Cirencester

Often known as the capital of the Cotswolds, Cirencester, is situated at the heart of the Area of Natural Beauty. This quintessentially British town is one of the largest in the Cotswolds, home to about 20,000 people and welcoming many thousands of visitors each year.

Cirencester has a rich history dating back to the 2nd Century A, when much of Britain was under Roman rule. Corinium, as it was known by the Romans, was the second largest town in Roman Britain. When walking around the town you will find remnants of its past such as the amphitheatre, which is one of the largest surviving examples. Explore further and you will also find remnants of the roman wall in Abbey Grounds park.

Cirenecester is home to markets on both Monday and Fridays every week as well as every second and fourth Saturday of the month. This tradition dates back to before the Domesday book of 1086 where cirencester was mentioned for being a market town.

The town offers everything you want from a traditional Cotswold destination; gorgeous cobbled streets, boutique shops, independent coffee shops, picturesque walks and fantastic restaurants and hotels.

The home of the first Agricultural college in the English speaking world, the Royal Agricultural university situated on the outskirts of cirencester not only trains young farmers, but also gives the town a boost of the younger generation.

What to do in Cirencester

Corinium museum
New Brewery Arts
Cirencester Park
Abbey Grounds park
Cirencester open air swimming pool
Elemental sculpture park
The Barn Theatre

Where to stay in Cirencester

There is a huge range of accommodation in Cirencester, from luxury spa hotels like the Kings Head Hotel, to country pubs like the Fleece and cozy b&bs and plenty of self catering accommodation too.

Parking in Cirencester

There are a number of carparks located in Cirencester, free parking may be able to be found if you are prepared for a bit of a walk into town. The main car parks are, Brewery Car Park (GL7 1HN) and Forum Car Park (GL7 1LJ) – both free after 3pm, Beeches (GL7 1BW), Leisure Centre (GL7 1US), Old Station (GL7 1US), Sheep Street (GL7 1QW), Waterloo (GL7 2PY).

Public toilets in Cirencester

Paid for public toilets are situated by Beeches car park 8am-8pm in the summer and 8am-6pm in the winter, The Brewery Car Park 8am-8pm in the summer and 8am-6pm in the winter and the Forum Car Park 8am-7pm in the summer and 8am-6pm in the winter and also in Abbey Grounds park (Currently under refurbishment, poterloo in use instead). They all have disabled and baby changing facilities.