Cirencester Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Cirencester - Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find a list of the frequently asked questions when people contact us about Cirencester.

If there's a Cirencester related question you would like to ask, please email us or contact us using our Facebook Messenger service which you should see on screen now.

Cirencester is a Cotswold market town in Gloucestershire, England. By road Cirencester is approximately 95 miles (around 152 kilometres) west of London.

Cirencester is know as the Capital of the Cotswolds.

Permalink: Where is Cirencester?

Cirencester is pronounced:

Sigh-ren-ses-ter

Permalink: How do you pronounce Cirencester?

Dating back many hundreds of years to the 12th century, the Mop Fair in Cirencester takes it's name from it's original purpose, a hiring event where servants carried the tools of their trade to show that they were available for work.

The 2023 Cirencester Mop Fair was held in the Market Place and surrounding streets on and between 12pm and 10pm.

We will bring you the 2024 Cirencester Mop dates during September 2024.

Permalink: When is the Mop Fair in Cirencester?

Cirencester is in the Cotswolds, it's the largest market town in the Cotswolds AONB and is known as the Capital of the Cotwolds.

Permalink: Is Cirencester in the Cotswolds?

Definately! But we may be a little biased.

Cirencester is a typical Cotswold market town which oozes charm. Cirencester Market Place is a hub to streets filled with shops, restaurants and pubs. The world famous Corinium Museum can be found in Park Street, just around the corner for the tallest Yew hedge in the World!

For those wanting to stay in Cirencester we have so many quality hotels and bed & breakfast accommodation including The Kings Head, The Fleece, The Corinium Hotel & Restaurant, The Old Brewhouse and Cotswold Hare.

Link: A short break in Cirencester

Permalink: Is Cirencester worth visiting?

There's no getting away from the fact that Cirencester is in an affluent area of the Cotswolds. King Charles has an estate lives at nearby Highgrove (just outside Tetbury) and it's not been unknown to see a Prince frequenting a local country pub. The Royals have, over the years, been frequent visitors to Cirencester Park Polo Park and Cirencester has its very own Lord and Lady.

But on the flip side, you're just as likely to bump into Kerry and Kurtain Mucklowe!

Permalink: Is Cirencester posh?

According to the 2021 Census, the population of Cirencester is 20,229 - This is up from 19,076 as measured in the 2011 Census.

Permalink: What is the population of Cirencester?

The local newspaper in Cirencester is called the Wilts & Glos Standard, it's published on a Thursday.

The Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard has been reporting the news since 1837. It used to have offices on Dyer Street, but these closed in later 2017.

Permalink: What's the name of Cirencester's local newspaper?

The piano found in Cirencester's Market place was funded by The Corinium Hotel and placed in the Market Place with help from Cirencester Town Council.

Members of the public are encouraged to play the piano (weather permitting) and post their videos and photos to social media with the hashtag #keystocirencester.

Permalink: Who is responsible for the Cirencester Market Place piano?

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown is the Conservative MP for The Cotswolds, and has been an MP continuously since 9 April 1992. Member of Parliament for Cirencester & Tewkesbury 1992-97 and for The Cotswolds since 1997.

Permalink: Who is the MP for Cirencester?

Firstly, have a look at the Cirenccester FAQs page to see if we have already answered your question.

If you cannot find the answer to a Cirencester related question you would like to ask, please email us or contact us using our Facebook Messenger service which you should see on screen now. We'll do our best to answer your question as quickly as possible.

Permalink: I need to ask a question about Cirencester

The Cirencester Chirstmas Lights switch-on date is scheduled for .

For more details visit All you need to know about this year's Cirencester Advent Marke

Permalink: When are the 2023 Cirencester Christmas lights being switched on?

Cirencester...

But then we would say that ;)

Permalink: Which is nicer, Cheltenham or Cirencester?

Cirencester lies on the River Churn, a tributary of the River Thames.

Permalink: Has Cirencester got a river?

Cecily Hill, leading up to the entrace to Cirencester Park, is a majestic road flanked by impressive town houses with colouful flower displays, planters and window boxes. Is there a prettier street in Cirencester? Perhaps not!

Permalink: What is the prettiest street in Cirencester?

Kemble Train Station near Cirencester
Travel
Car • Train • Public Transport • Air

Cirencester Travel Questions

Cirencester does not have its own railway station. The closest train station is at Kemble, about 7 miles from Cirencester town centre.

