Guidebook for Cirencester

Bolthole Retreats
Bolthole Retreats
Guidebook for Cirencester

Arts & Culture

the museum is home to a huge variety of artefacts from the town’s Roman roots.
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Corinium Museum
Park Street
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the museum is home to a huge variety of artefacts from the town’s Roman roots.
A converted Victorian brewery homing a contemporary art studio, craft shop, on-site studios and excellent café, located on Cricklade Street in the town’s centre.
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New Brewery Arts
Cricklade Street
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A converted Victorian brewery homing a contemporary art studio, craft shop, on-site studios and excellent café, located on Cricklade Street in the town’s centre.
Cheltenham Festivals is a charity running outreach programmes throughout the year, culminating with the town’s internationally acclaimed Jazz (May), Science (June), Music (July), and Literature (October) Festivals over a total of 36 days. The four festivals feature nearly 1,000 events, with 25% of their programme free to enter. Bringing in world-famous acts, performers, experts and authors year on year, the town well and truly comes to life during the Festivals. Head to the website to see if your stay coincides with one of the above but, be warned, tickets can be snapped up months in advance for the most popular events.
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Cheltenham Festivals
109- 111 Bath Rd
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Cheltenham Festivals is a charity running outreach programmes throughout the year, culminating with the town’s internationally acclaimed Jazz (May), Science (June), Music (July), and Literature (October) Festivals over a total of 36 days. The four festivals feature nearly 1,000 events, with 25% of their programme free to enter. Bringing in world-famous acts, performers, experts and authors year on year, the town well and truly comes to life during the Festivals. Head to the website to see if your stay coincides with one of the above but, be warned, tickets can be snapped up months in advance for the most popular events.

Outdoor Activities

An adventure paradise for all ages to enjoy, Cotswold Water Park is an extensive wetland area covering 150 lakes set across the countryside of Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and West Oxfordshire. Visitors can take part in a host of outdoor activities such as sailing, rowing, horse riding, shooting and even playing on a purpose-built beach or simply cycle and walk in the Park.
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Cotswold Water Park Information Centre
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An adventure paradise for all ages to enjoy, Cotswold Water Park is an extensive wetland area covering 150 lakes set across the countryside of Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and West Oxfordshire. Visitors can take part in a host of outdoor activities such as sailing, rowing, horse riding, shooting and even playing on a purpose-built beach or simply cycle and walk in the Park.
Every July, the skies above Fairford come alive with the world-renowned Air Tattoo; arguably one of the greatest airshows in the world. Drawing in over 185,000 people every year, The Air Tattoo welcomes over 300 aircraft from 30 nations around the world, with a thrilling programme of flying air displays taking place over the course of the event. An absolute must-visit for flying fans and adrenaline-junkies, with plenty on offer to keep others entertained, too.
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The Royal International Air Tattoo
Horcott Hill
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Every July, the skies above Fairford come alive with the world-renowned Air Tattoo; arguably one of the greatest airshows in the world. Drawing in over 185,000 people every year, The Air Tattoo welcomes over 300 aircraft from 30 nations around the world, with a thrilling programme of flying air displays taking place over the course of the event. An absolute must-visit for flying fans and adrenaline-junkies, with plenty on offer to keep others entertained, too.
A year-round, 18-hole course with a rich 125-year history, offering a fantastic day on the course for members and visitors alike. Designed by James Braid, this mature course boasts spectacular views towards Cirencester and the Marlborough Downs and is suitable for all grades of golfer. There’s also a driving range and short-game practice area, with buggy hire available.
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Cirencester Golf Club
Cheltenham Road
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A year-round, 18-hole course with a rich 125-year history, offering a fantastic day on the course for members and visitors alike. Designed by James Braid, this mature course boasts spectacular views towards Cirencester and the Marlborough Downs and is suitable for all grades of golfer. There’s also a driving range and short-game practice area, with buggy hire available.
Cotswold Gliding Club at Aston Down Airfield in Gloucestershire is one of the most progressive gliding clubs in the UK with its large airfield and excellent training fleet. It really is one of the premier places to learn to fly. We have continuously invested in both our ground and airborne fleet to provide the most reliable and efficient way of getting you in the air. Our large team of instructors gives the greatest possible availability to pilots learning to fly and all instruction is provided free of charge to members.
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Cotswold Gliding Club
7 moradores locais recomendam
Cotswold Gliding Club at Aston Down Airfield in Gloucestershire is one of the most progressive gliding clubs in the UK with its large airfield and excellent training fleet. It really is one of the premier places to learn to fly. We have continuously invested in both our ground and airborne fleet to provide the most reliable and efficient way of getting you in the air. Our large team of instructors gives the greatest possible availability to pilots learning to fly and all instruction is provided free of charge to members.
Every year in May, one of the biggest events in the world’s equestrian calendar comes to the spectacular Badminton Estate for three days of thrilling competitions, amazing horse displays and over 500 stands dedicated to food, drink and country pursuits. A great day out for all ages, dogs are welcome to come along, too. Keep your eyes peeled for a royal or two, known to frequent the horse trials every year.
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Badminton Horse Trials
High Street
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Every year in May, one of the biggest events in the world’s equestrian calendar comes to the spectacular Badminton Estate for three days of thrilling competitions, amazing horse displays and over 500 stands dedicated to food, drink and country pursuits. A great day out for all ages, dogs are welcome to come along, too. Keep your eyes peeled for a royal or two, known to frequent the horse trials every year.

