Welcome to the Capital of the Cotswolds, where local market stalls, award-winning restaurants, Roman history, and eye-catching architecture converge. When considering things to do in Cirencester, you’ll find a real blending of the ages where everybody in the family can find something they will love.
Once the largest town outside London, it is still a bustling hub with tourists visiting throughout the year. During summer it is the perfect place to head to with your picnic basket. Relax, soak in the sunshine and enjoy some live music. Visit the museum, cool off at the lido and end the day with dinner and drinks.
To help you make the most of your stay near Cirencester, we’ve taken away the stress and put together an itinerary for 72 hours of things to do in this exciting town.
Day One
Start the day by learning the beginnings of this town and see how it became known as the Capital of the Cotswolds at the Corinium Musem.
Corinium Museum
Cirencester was once the Roman town of Corinium, where mosaics tiled the floors and public baths were common. At the museum you will find a selection of objects that bring you a step closer to life in those times. Bone combs and decorative broches give you an insight into how Romans dressed and took care of themselves and many examples of the architecture and design of the time let you imagine the rooms that would have surrounded you. Play games like Nine Men’s Morris to add an interactive element to your day at this museum.
After spending some time taking in the exhibits, wander over to the amphitheatre (20-minute walk) to see the full scale of the influence of the Romans. On your way, stop off at Rave Coffee for a little pick me up. They roast their beans to order and have a sustainable focus, with a passion for making you the best coffee you can get.
Amphitheatre
The amphitheatre is one of the largest surviving from Roman Britain. Along the remaining curving banks there would once have been seating. The centre would have been covered in gravel and sand where the clash of battles, gladiator shows and animal hunts might have been hosted. After the fall of the Roman empire it became a fortress until eventually being abandoned to be what you see today. Take a moment to sit with your coffee and imagine what it would have once been like to hear the roar of the crowd amid swinging swords and shields.
By now you’ll probably be needing some lunch. Head back across town to Café Mosaic (20-minute walk) where you are spoilt for choice. Their lunch menu is served between 12-2:30 and has a choice of sandwiches, soup, jacket potatoes, burgers and more. You can satisfy your sweet tooth with a slice of cake afterwards as well! From here you’re really close to the market square and Corn Hall.
Cirencester Markets
No matter when you visit Cirencester, you’ll be able to find a market. The historic market place in the centre of town is host to a Charter Market every Monday and Friday, a monthly Arts and Crafts Market and a Farmer’s Market on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. With the church of St John Baptist behind, this is a wonderful space where you can browse local fare and pick up ingredients for dinner if you choose to eat in. If the weather isn’t on your side, head to the Corn Hall. This indoor market is open Sunday-Thursday, on Fridays you will find antiques and collectibles and Saturdays are for crafts. Both locations also host special events so it’s always worth popping along to see what is happening.
If you didn’t grab any ingredients for dinner, why not get some fish and chips before you go back for the night. Malt and Anchor is a multi-award winning fish and chip shop where you can dine in, or takeaway. Not only is the menu full of your favourite fish, there is also a selection of pies, sausages and other seafood including lobster, prawns and monthly specials.
Day Two
Treat yourself to a leisurely lie in, making the most of your holiday cottage. A slow breakfast is in order before a stroll through the abbey grounds.
Cirencester Abbey Park
All that remains of the abbey is a Norman arch but the grounds are a beautiful spot for a walk. Once used for growing food for the abbey you can meander along the edge of the lake and find some of the old Roman walls. There is a playpark for children and the bandstand is used for events throughout the year.
After perusing the local crafts at the market yesterday you might be inspired to give something new a go yourself. Cirencester is known for its artisans and the New Brewery Arts centre is a hub of creative knowledge.
New Brewery Arts
When you visit you will be amazed by the talent on display. The main gallery has a regularly changing exhibition exploring different crafts and you can pop by the maker’s studios to meet some of the artists themselves. To get involved, book a workshop which range from portrait painting to pottery throwing. There is something to suit beginners and those with a bit more experience and you might discover an entirely new art. Classes tend to run from 10am until 4pm and you can get lunch from the Blend café on site.
For dinner a meal at Amore Mio should be on the menu. This traditional Italian restaurant, pizzeria and gelateria takes you to the heart of Italy. It’s a relaxed eatery where you can enjoy some of your favourite dishes. For your evening’s entertainment, the Barn Theatre is a charming venue.
Barn Theatre
Once a private home with stables and large servants quarters, the house was developed into offices during world war two with a large Nissen hut built in the gardens. This was made to protect the people of Cirencester from any aerial bombardments. It is this Nissen hut which is the auditorium for the Barn Theatre. On the programme are cultural classics and innovative new shows and there’s a piano bar tucked away in the basement for pre-show drinks.
Day Three
Before you head off back home an early morning dip at the lido. Awaken your senses before you head over to the park to grab some breakfast!
Cirencester Lido
This wonderfully serene setting has a historic backdrop and is perfect for taking the little ones. The pool opens for lane swims at 7am with toddler sessions at 9am during the week. When you book a toddler session a hot drink is included in the price so you can keep any early morning chills at bay.
Cirencester Park
Just across from the lido is Cirencester Park, a beautifully historic private parkland with follies and fantastic views. There are marked routes if you are bringing your dog and children will love the play area. Start at The Old Kennels where you can visit Roots and Seeds for brunch. They use local award-winning produce and have their own kitchen garden so you know you’re eating the best available. While you’re enjoying your breakfast, have a look at the map and pick which of the walks you fancy following. There are a few sites to keep your eye out for including the Queen Anne Monument and the Stone Pillars at the end of Broad Avenue.
It’ll now be time to head off home but you’ll have new memories to take back with you. Now that you’ve had a taste of what Cirencester has to offer you’ll need to come back in Winter. Then you can explore the magical Christmas markets and have a hearty roast dinner at one of the many pubs.
