Cirencester is a charming market town located in the heart of the Cotswolds. With a rich history dating back to Roman times, there are many wonderful things to do in Cirencester from exploring the bustling town center to nearby nature walks, stately homes, and more.
The town is home to lots of boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes and there are weekly markets, as well as a bi-monthly farmers’ market, selling local produce, beers, wines, and handmade goods. Some of the top places to visit in Cirencester include the Corinium Museum and the Roman Amphitheatre.
I’ve been visiting the Cotswolds for years and I often find Cirencester makes a great base for exploring the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The nearby towns and villages such as Bibury, Bourton on the Water, Stroud, and Chipping Norton are all reachable in under an hour by car. Have a look at Discover Cars for discounts on rentals.
Best Things To Do in Cirencester
Below, you’ll find a selection of the best things to do in Cirencester from exploring the charming town center to relaxing in the many parks and gardens and checking out historic sites and museums like the Roman amphitheater and villa at Chedworth.
1. Shop at the Weekly Markets
One of the best things to do in Cirencester is to check out the weekly markets. The Charter Market takes place every Monday and Friday in the Market Place between 10 am and 3 pm. Here, you can pick up a range of goods from locally made foods and drinks to handicrafts, clothes, and gifts.
Around the Market Place, you’ll also find the Corn Hall Indoor Market which holds regular specialty stalls from artisan foods to vintage clothing and more. On the second and fourth Saturday of the month is the Cirencester Farmers’ Market where you can pick up specialty food, drinks, and produce from local farmers.
Browsing the markets is one of my favorite things to do when I’m in town and I know whenever I visit, I’m sure to end up buying a few bits and pieces (usually handmade cooking sauces and local brews). The Market Place overlooks the stunning Chuch of St John the Baptist which is well worth checking out too (see below).
Address: Bingham House, 1 Dyer St, Cirencester GL7 2NX, United Kingdom. Click here for directions.
2. Visit the Corinium Museum
If, like me, you’re fascinated by Roman history, (being born in the Roman capital of Britain probably has something to do with it), then you’ll want to head to the excellent Corinium Museum which houses one of the most impressive Roman collections in the country.
Here, you’ll find a wealth of locally excavated remains and exhibits from floor mosaics to sculptures and much more. This is one of the best museums in the country and is well worth an hour or two to browse the displays. This is one of the best things to do in Cirencester for families as it’s both educational and engaging.
The Corinium is open from 10 am until 5 pm from Monday to Saturday and 2 pm until 5 pm on Sundays. Entrance costs £7.40 for adults and £4.60 for children aged 5 to 16. There’s a gift shop and cafe that sells hot and cold drinks and light snacks.
Address: Corinium Museum, Park St, Cirencester GL7 2BX, United Kingdom. Click here for directions.
3. Take a Walk Around Cirencester Park
The gorgeous Cirencester Park was originally created as a deer park in the 18th Century and also served as a military base during the First and Second world wars. The park covers an area of over 3,000 acres of woodland and open pasture that was once considered the largest park in the world.
The park is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm and is free to enter. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a lead, and there are designated signposted trails specifically for dog walking. Inside the park, you’ll find the impressive Cecily Hill Gates which is a Grade I listed building used to form part of the military barracks.
Just inside the Cecily Hill Gates is the Beano coffee stand where you can grab a coffee and a snack. You can also pick up supplies from one of the supermarkets in the town as the park is the perfect place for a picnic. There isn’t an entry fee and so visiting the park is one of the best free things to do in Cirencester.
Address: Cecily Hill, Cirencester GL7 2EF, United Kingdom. Click here for directions.
4. Visit Cerney House and Gardens
The picturesque Cerney House and Gardens contains original Victorian Gardens that have been kept and maintained by the Angus family for hundreds of years. This is one of the best places to visit near Cirencester if you’re looking to escape into some stunning country surroundings.
Inside the gardens, you’ll find hidden walkways crisscrossing the estate and secluded spots hidden by high walls and plants. Cerney House holds regular events including foraging walks which are a great way to learn about local edible plants.
The gardens are open to the public every day between 10 am and 7 pm (contact for visits outside these hours) and cost £6 for adults and just £1 for children. Dogs are also welcome but must be kept on a lead. Visiting these beautiful gardens is one of the best things to do around Cirencester.
Address: Cerney House, North Cerney, Cirencester GL7 7BX, United Kingdom. Click here for directions.
5. See the Church of St John the Baptist
The Church of St John the Baptist is located in the Market Place and was first part of an Augustinian monastery that dates back to 1117. The church is built with the local Cotswold Stone which is also used for many of the cute cottages within the region. The church and tower as you see it today was completed in the 15th Century.
St John’s is a working church but it’s possible to both look around or attend a service. Inside, you’ll find guides in a variety of languages giving you a history of the church. There are also guided tours available on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week (ask inside for details).
This impressive church is definitely one of the top Cirencester attractions and can be combined with a visit to the markets around Market Place.
Address: 5 Market Place, Cirencester GL7 2NX, United Kingdom. Click here for directions.
6. Take a Dip in the Open Air Swimming Pool
One of my favorite things to do on a hot summer’s day is to take a dip somewhere and the open-air swimming pool next to Cecily Hill and the park is the perfect place to cool off. The pool has fantastic views of the Cecily Gates and surrounding parkland and is definitely one of the best things to do in Cirencester for families and groups of friends.