Kemble railway station is on the main Cheltenham-Swindon-London line and provides train serves to Stroud, Gloucester and Cheltenham and to London Paddington, Reading, Bath, Bristol and South Wales.

Permalink: Does Cirencester have a train station?

If you are arriving in the area by train at Kemble Station there is a taxi rank at Kemble Station - but you can also book a taxi from Kemble Station to Cirencester.

Permalink: How to get from Kemble Railway Station to Cirencester?

Cirencester has lots of public car parks including The Waterloo car park, The Forum, The Beeches car park, Sheep Street and The Old Station car park.

All of these pay and display car parks take payment by card or using the smartphone app (Pay by Phone). It is not possible to pay for parking using cash.

Link: Parking in Cirencester

Permalink: Where can I park when visiting Cirencester?

Cirencester is 95 miles from London when travelling via the M4 motorway and A419.

If you travel via the M40 motorway and A40 Cirencester is 90 miles from London.

Permalink: How far is Cirencester from London?

Cirencester is 19 miles from Gloucester by road, along the A417.

Permalink: How far is Cirencester from Gloucester?

Cirencester is 15 miles from Cheltenham by road.

Permalink: How far is Cirencester from Cheltenham?

Cirencester is approximately 8 miles from Bibury, via the B4425.

Permalink: How far is Cirencester from Bibury?

Cirencester has lots of pay and display car parks dotted around the town, but where is the best place to park in Cirencester?

Cheapest all-day parking in Cirencester

If you are looking for the cheapest all-day parking in Cirencester then £2.70 gets you 10 hours at The Beeches car park. 10 hour car parking is also available at the Abbey Grounds, Old Station, Sheep Street and The Waterloo but at £7.90 it's much more expensive than The Beeches.

Closest car park to Cirencester town centre

Although most Cirencester car parks are within easy walking distance of Cirenceser town centre, The Market Place, The Waterloo and The Forum car parks are closest - with Sheep Streep and The Brewey also being very close to Cirencester's shops.

Permalink: Where is the best place to park in Cirencester?

Cirencester Shopping
Shopping
A unique shopping location in the Cotswolds

Cirencester Shopping

Cirencester has a mix of national chain stores, regional stores and independent shops.

Nationals and regionals include Argos, WH Smith, Boots, Crew Clothing, Fat Face, Barbour, Joules, Vodafone, EE, O2, Seasalt Cornwall, Superdrug and White Stuff.

Local independents include R Scott, Octavia's Bookshop, Plum, Oops a Daisy and M.A.D.E.

Permalink: What shops are in Cirencester?

The public car parks in Cirencester are run on a 'pay and display' basis. The are a small number of free roadside parking spaces in the likes of Cricklade Street, Dyer Street and Park Lane.

For more information visit the Cirencester Parking page.

Permalink: Is there free parking in Cirencester?

The public car parks in Cirencester have transitioned to a cashless payment system. You can pay for parking in Cirencester by card or app (PayByPhone).

For more information, visit our Cirencester Parking page.

Permalink: How can I pay for parking in Cirencester?

There's not an 'official' half day closing day for shops in Cirencester, but some outlets and businesses in the town centre are closed on a Monday, and not every shop opens on a Sunday. If you have a specific shop you are enquiring about, please drop us a message and we can help you out with opening days/hours.

Permalink: Do any shops still have half day closing in Cirencester?

Cirencester Charter Market takes place every Monday (10am to 3pm) abd Friday (9am to 3pm) and features an array of stalls which including quality fresh food, plants, and much more.

Some of the traders have been trading on the Market for over 30 years!

For more details, visit our Cirencester Market page.

Permalink: Does Cirencester have a market?

Cirencester Charter Market is held every Monday (approx. 10am to 4pm) and Friday (approx. 9am to 3pm). The market features a range of stalls which include quality fresh food, plants, local produce, crafts and much more.

Related Link: Cotswold Market Days

Permalink: What day is Cirencester Market?

Yes, Dobbies Garden Centre has a store in Cirencester. The store has the usual selection of outdoor and indoor plants as well as gardening supplies and tools. There is also a restaurant and large array of items for the home.

For those visiting Dobbies by car, the Dobbies postcode is GL7 6EU.

