Cirencester guide: Things to do in Cirencester

Days out, Activity, Destinations

Posted by Kate Atkin on 13th June 2024

A shopping street in Cirencester with the church in the background

Crowned the capital of the Cotswolds, Cirencester is a market town with a fascinating history, stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and a welcoming community. Its charm draws in a wealth of visitors looking for a memorable base for their holiday in the Cotswolds.

Situated along the River Churn, there are so many things to do in Cirencester. From lounging on the beach to picking up souvenirs in arts, crafts, and antique markets, we’ve found some of the best days out in Cirencester to fill your time.

Discover why this town is one of the best places to stay in the Cotswolds and if you’re already dashing off to find your suitcase, then click the button below to browse our holiday cottages in Cirencester.

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Attractions in Cirencester

From incredible Roman ruins to beautiful beaches in Cirencester, there’s something for everyone in this charming Cotswolds town. Here are some of the top attractions and activities in Cirencester to enjoy during your stay. And if you’re still seeking inspiration for a day out, then have a read of our guide to the top things to do in the Cotswolds.


Some Roman coins and a collection of Roman pots

Discover some Roman history

Cirencester's history dates back to the Roman Empire, when it was an important economic and cultural hub. Known as Corinium, it was the second-largest town in Roman Britain, second only to London.

The Corinium Museum in Cirencester houses an extensive collection of locally excavated artefacts from the Roman period, including intricate mosaics, pottery, and everyday objects. It also has plenty of interactive exhibits, making it one of the best things to do in Cirencester for kids.

The undulating hills where Cirencester Amphitheatre once stood

Following that taste for Roman history, a visit to the Cirencester Amphitheatre is a must. Now in the care of English Heritage, it was once one of the biggest amphitheatres in the country, holding around 8,000 spectators who came to witness gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and other public performances. While it may not be intact like similar examples found across the globe, this ancient monument is one of the best free things to do in Cirencester.

Complete your historic tour of the town by exploring one of the largest Roman villas in Britain. Chedworth Roman Villa is a beautifully restored National Trust property, with spectacular mosaic flooring still in situ, as well as bathhouses, and a water shrine. An on-site museum presents fascinating finds from this 4th-century ruin and the local area.


Looking across the river at the Abbey Grounds

Enjoy a picnic in a park or garden

Cirencester is surrounded by beautiful parks and green spaces, so there are plenty of opportunities for picnics among nature.

A favourite is Cirencester Park where you’ll find 3,000 acres of parkland, woods, and gardens. Forming part of the expansive Bathurst Estate, it’s free to wander on foot or by bike, with a myriad of scenic trails to follow. Visitors can also take part in activities like fishing, horseback riding, and golf.

Alternatively, while away a sunny afternoon in the Abbey Grounds. Set behind the picturesque Church of St John Baptist, this glorious 12-acre park was once home to a medieval abbey and you can still see the remains of its iconic Norman Arch. Admire the colourful, formal gardens, relax by the river, let the kids go wild in the playground and petting zoo, or enjoy one of the regular concerts at the bandstand.

A bench in the Abbey Grounds and the bandstand

Another park worth visiting, especially if you’re on holiday in Cirencester with the whole family, is St Michael’s Park. Tennis courts, crazy golf, a play area, table tennis, croquet, pétanque, and BBQ hire are all on offer here, and a kiosk serves snacks and drinks all week.

Finally, there’s Cerney House Gardens. The Victorian Walled Garden here is one of the most enchanting gardens in the Cotswolds, brimming with brilliantly coloured flowers, both native and exotic. This is one of the best places to visit near Cirencester for anyone who loves a mix of history and nature.


A boy kayaking in the Cotswold Water Park

Try some exhilarating water sports

For those seeking exciting days out in Cirencester, how about some wet and wild water sports? The Cotswold Water Park encompasses more than 150 lakes over 40 square miles and is a haven for outdoor lovers. This vast landscape of lakes, wetlands, and open countryside flaunts a wide range of activities and attractions, including walking, birdwatching, horse riding, archery, and golf.

