Cirencester Attractions
Whether it's a visit to the Corinium Museum, Brewery Arts Centre, Cirencester Park or the Roman Amphitheatre, Cirencester has plenty to offer. If that's not enough, Cirencester is within easy reach of the world famous Westonbirt Arboretum near Tetbury, the Cotswold Wildlife Park in Burford and the Keynes Country Park part of the Cotswold Water Park.
Cirencester is famous for its Roman history, so a visit to the Corinium Museum is recommended if you have an interest in this field. Cirencester is also within easy reach of Cheltenham, Gloucester, Swindon and Oxford.
The Corinium Museum
The award winning Corinium Museum is the must-see visitor attraction of the Cotswolds.
Leave the 21st century behind you and discover the treasures of the Cotswolds as you explore its history at this multi award winning Museum.
The Corinium Museum has one of the finest and most extensive Roman collections in the country. Corinium, Roman Cirencester, was the second largest Roman town outside London and the major Roman administration centre for south-western Britain.
The Abbey Grounds
The grounds contain the site of St Mary's Abbey which was consecrated in 1176 in the presence of Henry II, remaining until the Dissolution in 1539 when the Abbey was completely demolished. The only remaining building of this period is the Norman Arch situated at the north-eastern corner of the grounds. A plaque was designed and installed by the Civic Society on the balustrade and portrays the site of the Abbey which is outlined with paving. The grounds, lake, wildfowl, trees and greenery for man impressive pastoral centrepiece, inviting restful contemplation of the general town scene. A portion of the ancient Roman Wall is also situated in the grounds. Its history and layout are discussed in the booklet The Corinium Trail - a guide to the surviving remains of the Roman town - available from the Corinium Museum, Tourist Information Centre and the local bookshop.
Text taken from "Cirencester - The Official Town Guide" by kind permission of the Town Clerk
New Brewery Arts
New Brewery Arts is Gloucestershire's hub of visual and performing arts and crafts. A converted Victorian brewery housing a contemporary art gallery, craft shop and cafe, a theatre and twelve on-site maker studios, New Brewery Arts offers visitors a unique arts and crafts shopping experience.
A centre of excellence that stocks the best of British craft, the gallery shop won a coveted Silver Award in the Retail Tourism category of the very first Cotswold Tourism Awards 2010. On-site makers in world-class studios include glass blowers, textile artists, ceramicist, upholsterer, bookbinder, stained glass maker and jeweller. The weaver is one of only a handful in the country using a traditional eight-shaft loom.
Visitors have the opportunity to watch craftspeople at work and to buy directly from them or browse an array of their work on show in the New Brewery Arts café and shop. All the pieces are for sale, and makers are happy to discuss individual requirements to create unique commissioned pieces.
Its central location makes New Brewery Arts a must for visitors to Cirencester, the Cotswolds, and the South West. Open seven days a week, you can drop in any day for lunch, visit the gallery, studios and craft shop - and select that very special gift.
Cirencester Lock-Up
The Cirencester Lock-Up is found in the grounds of the Cotswold District Council offices in Trinity Road. The Lock Up has been restored and is now open to the public. It consists of a small two-cell building built in the 19th century and was used to hold criminals in the days before the police force was established. It was moved to its present position, stone by stone, in 1837 to form part of the new town workhouse opened in that year. Access to the building is free of charge and a key is obtainable during normal office hours at the Trinity Road reception or the Corinium Museum.
The Cheltenham Festival
The Festival at Cheltenham is the jewel in Jump racing's crown. Many people who go to the Cheltenham Festival stay in Cirencester which is only a few miles away from the event.
Advertising your business here costs from £145 + VAT per annum
See the Advertising section for more details