Permalink: Is there a Dobbies in Cirencester?

Where to stay in Cirencester
Places to Stay
Cirencester Hotels • Bed & Breakfast • Holiday Cottages

Staying in Cirencester

Cirencester is home to two town centre hotels, and one a short walk from the town centre.

In the town centre (Market Place) you can find The Kings Head and The Fleece. The Corinium Hotel & Restuarant on Gloucester Street is just a short walk from the town centre and benefits from a large private car park and lovely walled garden.

For more details, visit the Cirencester Hotels page.

Permalink: What hotels are there in Cirencester?

The Corinium Hotel & Restaurant has five dog-friendly rooms, two on the ground floor and three on the first floor. The Hotel charges £10.00 per night for dogs (maximum two dogs), but if you book direct this can be waived.

At the Kings Head Hotel dogs are welcome in all areas except for the Spa and Restaurant. There are a selection of dog friendly rooms in the Hotel and they even come with with a dog bed, bowl and a special treat just for your doggie. The charge is £20 per dog per night. Bookings must be made in advance and are subject to availability.

The Fleece Hotel in Cirencester accepts dogs at a rate of £15 per stay. Dogs are permitted in the bar, but not in dining only areas.

Cirencester hotel information can be found on the Cirencester Hotels page.

Permalink: Are there any dog friendly hotels in Cirencester?

Cirencester is home to some lovely B&Bs including The Old Brewhouse on London Road, The Ivy House on Victoria Road and Cotswold Hare which is also on Victoria Road.

For more information visit the Cirencester Bed and Breakfast page.

Permalink: I'm looking for a bed and breakfast in Cirencester

Holiday cottages in Cirencester can be found in the Cirencester Holiday Cottages section of the Cirencester Website.

Permalink: Are there any holiday cottages in Cirencester?

There are two B&Bs on Victoria Road in Cirencester, Cotswold Hare and The Ivy House.

Permalink: What is the name of the B&B on Victoria Road in Cirencester?

If you're visiting Cirencester by car for a short break then you may be looking for hotels in Cirencester with parking. The Corinium Hotel has its own good sized private car park which is provided free of charge for guests' use.

Permalink: Are there any hotels in Cirencester with their own private parking?

Corinium Museum Cirencester
Things to do in Cirencester
Places to visit and Cirencester Events

Things to do in Cirencester

Are you looking for things to do in Cirencester today? Wondering what's on in Cirencester this weekend? Looking for things to do in Cirencester? Then head over to the Cirencester Events Calendar.

Visit the Cirencester Events page.

Permalink: What's on in Cirencester today?

From music events to theatrical productions and from speciality markets to sporting events, there's always something to do in Cirencester and the surrounding Cotswolds.

Annual events include The Cotswold Show and Food Festival at Cirencester Park and the Phoenix Festival, while events close by include The Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.

The Corinium Museum in Cirencester showcases finds from the Roman town of Corinium (their name for Cirencester) and is well worth a visit. During the warmer weather you may want to take part in watersports or swimming at the Cotswold Water Park.

Further afield, the Badminton Horse Trials, horse racing at the Cheltenham Festival, Cheese Rolling at Cooper's Hill, Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Cheltenham Food and Drink Festival, and quirky events such as Football in the River at Bourton on the Water and Duck Racing at South Cerney are some of the highlights of the events calendar.

Link: Things to do in Cirencester

Permalink: What is there to do in Cirencester?

Yes, Lots!

Nearby attractions include Bibury village known for its picturesque cottages and Arlington Row, Chedworth Roman Villa, the stunning Westonbirt Arboretum with its beautiful tree collection, and watersports in the Cotswold Water Park.

Permalink: Are there any nearby attractions worth visiting while in Cirencester?

We're so lucky that Cirencester Park is open to the public every day from 8 am to 5 pm to the public for free.

Permalink: Is Cirencester Park open to the public?

Small informal picnics are permitted in Cirencester Park. However, large gatherings or organised picnics are not allowed.

Permalink: Can I picnic in Cirencester Park?

Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool was originally opened in 1869.

Permalink: When did Cirencester Open Air Pool open?

Yes, you can visit the remains of the Roman amphitheatre in Cirencester It offers a fascinating insight into the entertainment and spectacles enjoyed by Romans.

