The charming and picturesque market town of Cirencester is an ideal destination to explore when visiting the Cotswolds. Centrally located, destinations such as Broadway in the north, and Castle Combe in the south, can easily be reached by car within an hour. This is perfect if you intend to explore many parts of this beautiful AONB during your stay and enjoy a vast array of fabulous things to do in the Cotswolds. If you’d prefer to save the road trips for another time however, and would rather settle into the area and discover what Cirencester is all about, then you’re in luck, the town has a wealth of attractions for you to enjoy.
What To Do In Cirencester
1. Visit Cirencester Park
Explore the grounds of Cirencester Park and The Bathurst Estate, a Grade I listed parkland within walking distance from Cirencester town centre. The expansive grounds are dog friendly and feature refreshment spots, a children’s play area and shops.
2. Discover The Abbey
Cirencester Abbey is steeped in history. Dating back to 1117, it was the biggest (and wealthiest) of the five Augustinian houses founded by Henry I. Set within the abbey grounds, the parkland is spacious and peaceful, with the river Churn flowing at the bottom of the grounds, and a large play area for children.
3. Explore the Shops
The market town has so much to offer if you’re searching for some retail therapy during your stay. You’ll find a great mix of independent shops and larger retailers when wandering around Dyer Street and Cricklade Street. You can also make use of the Stay Cotswold VIP Pass which offers 15% off at the ANI store in Cirencester; they sell incredible handmade skincare products and can be found on Black Jack Street.
4. Enjoy the Food
As Cirencester is often referred to as the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’, it’s no wonder there are plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy during your stay. The MMB Brasserie offers modern British cuisine and has a bustling atmosphere with an open kitchen. Other recommendations include The Bear Inn for cosy pub vibes, and Lynwood and Co for a great morning coffee.
5. Visit Barn Theatre
An award-winning theatre seating up to 200 people, the program offers a broad variety of shows ranging from family entertainment and musical theatre to reinterpretations of beloved classics and new work.
6. Swim at the Cirencester Open Air Pool
A great activity to enjoy if you’re visiting Cirencester during the summer. The open-air pool is one of the oldest in England and is located on the edge of Cirencester Park. Providing something for all the family, you’ll find the 28-metre main pool with a slide, a children’s paddling pool and plenty of refreshments on offer.
7. Explore New Brewery Arts
Based in one of the three remaining Cirencester Brewing buildings, New Brewery Arts is home to a beautifully curated art gallery, a makers’ studio, as well as a lovely café and shop. Exhibitions are always free to explore, and there are often classes and workshops on offer if you’re looking to try something new.
8. Enjoy the Cotswold Country Park and Beach
Located to the south of Cirencester, the Cotswold Country Park and Beach is a great location to visit if you’re looking for some outdoor fun. There’s a wonderful sandy beach that provides endless fun, barbecues are available to hire and there’s extensive parkland to explore and relax in.
9. Discover the Cotswold Water Park
Cotswold Water Park is a natural paradise home to tens of thousands of breeding and watering birds. There are plenty of activities to participate in at the park such as canoeing, kayaking, archery, cycling and less physical activities such as bird watching.
10. Walk Around the Cirencester Amphitheatre
The remains of the Cirencester Amphitheatre are one of the largest in Britain. The earthworks reveal the outlines and layouts of the construction, originally built in the early 2nd Century. The site is open daily during daylight hours and dogs are also welcome.
Accommodation in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
We have many holiday homes in and around Cirencester. Discover our collection of Cirencester holiday cottages today or check out our other places to stay in the Cotswolds for further inspiration!
