Coach walk - Cirencester

Cirencester known as the Capital of the Cotswolds, is a lovely market town with a fascinating history. Known previously as ‘Corinium’, Cirencester was founded by the Romans and was the second largest in Roman Britain after London. During the 6th century Cirencester was destroyed by the Saxons only for it to become a very prosperous wool town in the medieval period - the basis for the charming town with ancient honey coloured stone buildings in narrow streets visible today.

Cirencester lies on the River Churn, a tributary of the River Thames. River Churn, which flows roughly north to south through the eastern side of the town and joins the River Thames near Cricklade, a little to the south. The Thames itself rises just a few miles west of Cirencester. It is the eighth largest settlement in Gloucestershire and the largest town within the Cotswolds. It is the home of the Royal Agricultural University, the oldest agricultural college in the English-speaking world, founded in 1840.

Cirencester's market town status is mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086. Cirencester Abbey, dedicated to St. Mary, was founded by Henry I in 1117 and was dedicated in 1176. Slighted, as part of the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539, only the Norman Arch and parts of the precinct wall remain, forming part of the Abbey grounds public park in the middle of town.

In February 1643 the Civil War saw fighting in Cirencester, resulting in over 300 killed.   

At the end of the 18th century, Cirencester was a growing market town, thriving on its produce of grain and wool. The Market Place remains the heart of the town, home today to a Charter Market. Cirencester remains renowned for its specialist shops, individual boutiques, fascinating antique emporiums and craft shops.  Cirencester also offers a variety of eating opportunities and many friendly independent cafés.

The Corinium Museum houses one of the largest collections of Romano-British antiquities and several stunning mosaics.  The Visitor Information Centre is co-located in the museum.

A well-preserved Roman Amphitheatre is only a short walk from the town centre. Now grassed over, it was built in the early 2nd century and had a capacity of 8,000 spectators.

Cirencester's market square is dominated by the Cathedral-like Parish Church of St. John Baptist, one of the finest Cotswold wool churches, built about 1490. Construction of the Roman Catholic church of St Peter began in 1895. Cirencester also boasts one of the oldest Baptist churches in England, founded in 1651.

To the west of the town is Cirencester Park, the seat of Earl Bathurst and the site of magnificent landscaped gardens. Since 2024 the Park is only accessible by paid entry.

Both walks will start at 09:45 and finish around 2pm, which will allow around 2-2.5 hours for exploring Cirencester.

The coach will leave Cirencester promptly at 16:30 and should arrive back in Newbury around 17:30 dependent on traffic.