Cirencester, Cotswolds

Cirencester, Cotswolds was the second largest town in roman times, only to London. It is known as a market town and the capital of the Cotswolds. Cirencester is less touristy than the other Cotswolds towns and is perfect for a “Cotswolds getaway”. Located in Gloucestershire, it is close to towns like Bibury, Stow on the Wold and Tetbury.

For a bit of history, Cirencester was known as Corinium Dobunnorun (bit of a mouthful ehn?). By the 6th century, it was renamed Coryn Caesre after the Saxons destroyed the town. It became a successful wool town in the medieval period. Today, the honey coloured stone buildings remain and the picturesque market town is always ready for business. From a Famers’ market to a Charter market for antiques and collectables, Cirencester covers all one’s needs.

Where we stayed in Cirencester, Cotswolds

As with every town in Cotswolds, you are spoilt for choice on cottages, air bnbs and hotels. We stayed in a 17th century property just off Ashcroft Street, The Cotswold Hideaway. This was a PR stay with LuxuryCottages.com and the entire trip was planned around this advertisement project.

Cotswold Hideaway is a 2-bed cottage, perfectly luxurious home away from home, fitted with EVERYTHING! The main thing that drew me in was its art deco bed and all the exposed beams and Cotswold stones.

Its location just off Ashcroft street meant that we were able to wander around the Market square easily.

What we did in Cirencester, Cotswolds

Cirencester is actually bigger than I expected. Having done my fair share of Cotswolds wandering, I found Cirencester quite charming. One of those busy market towns in the daytime, bustling with people, but quiet in the evenings. So you have a mix of active and serenity in one town.

Market Place

Market Place is the most popular area of Cirencester that draws everyone to the city. It’s where everything happens. There is a weekly charter market on Mondays and Fridays. The Farmer’s market is also quite popular and is open on the 2nd and 4th of each month.

Abbey Grounds

Situated literally off Market Place and just behind Parish of St John Baptist, it is a beauty to behold. It contains the site of St Mary’s Abbey, which was consecrated in 1176. The abbey was demolished and was left with the artificial lake used by the Abbey monks. Today, it is a serene slice of Cirencester where we spent a lovely, quiet evening.

Church of St John the Baptist

It is a medieval church in the heart of Cirencester and what I noticed is that the city is built around it. The church was started in the 12th century and built in Cotswold stone. It is popular for its perpendicular fan vaults and merchants’ tombs. I feel like I say it with every cathedral and basilica, but this was a beautiful church! Going in to light a candle and just having a look around its structure left me somewhat mesmerised.

Trips to neighboring villages – Bibury and Tetbury

I had previously visited Bibury and decided to check it out again. We got there quite early and it was a beautiful sunny Sunday morning, we had Arlington Row all to ourselves and spent the morning waking the row. The plan was to have breakfast at The Manor House but it was closed.

Mr E and I headed to Tetbury the next day to see the famous Chipping Steps. Now, this was our first time in Tetbury and it is one village that often gets overlooked. However, like most Cotswolds villages, it does hold its own.

“Cirencester is a beautiful and bubbly town, definitely bubblier than most Cotswolds towns we had been to. Loud chats and smiley faces greet you, you smile back and often get a little wave. By evening, its calm and serenity soothes your spirit. There is a feeling of comfort and happiness and peace. Like there is nowhere else you’d rather be” 

Excerpt from my journal – 19 April, 2021

Cirencester, Cotswolds: Where we ate

The Woolmarket

The Woolmarket in Cirencester, Cotswolds is a shopping center. We walked in randomly and we could see gift shops, health and beauty stores. But most of all, where we could have our yummiest breakfast, Café Mosaic

We sat al fresco and had marshmallows with our hot chocolate and full English breakfast. It was quite a charming spot to people watch, eavesdrop and enjoy our yummy food.

Lunch at The Bear Inn

The Bear Inn came highly recommended so we checked it out for lunch. Menu is typical pub classics and it apparently served the best roast in Cirencester. We visited on a Monday so we ordered some sandwiches and sundaes. How original; lol.

Burgerlicious

Actually the best food we ate. I always vote for street food over anything else. We had just returned from Bibury, walked into Market place and spotted the Burgerlicious food truck. After a few minutes of chatting with the owner, Mr E ordered a burger and I order a breakfast bap.

We sat in the square, under the sun and enjoyed our meal while people watching. In case you have not noticed, people-watching is our thing. Both were so yummy, we ordered again to take home for later!

As the UK is beginning to open up again, it is interesting to see how my taste in travel has changed. I love a slower pace these days, choosing to sit and take things in than thinking I have to see and do everything in a new location. It was our first time in Cirencester and I went with zero itinerary. Mr E and I were sure we were not going to do much and just see where wandering would lead.

Cirencester, Cotswolds was a lovely find. Suffice to say I probably would not have visited if I was not reviewing the property. However, I‘m glad I did. Its Gloucestershire location meant that it was close to a lot of other Cotswolds towns. Therefore, it could actually be a base for one’s Cotswolds itinerary.

Other Cotswolds Posts:

• The prettiest Cotswolds villages we visited
• Bourton on the Water, Cotswolds
• The most beautiful village in England, Bibury

Cheers to Cirencester and cheers to the Cotswolds.

Cheers to all the lovely faces that smiled at us and until next time…….

Bisous, ‘Bugo x