Cirencester

Roman history, independent shops and the Cotswold Lakes on the doorstep

Roman history, a busy market-town centre, excellent green spaces and quick access to the Cotswold Lakes make Cirencester one of the region’s easiest all-round bases.

PLACES TO KNOW

Eat, drink, explore and linger

Our picks linked to this destination — from pubs and restaurants to museums, walks and family-friendly stops.

Abbey Grounds, CirencesterBlack Jack StreetCharacterful side street of independent shops, cafés and small makers just off Cirencester's central routes.Cerney House GardensCirencester Market PlaceWorking market square at the heart of Cirencester, surrounded by the town's shops, cafés and historic wool buildings.Cirencester MarketsCirencester Open Air Swimming PoolCirencester ParkHistoric Bathurst Estate parkland within walking distance of town, with long views, marked walking routes, dog-friendly sections and The Old Kennels visitor hub.Cirencester Park Polo ClubHistoric polo venue on the edge of Cirencester, with match days and events that need advance date checking.Cirencester Roman AmphitheatreCorinium MuseumCirencester’s essential rainy-day stop, with an outstanding collection of Roman mosaics and local archaeology in the centre of town.Corinium Roman Town TrailTown-centre trail connecting Roman clues, museum collections and surviving traces of Corinium's streets.Cotswold Country Park & BeachCotswold Sculpture ParkCotswold Water ParkA network of lakes south of Cirencester for walking, cycling, birdwatching, paddle sports and family days outdoors.Fairford Market Place & St Mary’s ChurchA small Cotswold market town with a broad medieval market place and a remarkable church of medieval stained glass.Kelmscott ManorWilliam Morris’s country home beside the Thames, with preserved interiors, a cottage garden and a peaceful riverside setting.Kings Head Hotel, CirencesterCharacterful central hotel, pub and brasserie on the Market Place, combining period features with a polished food-and-drink offer.Lechlade Riverside & Thames PathA gentle riverside outing around Lechlade, with the Thames Path, St John’s Lock, meadows and independent cafés in town.New Brewery ArtsCraft galleries, maker studios, workshops, a shop and café in central Cirencester — particularly useful for a slower or rainy day.Parish Church of St John Baptist, CirencesterRodmarton ManorSherborne Village & AbbeyA quiet estate village with honey-coloured cottages, a medieval church and the remains of a former Augustinian abbey.St Michael’s ParkOpen town park with space for a picnic, a short break and family downtime between Cirencester's museums and shops.The Fleece, CirencesterDog-friendly historic inn on the Market Place with boutique bedrooms, a proper pub feel and seasonal food in the heart of Cirencester.