Parks & Wildlife

Stroll around the Park and get eye-to-eye with giraffes, watch rhinos graze on the Manor House lawns, walk with lemurs, ride on the train, explore the adventure playground and meet the farm animals up close. The park also has a thriving education programme, numerous endangered species breeding programmes and several vital conservation projects in the wild.
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Parque de Vida Selvagem e Jardins de Cotswold
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Stroll around the Park and get eye-to-eye with giraffes, watch rhinos graze on the Manor House lawns, walk with lemurs, ride on the train, explore the adventure playground and meet the farm animals up close. The park also has a thriving education programme, numerous endangered species breeding programmes and several vital conservation projects in the wild.
From birdwatchers to families there is plenty to discover all year round. Enjoy amazing wildlife up-close. With experiences to suit all ages offering access to a huge variety of wildlife, it is no surprise that this fabulous centre is an award-winning day out!
Slimbridge
From birdwatchers to families there is plenty to discover all year round. Enjoy amazing wildlife up-close. With experiences to suit all ages offering access to a huge variety of wildlife, it is no surprise that this fabulous centre is an award-winning day out!
This historic 3,000-acre estate owned by the Bathurst Family boasts a beautiful 19th Century parkland designed by Alexander Pope, which the general public are free to enjoy at their leisure. Accessible via entrance gates on Cecily Hill, little ones will love stretching their legs here, whilst older visitors will enjoy taking in the stunning landscapes. Dogs are welcome, too, just take care to stick to the designated walking areas.
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The Bathurst Estate & Cirencester Park
Park Street
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This historic 3,000-acre estate owned by the Bathurst Family boasts a beautiful 19th Century parkland designed by Alexander Pope, which the general public are free to enjoy at their leisure. Accessible via entrance gates on Cecily Hill, little ones will love stretching their legs here, whilst older visitors will enjoy taking in the stunning landscapes. Dogs are welcome, too, just take care to stick to the designated walking areas.
This spectacular 600-acre arboretum offers nature lovers of all ages a memorable day-out destination whatever the weather. Filled with over 15,000 trees from around the world, visitors can keep eyes peeled for specific species using the Arboretum’s Tree Spotter’s Guide, wander amidst the treetops on the award-winning STIHL Treetop Walkway (photo) or head off on one of the guided walks. Visitors in Autumn are in for a particular treat, as the trees put on an incredible leaf-changing display which carpets the area in red and golden hues.
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Westonbirt, O Arboreto Nacional
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This spectacular 600-acre arboretum offers nature lovers of all ages a memorable day-out destination whatever the weather. Filled with over 15,000 trees from around the world, visitors can keep eyes peeled for specific species using the Arboretum’s Tree Spotter’s Guide, wander amidst the treetops on the award-winning STIHL Treetop Walkway (photo) or head off on one of the guided walks. Visitors in Autumn are in for a particular treat, as the trees put on an incredible leaf-changing display which carpets the area in red and golden hues.

Relaxation

The Vaulted Spa is a unique subterranean spa can be found in the vaults of the boutique Kings Head Hotel, just off the town’s main Market Square. With four treatment rooms, a relaxation room and thermal suite complete with hot tub, infra-red sauna, steam room and experience shower, this is the ideal spot to unwind away from the hubbub of the town centre. Indulge with one of the spa’s pampering treatments, with everything from therapeutic massages and beautifying facials on offer. Booking essential
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Kings Head Hotel
24 Market Pl
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The Vaulted Spa is a unique subterranean spa can be found in the vaults of the boutique Kings Head Hotel, just off the town’s main Market Square. With four treatment rooms, a relaxation room and thermal suite complete with hot tub, infra-red sauna, steam room and experience shower, this is the ideal spot to unwind away from the hubbub of the town centre. Indulge with one of the spa’s pampering treatments, with everything from therapeutic massages and beautifying facials on offer. Booking essential
For the ultimate in luxury, look no further than Barnsley House – an iconic hotel tucked away in the picturesque Cotswold village of Barnsley – where a dedicated spa hidden in the gardens offers all visitors a truly memorable day of R&R. The glass-walled spa really is the ultimate in luxury retreats, boasting an outdoor heated hydrotherapy pool, herbaceous sauna and indoor/outdoor lounge relaxation areas
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Barnsley House
28 moradores locais recomendam
For the ultimate in luxury, look no further than Barnsley House – an iconic hotel tucked away in the picturesque Cotswold village of Barnsley – where a dedicated spa hidden in the gardens offers all visitors a truly memorable day of R&R. The glass-walled spa really is the ultimate in luxury retreats, boasting an outdoor heated hydrotherapy pool, herbaceous sauna and indoor/outdoor lounge relaxation areas

