Cirencester, known as the 'capital of the Cotswolds', is a stunning town that continually impresses visitors with its scenic streets, peaceful atmosphere, and old-fashioned style. The underrated location is home to around 70 independent shops, making it a haven for boutique shopping.
Picture-Perfect Charm
After visiting the town, Mirror travel journalist Amy Jones described it as 'picture-perfect'. The quintessentially English town has been enjoyed by visitors from all over the world, offering a similar experience to busier destinations like York and Cambridge but without the crowds.
Shopping Highlights
The main shopping area centres around the Market Place, Dyer Street, Cricklade Street, and Castle Street. Visitors should also explore the West Market Place and Black Jack Street areas. There is a small covered shopping area called Bishops Walk, and The Woolmarket off Dyer Street features many little shops. Shoppers can find a huge range of independent boutiques, from quaint cafes to vibrant dinner spots and unique sellers offering handmade goods.
Other Attractions
One must-visit place is Cerney House Gardens, a well-kept walled garden on a Victorian estate. A visitor on Tripadvisor said: 'Absolutely loved these gardens; very beautiful and well cared for. The grounds were bigger than expected.'
The Corinium Museum holds a collection of finds from the Roman town of Corinium. The museum charts the development of the Cotswolds from its prehistoric landscape to the modern day. A visitor on Tripadvisor commented: 'Excellent timeline layout of the artefacts and history of Cirencester... This is one of the best museums we have visited and would certainly return and enjoy it all again!'
Location and Accessibility
Cirencester is located just minutes from the beautiful Cotswolds countryside and can be accessed via the M4 and M5 motorways. It is near Bibury, Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold, making it an ideal base for touring the Cotswolds. This charming market town makes a perfect day out and is a must-visit this summer.