The pool first opened in 1870 and visitors have enjoyed splashing about here ever since. Unlike many others around the UK (including my local one), the pool at Cirencester is heated so you can enjoy it even if the sun isn’t making so much of an appearance. This is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Cirencester during the summer.
There are different sessions throughout the week (afternoons and weekends are open swims, so everyone is welcome and you don’t need to book). Other sessions include lane swims, aqua aerobics, and children’s swimming lessons. See the website for more information and to book classes. Open daily from 7 am to 7 pm.
Address: Riverside Walk, Thomas Street, Cirencester GL7 2EF, United Kingdom. Click here for directions.
7. See the Roman Amphitheater
Although not intact like amphitheaters found in Greece and Italy, the archaeological site of the Roman amphitheater is well worth a visit for history lovers (like me). The remaining artworks represent what was once one of the largest amphitheaters in Britain.
This is another of the best free things to do in Cirencester and is one of the top places to see in the town. The site is open during daylight hours throughout the year and there’s free onsite parking. The surrounding area is a great place for a walk or a picnic and dogs are welcome.
Address: 30 Cotswold Ave, Cirencester GL7 1XW, United Kingdom. Click here for directions.
8. Check Out New Brewery Arts Space
The New Brewery Arts Space is located inside an old brewery building that closed in 1937. The building was due to be demolished but was saved by a local group of artists and turned into the creative space it is today. If you’re looking for stuff to do in Cirencester the New Brewery has so much going on and is definitely worth stopping by.
The space includes a gallery, craft shop, cafe, and workshop facilities where artists and makers can develop their skills and showcase their work. The venue also hosts a wide range of events and exhibitions throughout the year, including performances, talks, workshops, and classes.
Check the website to see what’s going on during your visit or just pop in and see what’s currently on display in the gallery. You can also visit the onsite Glaze Cafe for a light lunch, a cup of coffee, and a selection of yummy homemade cakes and other treats.
Address: Brewery Court, Cricklade St, Cirencester GL7 1JH, United Kingdom. Click here for directions.
9. Visit the Westonbirt Arboretum
One of the top things to do near Cirencester is to visit the Westonbirt Arboretum. Explore trees and plants from around the world in this magical garden that’s a hit with guests of all ages. With over 2,500 different species spread across a vast area, this is a wonderful place to escape into nature.
There’s an aerial walkway above the trees for spectacular views, an outdoor cinema for evening entertainment under the stars, and a cafe serving a selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks. This is one of my favorite places to visit in Cirencester as there’s always so much to see and do.
The arboretum is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm. Dogs are allowed and there are areas where they can be let off the lead. Tickets cost £12 for adults and £4 for children and there’s free onsite parking.
Address: Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS, United Kingdom. Click here for directions.
10. Spend a Day at the Cotswolds Water Park
One of the top tourist attractions in Cirencester is the Cotswolds Water Park on the outskirts of town. This isn’t your typical water park with slides and flumes though; it’s made up of 180 lakes over 42 square miles. There are lots of fun activities on offer from riverside walks and picnics to boating, kayaking, and swimming.
This wetland habitat is a breeding ground for thousands of bird species and is the perfect place for wildlife watching throughout the year. There’s even a sandy beach for swimming, making sandcastles, and a host of different watersports to try. You’ll also find a beach shack cafe here, and it’s possible to hire your own BBQ if you want to cook up your own lunch.
I love visiting the water park as there’s so much to do, and in summer I’m the first into the lake for a swim (usually followed by beers and a bbq on the lakeshore). It’s possible to stay within the water park in one of the many hotels, B&Bs, or under canvas with both camping and glamping options available. Click here for more info.
Address: Rigsby’s Ln, Cirencester GL7 6FJ, UK. Click here for directions.
11. Hike Part of the Thames Path National Trail
It might surprise you to know that the source of the River Thames is located in a meadow three miles from Cirencester. The spring of Lyd Well at Thames Head is nothing but a trickle that belies its progression into one of the most famous rivers in the country.
One of the best ways to visit the spring is to hike part of the scenic Thames Path National Trail which runs for 148 miles (240 km) from Tewsbury Mead near Cirencester to the Thames Barrer in east London.
This 12-mile (20 km) point-to-point section from Thames Head to Cricklade is for serious hikers as it’s moderately difficult and takes around five hours to complete. The route is extremely varied and offers stunning views of the rolling hills of the Cotswolds.
12. See the Chedworth Roman Villa
Visit the ruins of a 4th Century Roman villa at nearby Chedworth which is just a 20-minute drive from the town. I love exploring Roman ruins and have been lucky enough to visit sites across England, Italy, Greece, and Turkey. Out of all the sites I’ve seen, the villa at Chedworth is definitely one of my favorites.
This is one of the most impressive sites in England with floor mosaics still in situ, bathhouses, and a water shrine. There’s an onsite museum with finds from the area, a shop selling souvenirs and educational gifts, and a cafe selling hot and cold drinks, ice creams, and other goodies.
The villa and museum are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and tickets cost £12 for adults and £6 for children.
Address: Chedworth Roman Villa, Cheltenham GL54 3LJ, United Kingdom. Click here for directions.
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