10 Best Things to Do in Cirencester

The Corinium Museum is largely focused on the early Roman origins of the region with a vast collection of artwork, carvings, sculptures and tools gathered from local archaeological finds. The unique thing about this museum is that it's designed to walk the visitor through time, from the earliest inhabitants to the modern era.

It also includes many interactive features, such as lighting and presentation, that provide a truly immersive experience. The museum also features an education centre and rotating temporary exhibitions to thrill even those who might visit a second time. It's located directly in the heart of Cirencester.

The Parish Church of St John Baptist is a Grade I listed historic building that reflects architecture dating from the 12th century to the 18th century. This makes it unique and stunning to see, and thousands flock here to view the fan vaults, perpendicular porch and the tombs of famed historic merchants beneath its surface.

Inside, wall paintings date to the early medieval period, and you can view the changes that took place in architectural styles and approaches as the centuries passed. In 2019, new statues were commissioned to fit niches in the church walls. Even the pipe organ is historic, dating to the late 19th century. The church is located in the heart of the City Centre.

Cirencester Park is on the grounds of a classical country house and offers a dog-friendly stretch of tree-shaded areas and rolling green pasture to enjoy a peaceful day out. The park is the seat of the Bathurst family and is marked by the estate home, which is a Grade II listed building. The park and gardens are Grade I listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.

The park is open to those who want to stroll the grounds as well as horseback riders seeking to take the trails. Hunting and fishing are available, as are occasional country shows. The park is just 10 minutes west of the city centre.

The Cerney House Gardens are a hidden gem of the Cotswolds, a secret and romantic place nestled on the grounds of the historic Angus Family home. The walled gardens are immaculately tended and feature brilliantly coloured flowers, both native and exotic, on grounds that date to Victorian times.

Many couples come here to relax among the natural beauty and savour a quiet and romantic few hours away from the hustle and bustle of the market town streets. The gardens are less than 15 minutes north of the Cirencester city centre by car.

Arlington Row is a Grade I listed historic building row that dates to the 14th century and draws thousands for photo opportunities as an iconic site in the Cotswolds. The cottages that comprise the row were originally a monastic wool store built using local limestone but became cottages throughout the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

Each cottage stands 2 storeys high, with gables below cruck slate roofs. Arlington Row is among the most photographed areas in the region and has been used in many famed television and film productions, including 'Bridget Jones's Diary' and 'Stardust'. The row is located a 20-minute drive east and north of the city centre.

The Cotswold Country Park and Beach is a freshwater beach and park area popular for engaging in water sports, walking and relaxation, as well as for its kids' adventure playground. Not every beach is along an ocean, and the Cotswold Country Park and Beach offers the opportunity to swim and sunbathe along the shores of an inland freshwater lake.

The lake functions as a swimming lagoon, and you'll find plenty of other onsite activities, from miniature golf to water sports or just walking through the rolling green grass and beneath the tree-shaded paths. The park is only 12 minutes south of the city centre by auto.

Cherry Lakes is a lakeside retreat that's popular for water sports and fishing, especially for huge lake carp, many of which weigh in at over 9 kilograms. The lake is regularly stocked and routinely carries over 300 carp. Over 120 record catches of over 13.5 kilograms have been caught here over the past decade, with the lake record weighing in at nearly 20 kilograms.

In addition to the massive fish inhabiting the lake, the area is popular for hiking, birdwatching and just getting away from the city for a little while. The lakes are situated a mere 13-minute drive to the south and east of Cirencester city centre.

Rodmarton Manor is a massive historic country house and grounds displaying a stunning example of the Arts and Crafts architectural style as well as a Grade I historic building. Thousands visit the manor every year for guided tours of the interior, which is still furnished in the period style, as well as to photograph the architecture and walk the green pastures and rolling hills.

It was built using local timbers, stone and metalwork and has served many public purposes over the years, including acting as an evacuation point during World War II and serving as a maternity house in the early 1940s. The manor is a 16-minute drive to the west of the city centre.

The Cirencester Antiques and Collectables Market offers everything from vintage art deco glassware to jewellery to ceramics and silver dating to ancient and medieval times. The market has been held for over 4 decades in the heart of Cirencester's Corn Hall, right in the town centre. It's the place to go to find dealers specialising in everything from ancient and medieval wares to vintage 1950s and 1960s stock to art deco and pre-modern items.

Around 50 dealers on average are located here, and you can find furniture, artwork, fashion, hats and even accessories from all of these eras to suit just about any need or pocketbook size.