Cirencester Roman amphitheatre can be found just off Cotswold Avenue in Cirencester. About a 10 minute walk from the town centre.

Permalink: Can I visit the Roman Amphitheatre in Cirencester?

Yes there is a museum in Cirencester. It's called the Corinium Museum.

Permalink: Is there a museum in Cirencester?

The 2023 Phoenix Festival in Cirencester's Abbey Grounds took place on Saturday 26th August and Sunday 27th August 2023.

Permalink: When is the 2023 Phoenix Festival?

It is free to enter Cirencester Park. The Park is open daily from 8am - 5pm

Permalink: How much does it cost to enter Cirencester Park?

Beeches Road in Cirencester is home to The Barn Theatre.

The Barn Theatre Project was established as a charity by Ian and Chrissie Carling - "with the vision of building a bold legacy in the arts for the community of Cirencester and the Cotswolds."

The Barn Theatre can be found at 5 Beeches Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1BN - a five-minute walk from the centre of town.

Permalink: What is the name of the theatre in Cirencester?

Food at the Court Restaurant at The Corinium Hotel, Cirencester
Food and drink in Cirencester
Cirencester restaurants, pubs serving food, cafés and coffee shops

Food and drink in Cirencester

Whether you're on a shopping trip to Cirencester and you're looking for somewhere to lunch, or you're seeking out a place to take friends and family to dinner, Cirencester has lots of great places to eat and drink.

Restaurants in Cirencester include The Court Restaurant at The Corinium Hotel in Gloucester Street, La Passione on Castle Street, Téatro on Beeches Road, Thai Emerald on Castle Street and Henry's Seafood Bar & Grill on Gosditch Street.

Link: Food and drink in Cirencester

Permalink: Does Cirencester have good restaurants?

Coffee lovers have lots of places to choose from when seeking out someone to drink espresso, flat white, latte, cappuccino, macchiato and Americano. Some options include:

  • Cafe Mosaic in The Woolmarket
  • Lynwood & Co in the Market Place
  • Luxe Cafe Bar in Swan Yard
  • Jacks Teamroom & Kitchen on Black Jack Street
  • Keiths at 2 Black Jack Street
  • Triple Two Coffee on Cricklade Street
  • Coffee#1 on Castle Street
  • Costa Coffee at 41 Cricklade Street

Options for coffee near Cirencester include the Gateway Cafe, Lakeside Brasserie, and The Lodge at Lake 12 - all in the South Cetrney area.

Permalink: Where can I go for a coffee in Cirencester?

If you're looking for a Cirencester Restaurant with its own car park then you could try The Court Restaurant at the Corinium Hotel. It has a large private car park and a lovely walled garden.

Link: The Court Restaurant at The Corinium Hotel

Permalink: Do any Cirencester restaurants have their own car park?

Are you looking for a venue to host a birthday celebration in Cirencester? Are you looking for somewhere than can cater for all your needs leaving you to enjoy spending time with the birthday celebration guests? Well read on, we think we may have just the place!

With a choice of the attractive dining room, character bar and stunning walled garden, The Corinium Hotel and Court Restaurant can offer a flexible and tailor made approach to your birthday party celebration needs. You can choose from a wide selection of menus and drinks packages, and our large private car park means your guests don't have to worry about finding somewhere to to park after travelling to the celebrations.

Link: Find our more about how we can help with your birthday celebrations in Cirencester.

Permalink: Where in Cirencester can you hire a private dining area for a Birthday?

At The Corinium Hotel dogs are very welcome in the garden and bar area where you can enjoy our full restaurant menu. We have our own dogs who you will no doubt meet during your stay with us.

Link: Corinium Hotel, Cirencester

Permalink: Are there any pet friendly bars in Cirencester?

The Festive Season is celebrated at the Corinium Hotel in Cirencester with great enthusiasm and passion. Christmas Day is a special event with a full lunch service offering a four course special menu. Early booking is recommended as it is always popular and sells out early.

Permalink: Where in Cirencester can I book to have Christmas Day Lunch?

Roots + Seeds is a café and restaurant at The Old Kennels up at Cirencester Park.

According to their website Roots + seeds 'brings together a sustainable, home-grown and locally sourced dining hub to The Old Kennels in the heart of Cirencester Park, whilst embracing the wider community''.

