Often referred to as the ‘capital of the Cotswolds’, Cirencester is a buzzing hive of activity with a rich historical past. A jewel in the heart of the Cotswolds.

This vibrant market town was once the second largest in Roman Britain and a prosperous medieval wool town.  Today a diverse business community is thriving on a local, national and international scale.

Cirencester oozes character and charm with hidden courtyards and winding streets leading to the town’s market place where weekly markets and a farmers market are held. The elegant parish church of St John the Baptist dominates the centre and is one of the largest medieval churches in Gloucestershire.

Parish church of St John the Baptist

For a spot of culture head to the Barn Theatre, visit the award-winning Corinium Museum, or pop in to New Brewery Arts to meet artists and craftsmen.

With a growing number of independent shops, great restaurants (Made by Bob, Côte Brasserie and The Bell at Sapperton to name but a few), Abbey Home Farm organic farm shop, traditional pubs (The Golden Cross serves real ales and a hearty Sunday lunch), and quirky cafes, Cirencester is a bustling town with much to offer.

Black Jack St, Cirencester

There is plenty of green space too – the Abbey Grounds and St Michael’s Park are just a stone’s throw from the town centre and the stunning 3,000-acre woodland and pasture surrounding Cirencester Park is open all year round.

The open air swimming pool was built in 1869 and is one of the oldest in the country.

Cirencester has an excellent choice of schools: a number of state primary and secondary schools are rated ‘outstanding’ and ‘good’ by Ofsted. The two main secondary schools are Deer Park School and Kingshill School. Cirencester College, a specialist sixth form provider (one of only three specialist colleges in the South West) offers both A-Levels and vocational courses. There are also grammar schools in Stroud (Stroud High School and Marling School) and Cheltenham and Gloucester.

Nearby independent schools include: Rendcomb College, Hatherop Castle School, Beaudesert Park, Westonbirt School, St Edward’s School, Wycliffe School, Cheltenham College, Dean Close School and Cheltenham Ladies’ College.

The Royal Agricultural University, based in Cirencester, was founded in 1845 and has more than 1,000 students.

Cirencester is within easy reach of the M4 and M5 and there are regular trains to London Paddington from Kemble station.