How To Spend 24 Hours In Cirencester, England
Tucked away in the picturesque county of Gloucestershire, Cirencester has loads to offer visitors to the area. Here’s our guide to the best way to spend a day in the ‘capital of the Cotswolds‘.
Morning
Cirencester is known for its quaint independent cafes and coffee shops, so stopping for a spot of breakfast is a must. The quirky He Says She Waffles, located just off Cirencester’s historic Black Jack Street, provides the perfect place for that all-important first meal of the day. The family-run, American-inspired waffle house provides a cosy atmosphere and good coffee. What better way to start the day?
http://instagram.com/p/8imnu5jtb3/?taken-by=hesaysshewaffles&hl=en
With so many amazing buildings to see in the town, head outdoors while the day is still young. Venture to the outskirts of the city to see the remains of one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in Britain. Built at the beginning of the 2nd-Century, the amphitheatre could hold up to 8,000 people, and is now an amazing place to soak up the history of the town.
Afternoon
Being in Cirencester and not heading to the delightful local stores and boutiques would be a sin. The area of Black Jack Street has become the hotspot for locals and tourists alike, filled with hidden gems. This street is one of the oldest in the town, and is now filled with independent stores, eateries and coffee shops, selling everything from chocolate to vintage clothes and art. Stop by the Golden Cross Inn for an afternoon drink before getting lost in the historic setting of the street.
Later in the afternoon, head to the beautiful Cirencester Park, home to the Earl of Bathurst, located in the west of the city. The park is open to the public free of charge, and provides a stunning backdrop to while away the hours whilst exploring the incredible landscaped gardens.
Evening
By this point, you’ll have built up quite an appetite! While the Cotswolds is home to a number of amazing restaurants, nearby Cheltenham’s King’s Head gastro-pub is the perfect place for a delicious dinner. With a tasty brasserie menu featuring everything from venison loin with celeriac to steaks from a Japanese-style robata grill, there’ll be something for every taste. It’s a cosy setting, so you can spend hours enjoying good company and food before hitting the hay.
Where To Stay
Situated on one of the oldest streets in Cirencester, the Corinium Hotel and Restaurant has 15 individually-designed bedrooms , each bursting with character. Only a short walk from the centre, this is the perfect location to explore the town.
http://instagram.com/p/4Y-oQTCP3u/?taken-at=151153328&hl=en
If you’d prefer a self-catering stay in a more rural area, The Old Stable Holiday Cottage sleeps up to 4 people and is perfect for anyone who enjoys the peace and quiet of the countryside. The cottage is Grade-II listed, with exposed beams and pine wood doors.