Address: Roots + Seeds Kitchen Garden, The Old Kennels, Cirencester Park, GL7 1UR

Permalink: What is 'Roots and Seeds Cirencester'?

The Market Place, Cirencester
More Cirencester FAQs
Business • Food and Drink • Facts • Did you know?

More Cirencester FAQs

The Roman name for Cirencester was Corinium Dobunnorum.

Permalink: What was the Roman name for Cirencester?

Cirencester is twinned with the German town of Itzehoe.

Permalink: Does Cirencester have a twin town?

St Michael's Park is located in the Watermoor area of Cirencester with entrances on King Street (GL7 1JT) and Tower Street.

As well as the green space to enjoy, you can also play tennis, crazy golf, table tennis, petanque and croquet.

Permalink: Where is St Michael's Park in Cirencester?

St Michael's Park is a dog-free park, except for assistance dogs.

Permalink: Are dogs allowed in St Michael's Park, Cirencester?

St Michael's Park is Park open daily, from 8am to dusk.

in winter, the park closes at 4:15pm.

Permalink: When is St Michael's Park in Cirencester open?

Cirencester's Abbey Grounds can be found behind the Market Place and Parish Church. Entrances can be found off Gosditch Street, the Abbey Grounds car park (Dugdale Road), through the Norman Arch off Grove Lane, Corinium Gate and from the Waterloo Car Park.

Permalink: Where is the Abbey Grounds in Cirencester?

Cirencester's Town Crier is John Lawrence. He was appointed as Town Crier at Cirencester Fleece Fayre on May 6th 2019 and his first official appearance was to announce and welcome people to the Phoenix Festival in August 2019.

Permalink: What is the name of the Town Crier in Cirencester?

The Churn Project supports vulnerable and marginalised people across the community in Cirencester and nearby villages. The charity has been running since 2001.

The Churn Project 'aims to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing, particularly for those who are lonely, at a point of crisis or transition in their lives, or experiencing poverty or mental health issues.'

Link: Charities in Cirencester

Permalink: What is The Churn Project in Cirencester?

For mortgage advice in Cirencester, try Hudson Rose mortgage brokers on Dyer Street.

Permalink: Where can I get mortgage advice in Cirencester?

Giffords Circus regularly brings its wonderful show to Cirencester. Tweedy Clown and the rest of the gang delight families at Stratton Meadow on the edge of Cirencester.

Permalink: Does Giffords Circus perfom in Cirencester?

The first Phoenix Festival in Cirencester took place in 2013.

Permalink: When was the first Phoenix Festival in Cirencester?

Cirencester does not have a cathedral. Though it's extremely impressive, St John the Baptist in Cirencester's Market place is a church and not a cathedral.

Permalink: Does Cirencester have a cathedral?

The Parish Church of St John the Baptist in Cirencester's Market Place is 41 metres (134 feet) high.

Permalink: How tall is the Church of St John the Baptist in Cirencester?

Cirencester Library can be found at The Waterloo, GL7 2PZ.

Services at Cirencester library include:

  • Books
  • Post box for out of hours book returns
  • Computer with internet access
  • Use of public WiFi
  • Photocopying
  • Study space

For those wishing to travel to the Library by bike, there are bicycle racks next to main doors. And there's a bus stop nearby.

Permalink: Where is the Cirencester Library?

Yes, Cirencester is a very nice town. It is known as the 'Capital of the Cotswolds' and is a popular tourist destination.

The Gloucestershire town has a rich history dating back to Roman times and is home to many attractions and historical landmarks, including the Corinium Museum, the Parish Church in the Market Place, and the Roman Amphitheatre.

Permalink: Is Cirencester a nice town?

Cycling's Tour of Britain 2023 Stage 7 passed through Cirencester on Saturday 9th September.

Permalink: When did the Tour of Britain 2023 pass through Cirencester?

No, Cirencester is not in Wiltshire. Cirencester is in the county of Gloucestershire.

Permalink: Is Cirencester in Wiltshire?

Cirencester is in the English county of Gloiucestershire.

Permalink: What county is Cirencester in?

You can follow Cirencester on Facebook, join the Cirencester Facebook Group and follow the Cirencester Instagram account:

Facebook

Cirencester Facebook Page

Cirencester Facebook Group

Instagram

Cirencester on Instagram

Permalink: Where can I follow Cirencester on Social Media?