It’s also home to several dedicated water sports centres, which offer everything from stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking to windsurfing, water skiing and wakeboarding. For more information, read our guide to the Cotswold Water Park.

A couple enjoying water sports and a child tackling an inflatable obstacle course

Did you know that there is also a beach in Cirencester? The Cotswold Country Park and Beach offers the opportunity to swim and sunbathe along the shores of an inland freshwater lake. Take to the water in a pedalo, paddleboard, or kayak, or challenge yourself to AquaVenture – the largest inflatable waterpark in the area. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, there’s a pizzeria and ice cream shop, as well as BBQ pitches that you can hire.

And if that’s not enough, the town is also home to Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool. Originally built in 1870, this Art Deco-style pool is open from May to September and is the perfect spot to take a dip on a warm summer’s day. The natural spring water is heated to an average temperature of 27 degrees and has fantastic views of the Cecily Gates and surrounding parkland.


Shopping and markets in Cirencester

Cirencester has a traditional town centre with plenty of shopping streets, where you’ll find a great mix of high-street favourites and independent retailers.


A shopping street in Cirencester on a sunny day

Independent shops

A great place to begin your Cirencester shopping excursion is on Black Jack Street, one of the town’s oldest streets. It is lined with boutiques selling everything from handcrafted jewellery and artisanal chocolates to vintage clothing and one-of-a-kind artwork.

Another must-visit destination for shopping in Cirencester is the Stable Yard, a collection of independent shops and cafes housed in a characterful, historic building. With its cobblestone courtyard and ivy-covered walls, it is as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the shopping bag.


Someone buying eggs at a farmers' market

Markets

For local produce and crafts, visit the open-air Cirencester Farmers' Market, which takes place every second and fourth Saturday of the month in the Market Place. Here, you can fill your bags with a mouth-watering array of fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade gifts and souvenirs.

And speaking of markets, you can’t miss the Corn Hall Cirencester which hosts a variety of different markets throughout the year. One of the most popular is the Antiques and Collectables Market which sees the huge Victorian building come alive with over 200 stalls offering vintage items, from furniture and jewellery to books and ephemera.


A potter making a clay pot and someone purchasing a candle

Arts and crafts

Alternatively, fans of the arts should make a beeline for New Brewery Arts, a converted Victorian brewery housing a contemporary art gallery, maker studios, craft shop and cafe. Among the on-site makers are ceramicists, glassblowers, stained-glass painters, jewellers, textile artists, bookbinders, and upholsterers, and after you’ve seen them at work, you can purchase their crafts in the shop.


Hands holding a burger at a festival and a plane at the Royal International Air Tattoo

Events and festivals in Cirencester

Throughout the year, there are a plethora of exciting annual events in Cirencester that showcase the town's vibrant community spirit. Here are a few notable Cirencester festivals and events to look forward to.


Walks in Cirencester

Situated in the Cotswolds National Landscape, it should come as no surprise that there is an abundance of scenic walks in Cirencester to experience. Here are some of the best trails or for more inspiration in the wider area, browse our guide to the best walks in the Cotswolds.


A couple walking through Cirencester Park on the Whereat Trail

The Whereat Trail

Set up to commemorate Norman Whereat, who spent many years serving the Cirencester community, the Whereat Trail is one of the most popular Cirencester walks as it takes in so many of the town’s iconic landmarks. It begins at the Corinium Museum and meanders past the Bathurst Estate, the WWII museum, the Roman amphitheatre, Querns Wood, and the Parish Church of St John Baptist.

Good to know

  • Length: 1 mile
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Facilities: There are WCs and cafes dotted along the route and in the town

Two people walking along a footpath in the scuplture park

Cotswold Sculpture Park

Combine a gentle walk with some art on a relaxing amble around the Cotswold Sculpture Park. More than 170 individual sculptures from local and international artists can be admired along the winding pathways of this 10-acre park. The trail traverses through lightly wooded areas, glades of wildflowers, and rolling green fields. The sculpture park is open seasonally and entry tickets are £9 per adult and £3 per child.

