Cirencester, Capital of the Cotswolds, SW England | TPW

Getting Around

Cirencester is a typical English market town, so whilst the town itself is walkable, the surrounding areas are best accessed by car. 

Car Hire

Car hire will only be possible from cities or international airports, so where you collect your car will likely depend on the rest of your trip in the UK. The following websites are good to use for price comparison of car hire. 

Public Transport

Cirencester town is accessible by both train and coach. 

Train  ~  the local train station is located in the small village of Kemble, just 10 minutes drive outside of Cirencester. You could try and catch the public bus into town, but with public buses in the UK being relatively unreliable, we recommend a taxi or Uber. 

Kemble

@theperpetualweekender

A sweet little two-platform train station. There is a ticket machine and ticket office, although make sure to buy your tickets in advance - see my guide on using trains in the UK. Luckily there are toilets, and a shop, but don't expect it to be open 24/7.

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Some local taxi firms:

Cirencester Taxi 247

www.taxi247cirencester.com

Bus  ~  Coach operators such as National Express, can be a reliable and cheaper alternative to trains. There are direct routes between Cirencester and the following UK towns and cities.

Gloucester | Cheltenham | Swindon | Winchester | Heathrow Airport | London

Touring South-West England

Cirencester is known as the capital of the Cotswolds - a registered area of outstanding natural beauty. Any trip to Cirencester should be combined with a wider tour of the Cotswolds, if you have enough time!

***Cotswolds Guide - Coming Soon***

Located in the south-west of England, a trip to Cirencester could be combined with any one of the following south-west towns and cities, all located within one hours drive of Cirencester.

Cheltenham | Bath | Bristol

Further afield, but still in the south-west, the following counties are well worth a visit.

Somerset | Dorset | Devon | Cornwall

Places to Stay

The Barrel Store Cirencester

@theperpetualweekender

The only hostel in Cirencester town, so certainly worth considering if you're on a budget. Super central location. En-suite and shared bathrooms available. Built to Passivhaus standards and thus ultra-energy efficient. You'll have access to a self-catering kitchen and community room.

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Corinium Hotel & Restaurant

@theperpetualweekender

A piece of history in itself. This 16th century privately owned boutique hotel, with traditional style rooms located within a easy walk of the town centre. Free parking included.

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Characterful & Central - Entire Flat | Airbnb

www.airbnb.co.uk

We've stayed in this Airbnb before and can recommend for groups of up to four guests. Really central and well appointed, although no reserved parking included.

Where to Eat

Daytime

KNEAD Cirencester

@theperpetualweekender

A deli-come-bakery, ideal for a quick but tasty take-out pastry for breakfast, high-end lunch or a snack to tide you over between mealtimes.

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Jacks

@theperpetualweekender

At Jacks they call themselves a brunch kitchen, with hand crafted dishes, speciality coffee and hand baked cakes. Food served 9am - 3pm daily. Menu items include an all-day breakfast 'buttie' (the best parts of an English breakfast served inside a bread bun!), and my personal favourite the 'Reuben' sandwich.

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Evening

La Bobina Cirencester - Spanish Tapas & Wine Bar

@theperpetualweekender

If you manage to catch Cirencester on a sunny day, this place has the loveliest outdoor courtyard area covered in grape vines which make you feel like you *could* be in the Mediterranean. Their menu features all the tapas classics, as well as some dishes with a modern twist. The wine is meant to be pretty good too.

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Malt & Anchor

@theperpetualweekender

If you're keen to try some traditional British fish 'n' chips, then this is the place to go. Its certainly a more upmarket version of what your average Brit eats on a Friday evening, but we think its better too. You can eat in or take out British other British classics too - like Scampi and Chips or Pie and Mash.

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Sam & Jak

@theperpetualweekender

We stumbled across this place by accident on our last visit and we were not disappointed. Whilst it was a booked out Friday night, we managed to bag a seat at the bar and ordered lots of starters to share. A lovely upmarket place with interesting food and great cocktails.

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Drinks

The Golden Cross

@theperpetualweekender

With a sign outside indicating "water for thirsty dogs and beer for thirsty people" you can tell this place is a proper dog-friendly British pub.

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The Bear Inn, Cirencester

@theperpetualweekender

A cosy pub with traditional features. They brew there own award-winning beer which is worth a try too.

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Somewhere Else

@theperpetualweekender

Recently rebranded as a sports bar which offers a great range of beers, ciders, wines and cocktails. A later night venue in what is otherwise a pretty sleepy market town.

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Further afield but well worth the short drive.

The Bell at Sapperton

@theperpetualweekender

A personal favourite. A real country pub with roaring fire and excellent food. Menu items are often British classics with modern flare. Please go. You won't regret it.

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The Boot

@theperpetualweekender

I had a friend who worked here whilst at University so we ate here a lot. Another classic country pub offering wholesome food and a cosy atmosphere. A great place to try a traditional Sunday 'lunch' of roast meat served with all the trimmings - usually eaten between early afternoon and evening time.

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Jolly Nice Farmshop, Cafe & Drive Through

@theperpetualweekender

I for one love a good farm shop, but this one has a big difference - not only does it have a café located inside a traditional yurt, but also a car and bicycle drive through. All supporting local farmers and producers.

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Things to Do

St. John Baptist Cirencester

@theperpetualweekender

I'm a big believer that you don't need to be religious to appreciate a good church - for the history and the architecture. This particular church is medieval, built of traditional Cotswold stone and free to visit.

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Market Place

@theperpetualweekender

Arts & Crafts and Farmers Markets are held in the marketplace on every other Saturday. On market days there is a real buzz in town, so I hope for you that you are in Cirencester on the right weekend!

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Cirencester Park

@theperpetualweekender

My favourite thing to do in Cirencester, whatever the weather, is to take a walk in Cirencester Park. Accessible by foot by way of the Cecily Hill Gate in the town centre. Part of the Bathurst Estate, this picturesque parkland is opened to visitors during the daytime. There are plenty of paved walkways so walking boots are not necessary.

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Barn Theatre

@theperpetualweekender

Cirencester is lucky to have a small independent theatre showing both professional theatre and re-run movies. Be sure to check their 'What's On' page for the dates of your visit.

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Cirencester Park Polo Club

@theperpetualweekender

If you're looking to tick another British tradition off your list, then you'll need no excuse to go and watch a game of polo at Cirencester Park Polo Club. The season runs April through to September, and it is usual to bring your car and pack a picnic to enjoy during the key game days. Pop up bars are usually available too.

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