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A Gloucestershire market town with a whole host of history and fascinating ruins, Cirencester was a significant British town when the Romans invaded and is today known as the Cotswolds’ Capital with one of the largest parish churches in England.

Whether you choose to check out the twice weekly market, sample Double Gloucester cheese at the farmers’ fair or go antiquing at the Corn Hall, there’s always something happening on the Cirencester streets.

New Brewery Arts is Gloucestershire’s creative hub with its studios, craft shop and exhibition space. Then, each June, artsy folk can enjoy the Festival of Arts that takes over the town with a riot of colour. While those looking for more vintage verve, classic cars and steam fair fun should schedule a visit to August’s Gloucestershire Vintage and Country Extravaganza at South Cerney Airfield.

History buffs will love stepping back in time at the remains of one of Britain’s largest Roman Amphitheatres and the Corinium Museum with its excellent collection of artefacts.  Cirencester’s Roman wall also passes through the ancient Abbey Grounds, the site of St Mary’s which was consecrated in 1176. Here, old meets new each year when the Phoenix Music Festival brings Cirencester to life with a programme of free music.  

Venture west and in minutes you’ll find the haven that is Cirencester Park, a 3,000 acre expanse of forest style gardens in the grounds of the Earl of Bathurst’s stately home.  Pope’s Seat, an ode to poet and landscape gardener Alexander Pope who had a hand in the garden’s design, is a good resting place after a leisurely stroll. The park is also home to the Cotswolds Show each July as well as the oldest polo ground in the UK that’s frequented by the royals.

Just outside of town at Cotswold Water Park – with its 150 lakes set amidst the Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and West Oxfordshire countryside – Waterland offers an array of water sports and outdoor pursuits with the option of “Pay and Play” hire for experienced handlers.  

Let us lead you towards a Cirencester holiday cottage that will make your break one for the history books.