Fun Things to do in Cirencester for Families and Couples
In terms of things you can do when visiting Cirencester and the surrounding area as a family group or couple, you’ll find this Cotswold town punches well above its weight but somehow manages to keep it on the lowdown.
Of course, we’re biased, we love Cirencester as there is always something going on and there’s never ever an excuse to say you’re bored.
Cirencester Abbey Grounds
We love the tranquil Abbey Grounds, a serene parkland that’s tucked away behind the town’s bustling Market Place and Parish Church. It offers visitors a peaceful retreat with lush greenery and is of a hugely historical significance to Cirencester.
Once the site of one of the wealthiest medieval abbeys in England, the grounds now provide a beautiful public park where ancient stonework meets manicured green space.
Founded in 1117 by Henry the 1st and dissolved by Henry 8th during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539, Cirencester Abbey was likely the more powerful Augustinian monastery in the land. Today, you can still spot traces of its grandeur in the remaining stonework, including a few stumps of the original abbey church and some parts of the precinct wall too.
What You’ll Find Today
• Ornamental gardens perfect for a quiet sit-down or a relaxed picnic (you’ll find picnic tables onsite)
• The charming Abbey Lake, home to ducks and swans and full of fish, adding to the tranquil vibe
• Well-maintained walking paths winding through open green lawns and shady trees
• The remains of the Roman wall that once enclosed the town
• Fairly easy access via Cecily Hill, just a short stroll from the town centre and Cirencester Park
The Abbey Grounds aren’t just for visitors to the town, they’re also a popular hub for local Gloucestershire families, dog walkers and folk looking for a peaceful break from shopping in Cirencester. In summer, the grounds are also used to host open-air concerts, community events and heritage walks too.
Insider Tip: If you find yourself there on a sunny afternoon, then grab a takeaway coffee from one of the cafés on nearby Blackjack Street and head through the churchyard with its picture postcard entrance.
Address: 3 Blake Rd, Cirencester, GL7 2EG
Phone: 01285 655646
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077414693058#
Cirencester Park
Wander through the expansive 3,000-acre Cirencester Park, a Grade I listed parkland featuring tree-lined avenues, open spaces and due to its easy flat walking surfaces proves a popular spot for walking with local families.
Designed in the 18th century, the park is a remarkable example of landscape design, offering visitors a serene environment that’s steeped in history.
Part of the Bathurst Estate, it was created by Allen Bathurst, 1st Earl Bathurst and with guidance from poet Alexander Pope, the park was transformed into a picturesque landscape featuring tree-lined avenues, classical follies and Gothic garden buildings, such as Alfred’s Hall.
Pope encouraged Lord Bathurst to shift from a rigid formality to a more natural landscaping, paving the way for what we would now associate with an English garden design
Exploring the Park Today
The park is open from 8 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week and visitors can enjoy walking trails that wander their way across open parkland, through woodlands and past historic landmarks.
The main pedestrian entrance to the park is via the Cecily Hill Gates, leading directly onto the iconic Broad Avenue. Stretching straight from its gates for over three-quarters of a mile the Broad Avenue is the park’s most iconic walking route, lined with its tall chestnut and lime trees. You’ll find many a town resident using this route for walking and jogging, particularly on a morning.
If you get there early enough (OR you’re one of those lucky types) you may be able to grab a parking spot just outside the gates, though we highly recommend parking elsewhere in Cirencester to avoid annoying the local residents!
The park is also just a short walk from the town centre, so it’s not that much of an effort to reach by foot.
Having been free to enter for years, access to the Park now requires a paid-for Community Pass, Annual Pass or Day Pass, though you can still visit The Old Kennels and Jubilee Community Arboretum for free.
Address: Estate Office, Bathurst, Park St, Cirencester, GL7 2BU
Phone: 01285 653135
Website: https://www.bathurstestate.co.uk/cirencester-park-bathurst-estate/
Cirencester Amphitheatre
Built in the early 2nd century, when Cirencester was known as Corinium, this is one of the largest and best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in Britain.
Now only an earthwork remains though the amphitheatre likely featured wooden or stone seating tiers rising above the arena, that could seat up to 8,000 spectators, a pretty spectacular number of people for 2000 years ago!
Access to this ancient scheduled monument is free all year round and you may also find local community events taking place on its green space by locals. Artifacts that have been found here are also on display in the Corinium Roman Museum (see below).
From personal experience we recommend visiting at just before sunset, the light has an amazing effect giving the whole place a real sense of atmosphere.
Address: 30 Cotswold Ave, Cirencester, GL7 1XW
Phone: 01285 655646
Website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/cirencester-amphitheatre/
Corinium Museum
We’ll admit we never really went out of our way to visit this museum during our numerous trips into town over the past several year. Yet after recently checking it out, we realised our BIG mistake and will say any trip to Cirencester just isn’t complete without a visit to the Corinium Museum.
The museum puts on display over 200,000 years of local history with a particular focus on Cirencester’s Roman past (hence the museum’s name). Hosting an impressive collection of Roman artifacts, the museum offers interactive exhibits that trace Cirencester’s evolution from prehistoric times to the modern era.
Visitors can view preserved mosaics on display, such as the famous Hunting Dogs Mosaic (found under Dyer Street in 1849), along with sculptures, coins, jewellery and other items that tell the story of life in a bustling Roman town.
