Summary
Perched right on the fringes of the Cotswolds, Cirencester is a totally gorgeous market town that’s steeped in history. With thousands of years of history and numerous Roman settlements, there are many epic and best things to do in Cirencester dotted throughout the town.
We totally loved our visit and often use Cirencester as our stepping stone before heading to the timeless villages in the Cotswolds. Filled with little markets, historic spots, and Roman history, it’s a place where you can easily spend a few days. Best of all, there’s no hassle in getting around; it’s small enough to wander by foot without any worries of getting lost.
You’ll have a lovely day trip to Cirencester and it truly is a great spot to see a traditional market town in England. To help you navigate and find the best things to do in Cirencester, take a look at some of our favorites that we absolutely loved.
1.) Church of St John the Baptist
The Church of St John the Baptist is one of the largest and most beautiful medieval churches in the south of England. Nestled right within the heart of historic Cirencester, it’s a spot that you really can’t miss whilst you explore the town.
Once inside, you’ll wander down the impressive nave and learn more about its 12th-Century beginnings. Moreover, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the iconic stained glass windows; they are absolutely stunning.
2.) Chedworth Roman Villa
Around a 20-minute drive from the centre of Cirencester, Chedworth Roman Villa is one of the largest Roman villas in Britain to visit. Famous for its mosaic floor and museum containing historical artefacts that date back to the Roman occupation, you can easily whisk away a few hours exploring how Romans lived in this area of England.
3.) Market Place
The main street in Cirencester, Market Place is a spot you won’t miss when wandering around. It’s almost as if every little street and alley leads its way back to Market Place. Consequently, this means you can’t really get too lost in Cirencester!
4.) Corinium Museum
The Corinium Museum is relatively cosy for a museum, but it has a wealth of collections dating back to the neolithic and Victorian times. It serves as a perfect spot to delve into the area’s history, especially if the weather isn’t cooperating and you encounter some rain.
5.) Cerney House Gardens
Situated just outside of Cirencester, a 10-minute drive away, Cerney House Gardens is a stunning place to spend a morning exploring the Victorian Walled Garden. On a sunny day, this location is perfect for relaxation and enjoying the natural beauty, complete with blooming flowers, a picturesque orchard, and a herb garden.
6.) Cirencester Antiques & Collectables Market
This market is a treasure trove for antique lovers, offering a plethora of vintage jewelry and art pieces from all over the UK. From indoors to outdoor pieces, you can discover brilliant antique finds to take home. This is easily one of the best things to do in Cirencester for any budding shopaholics!
7.) Cirencester Park
With centuries of history, Cirencester Park is an exemplary forest-style garden that’s beautiful to visit. Featuring expansive walking routes and trails, it’s easy to spend a few hours here on a sunny day. Moreover, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic with family or friends.
8.) Cotswold Water Park
Known as the UK’s largest marl lake system, the Cotswolds Water Park is another gem located south of Cirencester, just a 10-minute drive from the town. Here, you can indulge in gorgeous trails, fishing, sailing, cycling, and paddleboarding. Additionally, if you’re a birdwatcher, this spot will certainly delight you.
9.) New Brewery Arts
If you have a passion for craft making and love to see exquisite craftwork, this is the place to be. New Brewery Arts encompasses a range of crafts, including galleries, artist studios, a café, and a shop. It’s an excellent venue to appreciate art exhibitions while connecting with craftsmen and artists.
10.) Elemental Sculpture Park
The Elemental Sculpture Park boasts over 100 sculptures created by various talented artists. The garden is filled with a diverse array of plants and trees, making it a perfect location to appreciate stunning works of art.
11.) Abbey Grounds
Abbey Grounds is the ideal location to unwind after a day spent exploring the cobbled streets of Cirencester. With its peaceful environment, it’s lovely for a relaxed stroll.
Though don’t expect to find sprawling grounds like “Hyde Park”; it is much smaller and intimate.
