from the Roots + Seeds team, open Wednesdays–Sundays. Their crispy sourdough pizzas are fermented for 48 hours for extra flavour then topped with a mix of locally sourced and Italian ingredients, including San Marzano tomatoes, Fior di latte mozzarella and Parma ham. And their gluten-free pizzas are some of the best around.

Sam & Jak is a restaurant, café and wine bar serving up local, seasonal dishes, run by two chefs with a great local pedigree (learning their trade at the now-closed Made by Bob). The creative menu uses British produce with an international touch – think orecchiette pasta with white crab or pork schnitzel with confit cabbage – with attention to detail without any pretentiousness.

Amore Mio is an authentic Italian restaurant with a warm and welcoming feel. Their menu features classic Italian dishes, including bruschetta, seafood risotto, saltimbocca, pizzas, pasta and some amazing homemade gelato, alongside a range of wines from across Italy.

For something traditionally British, head to Malt & Anchor for fish and chips. They’re winners of the National Fish & Chip Awards, and source their seafood sustainably. As well as the usual cod and chips, you can also get panko-coated calamari or red shrimp, all to eat in or take away.

Or for something different, Josser is a secret restaurant under canvas tucked away in Cirencester’s St Michael’s Park. With just 50 covers, they offer cosy communal dining by candlelight with delicious flavours and lots of rustic charm. There’s a different theme to their set menu each month, starting with an Indonesian-inspired feast. They also do big, family-style Sunday lunches.

Pubs and bars

Located right in the marketplace, The Fleece has been welcoming guests since 1651. There’s a relaxed local’s bar for drinks, a lounge and dining room where you can have breakfast, lunch or dinner. The menu is gastropub-style, with signature dishes including pork belly and asparagus gnocchi. There are also 28 bedrooms set across three characterful historic buildings.

The Bear Inn is a popular pub on the corner of Dyer Street. Its 18th-century building has wood beams, open fires and a street-side beer garden. It’s run by the Butcombe Brewery and serves their beer alongside traditional pub dishes made with ingredients from the West Country.

Where to stay in Cirencester

Cirencester has some charming historic hotels with original features, including The Kings Head* opposite the Church of St John the Baptist. It has 64 boutique rooms, including Feature rooms with medieval, Tudor and Georgian details. There’s also a bar and brasserie. Read more…

Grade II-listed Ingleside House* is located on the edge of Cirencester, next to the Barn Theatre. It’s a change from the usual Cotswold country style, with décor inspired by The Great Gatsby that features dramatic colours, bold wallpaper and Art Deco details. There are 11 rooms and suites, a guest lounge and Téatro restaurant and piano bar, which hosts live music. Read more…

Cotswold Hare* is a boutique B&B in a quiet residential street a short walk from the centre of town. It has seven spacious en-suite bedrooms (two of which are dog-friendly), including a family room. A continental breakfast is included and there’s a conservatory for guests to relax in.

For a budget option, The Barrel Store* is a stylish, modern take on a YHA hostel which is part of the New Brewery Arts Centre and has been designed to be low carbon and environmentally friendly. There are no dormitories, just single, bunk, family and double rooms, some with en-suites and others with shared bathrooms. And there’s a communal lounge, kitchen and laundry.

Or if you prefer self-catering, The Cottage* is a Grade II-listed period property in central Cirencester with two double bedrooms. It’s decorated in light, contemporary style with original beams, a log burner, well-equipped kitchen, sheltered courtyard and off-road parking.

Looking for somewhere to stay in Cirencester?*

How to get to Cirencester

Cirencester by car

Cirencester is 15 miles southeast of Cheltenham and 17 miles northwest of Swindon. If you’re travelling from the north or south, leave the M5 at Junction 11a and follow the A417 towards Cirencester. Or leave the M4 at Junction 15 (from the east) or Junction 17 or 18 (from the west).

There are several pay and display car parks in Cirencester. There’s short-stay parking at the Brewery (GL7 1JL) and long-stay at the Abbey Grounds (GL7 2DA) and Waterloo (GL7 2PY). Or if you’re staying overnight, Beeches car park (GL7 1BW) on the edge of town is a cheaper option.

Cirencester by public transport

Cirencester’s nearest train station is Kemble, seven miles away. They’re connected by the Stagecoach 882 bus (Monday–Saturday) which takes 12 minutes. You can also take the train to Cheltenham and then catch the Stagecoach 51 bus (every day) to Cirencester in around 40 minutes.

Or if you’re travelling from London, there are direct National Express coach services from London Victoria to Cirencester several times a day, which take around 2.5 hours.

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