Good to know

  • Length: Varies
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Facilities: Tearoom and WCs

Light streaming through the trees in Harebushes Wood

Harebushes Wood

If you’re looking for family-friendly walks in Cirencester, then Harebushes Wood offers a lovely circular trail. This 70-acre wood is part of the Chester-Master Estate and allows walkers to enjoy a peaceful stroll among the trees, listening to melodic birdsong. It’s particularly beautiful in spring when the woodland floor is carpeted in a purple blanket of bluebells.

Good to know

  • Length: 3 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Facilities: Abbey Home Farm is less than a mile away and has a café, farm shop and WCs

Places to eat in Cirencester

With so many things to do in Cirencester, it won’t be long before you’ve worked up an appetite. Discover some of our favourite cafes, restaurants, and pubs in Cirencester when you need to refuel.


Friends having a drink in a pub

The Fleece

For pub classics that are a cut above the rest, head to The Fleece. This cosy Cirencester gastropub serves up classic British pub fare with a modern twist. The extensive menu boasts a mouthwatering array of dishes, from hearty pies and steaks to lighter salads and vegetarian options, all prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Our guide to the best pubs in the Cotswolds highlights some more welcoming waterholes to visit during your stay.

Good to know

  • Location: Market Place, Cirencester, GL7 2NZ
  • Opening times: Food is served Monday–Sunday 12pm–9pm
  • Why not try: Roasted pork belly with black pudding bonbon, mashed potato, pickled apple puree, and wilted rainbow chard
  • Stay nearby: Corinium Cottage | Sleeps 2 + 3 dogs

A pizza about to go in a wood-fired oven

Amore Mio

In the mood for pizza and pasta? Then take a seat in Amore Mio, one of the best restaurants in Cirencester. Delicious wines, fresh authentic Italian food, and irresistible desserts make this a top spot for a memorable feast. They even offer a takeaway service if you want to enjoy their flavours in the comfort of your Cirencester holiday cottage.

Good to know

  • Location: 1 Brewery Court, Cricklade Street, Cirencester, GL7 1JH
  • Opening times: Tuesday–Thursday 12.30pm–3pm and 5.30pm–9pm, Friday–Saturday 12pm–3pm and 5pm–10.30pm, Sunday 12.30pm–3pm and 5.30pm–9pm
  • Why not try: Linguine with mixed seafood cooked in a white wine sauce with cherry tomatoes, garlic and fresh chilli, topped with steamed black mussels with shells and a black tiger king prawn
  • Stay nearby: The Little Town Apartment Cirencester | Sleeps 2

Pouring a glass of pink fizz

Luxe Café Bar

Known as an ‘Instagrammable coffee shop’, Luxe Café Bar is widely regarded as one of the top cafes in Cirencester, especially for those who appreciate their food looking as good as it tastes. With beautifully pink décor, signature boozy ‘pink drinks’, tasty treats, and cream teas, it’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon relaxing with friends. Be sure to check out our guide to the top 6 English cream teas in the Cotswolds for more local places to sample some sweet treats.

Good to know

  • Location: Swan Yard, Luxe, Market Place, Cirencester, GL7 2NH
  • Opening times: Monday–Saturday 9am–5pm, Sunday 10am–4pm
  • Why not try: Afternoon tea which includes finger sandwiches, a cream tea, and a selection of cakes, with an optional glass of pink prosecco
  • Stay nearby: Reindeer Cabin At The Cotswold Reindeer Herd | Sleeps 4

Map of the best things to do in Cirencester

Find all the above places and things to do in Cirencester on our handy map.

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Holiday cottages in Cirencester

With so many exciting places to visit in Cirencester, you’ll need a relaxing base to call home in between adventures. Whether you’re a couple, a family, or bringing the dog, you’re sure to find the perfect self-catering accommodation in Cirencester by clicking the button below.

Browse our Cirencester cottages

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.