Food & Drink Tours

Sibling Distillery is a fast-growing brand with a brilliant backstory, created by four siblings who took on the family micro-brewery business and created their very own Cheltenham-based gin. Well worth a visit to get to know more about the story behind this tasty gin, distillery tours are available including behind-the-scenes tours of the distillery itself, tasting sessions and talks on all things gin. Don’t forget to stock up on a bottle of Sibling from the on-site shop before you leave. Pre-booking essential.
Sibling Distillery
London Road
Sibling Distillery is a fast-growing brand with a brilliant backstory, created by four siblings who took on the family micro-brewery business and created their very own Cheltenham-based gin. Well worth a visit to get to know more about the story behind this tasty gin, distillery tours are available including behind-the-scenes tours of the distillery itself, tasting sessions and talks on all things gin. Don’t forget to stock up on a bottle of Sibling from the on-site shop before you leave. Pre-booking essential.
The result of owner Greg Pilley’s dedication to his vision to create a sustainable, organic beer which actively contributes to its local community, Stroud Brewery has gone from strength to strength since its conception in 2006. Now a thriving brewery with a fantastic selection of organic craft beers, the Brewery itself boasts its own bar, shop and offers Brewery Tours; the perfect day out for beer enthusiasts.
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Stroud Brewery
London Road
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The result of owner Greg Pilley’s dedication to his vision to create a sustainable, organic beer which actively contributes to its local community, Stroud Brewery has gone from strength to strength since its conception in 2006. Now a thriving brewery with a fantastic selection of organic craft beers, the Brewery itself boasts its own bar, shop and offers Brewery Tours; the perfect day out for beer enthusiasts.