The museum also showcases prehistoric tools and ancient burial finds, Anglo-Saxon grave goods, medieval pottery, as well as Tudor and Victorian artifacts. This gives a decent perspective on how the town (and surrounding Cotswolds) have changed over time.
We think the museum does a fantastic job of blending education with experience and is particularly well-suited to families, thanks to hands-on displays and regular craft workshops.
If you’re planning to visit, the museum is open seven days a week with slightly shorter opening hours in the winter. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the Market Place, and there’s ample nearby parking.
Address: Corinium Museum, Park Street, Cirencester, GL7 2BX
Telephone: 01285 655611
Website: coriniummuseum.org
Barn Theatre
For a bit more Cotswold culture, why not enjoy a show or performance at the award-winning Barn Theatre? Well known for its classic plays and contemporary productions, the theatre significantly contributes to Cirencester’s cultural landscape.
Address: 3-5 Beeches Rd, Cirencester, GL7 1BN
Phone: 01285 648255
Website: https://barntheatre.org.uk/
Cirencester Lido
Just round the corner of Cirencester Park lies one of the town’s most beloved and enduring attractions – the Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool, known by residents as “the Lido”. This spring-fed, heated pool has been a part of the community since it first opened its gates way back in 1869.
Originally built by the Victorians as a bathing facility to encourage cleanliness and wellbeing, it was nearly lost in the 1970s when the local council proposed its closure. Thankfully, a number of town residents set up the Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool Association, a charitable trust that continues to run and maintain the pool to this day.
The main pool, 28 metres long, is filled with natural spring water and heated to a comfortable 27°C (80°F). There’s also a shallow paddling pool for younger children and a lovely sun terrace dotted with picnic benches, making it a brilliant spot for families.
The facilities have been modernised over time with updated changing rooms, warm showers and a shop. In recent years, solar panels have been installed to help reduce energy costs and promote sustainability too.
The pool opens from early May through to mid-September, with daily sessions ranging from early morning lane swims to relaxed open swims and aqua-aerobics.
Located just off Cecily Hill, it’s only a short walk from the town centre, making it easy to pair your swim with a visit to Cirencester Park or a stroll down Blackjack Street for coffee and shopping.
You can find full details, booking information, and the latest schedule on the official website: www.cirenopenair.org.uk
Top Tip: If you’re visiting on a hot day, we highly recommend getting there early – this place is a firm favourite with Cirencester residents and spaces fill up fast when the sun’s out (even more so in the school holidays!).
Address: Riverside Walk, Thomas Street, Cirencester, GL7 2EF
Phone: 01285 653947
Website: https://cirenopenair.org.uk/
New Brewery Arts
If you’re a fan of all things culture, then a visit to New Brewery Arts whilst you’re in town is a must. Housed in a restored 18th-century brewery building just off Cricklade Street, this vibrant arts centre is a hub of creativity and community spirit championing contemporary makes from around the UK.
New Brewery Arts is free to enter and the centre hosts regularly changing exhibitions, from glass and ceramics to printmaking, textiles and woodwork.
What makes this art centre really special is its connection to working studios – this isn’t just a gallery, but a place where art is made in real time. On any given day, you can wander through the centre and watch resident makers at work: from jewellers and weavers to leatherworkers and illustrators.
You’ll find creative workshops and courses offered throughout the year ranging from half-day introductions to full-length courses in disciplines like pottery, embroidery, lino printing and jewellery making. They’re ideal for complete beginners as well as those looking to develop existing skills. Many courses are led by the resident artists themselves, adding a personal touch to the experience.
There’s also a carefully curated craft shop (and café) on-site. The craft shop offers a beautifully displayed selection of handmade goods, the kinds of unique items you’ll want to take home.
Their café serves decent coffee, cakes and lunches in a relaxed space that spills out onto a somewhat small courtyard. It’s a favourite with locals so do note it can get busy!
Address: Brewery Court, Cricklade St, Cirencester GL7 1JH
Phone: 01285 657181
Website: https://www.newbreweryarts.org.uk/
More Attractions near Cirencester that are Worth Exploring too!
Arlington Row, Bibury
Just a short drive north of Cirencester, Arlington Row in Bibury is one of the most photographed locations in England. The picturesque 17th-century weaver’s cottages are a must-see for visitors seeking quintessential Cotswold charm. The village can get overrun with tourists, making parking difficult, so get there either really early or late to avoid the crowds!
Chedworth Roman Villa
Discover one of Britain’s largest Roman villas at Chedworth.
This well-preserved site features intricate mosaics, bathhouses and a museum, offering a comprehensive look into Roman domestic life.
Cotswold Lakes (previously The Cotswold Water Park)
Engage in various outdoor activities at the Cotswold Lakes, encompassing over 180 lakes. From sailing and fishing to birdwatching and nature trails, it’s a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Cotswold Airport
Just 10 minutes from Cirencester, Cotswold Airport serves as an aviation beacon to pilots and plane fans alike. With a great café and viewing deck it’s the place to head to see all kinds of aviation taking to the skies over Gloucestershire!
That rounds up our list of fun things to do in Cirencester but be sure to check back often as we will be updating this post on a regular basis.
