The Best Hotels in Cirencester, the Cotswolds

The five-star King’s Head Hotel strikes a balance between luxury and laid-back cosiness. Its rustic rooms are dominated by velvet-clad king-sized beds and two-seater sofas, and the simplicity of the colour schemes, artwork and layout gives them a modern Nordic easiness. Arguably the best thing about this hotel is the cellar – a brick-layered cave full of arches and alcoves that hosts live music and cinema nights to private dining clubs. There’s also a spa, offering everything from massages to facials, as well as a thermal suite to enjoy.

Barnsley House is perfect for those in need of relaxation and lies only a short drive from Cirencester. It has an outdoor hydrotherapy pool and indoor jacuzzis and offers myriad treatments and therapies. The rooms are blissfully serene with modern decor that’s plush but tasteful and enhances the Grade II-listed manor’s period features. On a romantic break? Then book the Deluxe Garden Room, which comes with two bathtubs overlooking the extensive grounds. The in-house restaurant, the Potager, is also a must – serving up simple and rustic fare from the hotel’s very own allotment, it’s in keeping with Barnsley House’s laid-back and peaceful atmosphere.

This hostel isn’t the budget party hot-spot you might be imagining. Instead, you’ll find a peaceful, candy-hued oasis that’s as suitable for families as it is for backpackers, with its family rooms alongside spacious dorms and en-suite bathrooms in all but two of the rooms. Housed in the renovated former Cirencester Brewery that closed down in 1937, the honey-coloured stone building feels suitably Cotswolds from the outside and fresh and modern on the inside. Food and drink can be found at the New Brewery Arts Cafe next door, where guests of the Barrel Store get 10 percent off their bill.

This old coaching inn is one of the finest places to stay in central Cirencester. With an outdoor terrace, plenty of local ales and a good menu, the downstairs pub is hugely popular with locals and visitors alike – including the town’s resident dogs, who are also welcome. It’s bigger than you’d think – there are 28 bedrooms, each decorated in a Modern Regency style. Patterned wallpapers, cosy throws and beautiful lamps give them an upmarket feel, and the feature rooms are seriously sizeable.

The Old Brewhouse has a cute and cosy feel thanks to the wrought-iron beds, paisley fabric schemes and mini balconies. Right in the town centre, it’s in the best spot to explore Cirencester, and the complimentary breakfast will set you up for just that. In the summer, the peaceful courtyard offers a quiet little haven to sit and enjoy the sun, and on colder days you can relax in the downstairs lounge. Pretty, relaxed and with friendly owners, it’s a great option for lower budgets.

Set in a Victorian manor, Stratton House is thoroughly modern by the Cotswolds’ standards. The rooms at this stylish and comfortable family-run hotel on the edge of Cirencester include charming period features, such as original fireplaces and cornicing, and modern amenities including roll-top baths and flat-screen TVs. Children and pets are also welcome, and with expansive gardens, there are plenty of secret hideaways for them to explore.