Food scene

Holding the coveted title of the Cotswolds’ first dedicated waffle house, He Says She Waffles is every bit as good as its name. The smell of freshly-baked waffles entices you from the moment you step through the front door, with toppings to suit every occasion – from the healthy to the decadent. A great pit-stop for an indulgent breakfast, elevenses or snack no matter what the time of day, with shakes, soft drinks and hot drinks available, too.
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He Says She Waffles
Black Jack Street
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Holding the coveted title of the Cotswolds’ first dedicated waffle house, He Says She Waffles is every bit as good as its name. The smell of freshly-baked waffles entices you from the moment you step through the front door, with toppings to suit every occasion – from the healthy to the decadent. A great pit-stop for an indulgent breakfast, elevenses or snack no matter what the time of day, with shakes, soft drinks and hot drinks available, too.
This fantastic artisan farm shop and deli boasts its own coffee house, where incredible fresh feasts are served up daily. Head there to grab anything from a steaming cup of coffee to homemade cakes, freshly-made pastries, tasty sandwiches or heartier dishes, all made on-site using produce sold in the shop.
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Jesse Smith Farm Shop & Café
19 Love Ln
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This fantastic artisan farm shop and deli boasts its own coffee house, where incredible fresh feasts are served up daily. Head there to grab anything from a steaming cup of coffee to homemade cakes, freshly-made pastries, tasty sandwiches or heartier dishes, all made on-site using produce sold in the shop.
The place to head if you’re hankering for a truly decent cuppa, Keith’s is a small but perfectly formed treasure trove dedicated to all-things coffee, featuring a fantastic selection from all around the world. Grab a steaming cup and fresh slice of cake to start your day off right.
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Keiths Coffee Shop
2 Black Jack St
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The place to head if you’re hankering for a truly decent cuppa, Keith’s is a small but perfectly formed treasure trove dedicated to all-things coffee, featuring a fantastic selection from all around the world. Grab a steaming cup and fresh slice of cake to start your day off right.
A distinctive pink pub set in the pretty village of North Cerney along the River Churn, The Bathurst Arms is a great place to head when only a traditional English pub will do. Head there for a tasty tipple no matter what the time of day or enjoy a bite to eat courtesy of the gastropub-style menu. Dog-friendly, it’s also got a great beer garden alongside the river.
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The Bathurst Arms
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A distinctive pink pub set in the pretty village of North Cerney along the River Churn, The Bathurst Arms is a great place to head when only a traditional English pub will do. Head there for a tasty tipple no matter what the time of day or enjoy a bite to eat courtesy of the gastropub-style menu. Dog-friendly, it’s also got a great beer garden alongside the river.
One of the highest-regarded eating establishments in all of Cirencester is undoubtedly Made by Bob, a multi award-winning restaurant, bar and deli in the town’s centre, serving up incredible breakfasts and lunches daily. Well worth a visit during your stay. Made by Bob also offers a catering service – perfect for a special meal at a Bolthole Retreats holiday rental.
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MADE BY BOB
53 moradores locais recomendam
One of the highest-regarded eating establishments in all of Cirencester is undoubtedly Made by Bob, a multi award-winning restaurant, bar and deli in the town’s centre, serving up incredible breakfasts and lunches daily. Well worth a visit during your stay. Made by Bob also offers a catering service – perfect for a special meal at a Bolthole Retreats holiday rental.
Set in one of the most iconic buildings in Market Place, The Fleece is a fantastic all-day dining destination in the heart of the town. Head there for anything from brunch to a late-night bite, choosing from a moreish menu of flatbreads, gastropub classics, grilled meats and burgers. Dogs are welcome to come along, too.
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The Fleece at Cirencester
Market Place
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Set in one of the most iconic buildings in Market Place, The Fleece is a fantastic all-day dining destination in the heart of the town. Head there for anything from brunch to a late-night bite, choosing from a moreish menu of flatbreads, gastropub classics, grilled meats and burgers. Dogs are welcome to come along, too.
A member of the renowned Lucky Onion group of hotels and restaurants, The Wild Duck at Ewen boasts an enviable reputation for its refined take on classic pub grub. Head there for a memorable feast for lunch, dinner or just for a picturesque drink, finding out why Tatler named it as one of its ‘Best of British’.
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The Wild Duck Inn
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A member of the renowned Lucky Onion group of hotels and restaurants, The Wild Duck at Ewen boasts an enviable reputation for its refined take on classic pub grub. Head there for a memorable feast for lunch, dinner or just for a picturesque drink, finding out why Tatler named it as one of its ‘Best of British’.
Tucked away in the sleepy village of Sapperton is this fantastic hidden gem of pub, serving up the very finest in fresh, quality dishes with a modern twist. Families, dogs and diners are welcome at all times, with a great beer garden to enjoy in the summer months.
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The Bell at Sapperton
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Tucked away in the sleepy village of Sapperton is this fantastic hidden gem of pub, serving up the very finest in fresh, quality dishes with a modern twist. Families, dogs and diners are welcome at all times, with a great beer garden to enjoy in the summer months.
Sister pub to the luxurious Barnsley House Hotel & Spa, The Village Pub is perfect for a memorable feast, offering a refined take on traditional pub classics in a beautiful Cotswold stone setting. Booking here is recommended as it can fill up fast.
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The Village Pub
55 moradores locais recomendam
Sister pub to the luxurious Barnsley House Hotel & Spa, The Village Pub is perfect for a memorable feast, offering a refined take on traditional pub classics in a beautiful Cotswold stone setting. Booking here is recommended as it can fill up fast.
Pub food, but not as you know it… The Gumstool offers up gastropub dining as elegant as the hotel in which it sits, making it a great place to head to experience the luxury of Calcot Manor without too many airs and graces. If you do want a more elegant treat, then the restaurant at Calcot Manor is also excellent.
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The Gumstool
18 moradores locais recomendam
Pub food, but not as you know it… The Gumstool offers up gastropub dining as elegant as the hotel in which it sits, making it a great place to head to experience the luxury of Calcot Manor without too many airs and graces. If you do want a more elegant treat, then the restaurant at Calcot Manor is also excellent.
A classic Cotswolds inn with delicious organic food and a great selection of real ales, The Royal Oak offers a changing seasonal menu, themed food evenings and even a vegan menu.
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The Royal Oak Tetbury
Cirencester Road
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A classic Cotswolds inn with delicious organic food and a great selection of real ales, The Royal Oak offers a changing seasonal menu, themed food evenings and even a vegan menu.
A fantastic pub with a distinctly rustic-chic feel, The Potting Shed can be found in the pretty village of Crudwell just a short drive from Tetbury. Menus are creative, British and very much focussed on showcasing the best of the season’s produce, offering hearty classics and more refined mains. Cocktails here are also well worth the visit.
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The Potting Shed Pub
The Street
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A fantastic pub with a distinctly rustic-chic feel, The Potting Shed can be found in the pretty village of Crudwell just a short drive from Tetbury. Menus are creative, British and very much focussed on showcasing the best of the season’s produce, offering hearty classics and more refined mains. Cocktails here are also well worth the visit.

Essentials

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Tesco Extra
Eastgate Road
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Waitrose & Partners
Northgate Street
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Marks and Spencer
42 Dyer St
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ALDI
Cricklade Road
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