Cirencester is absolutely worth visiting and is considered a top-tier destination for 2026, often called the "Capital of the Cotswolds". It offers a perfect blend of rich Roman history (Corinium Museum), boutique shopping, and a charming market town atmosphere. Highlights include the Parish Church of St John Baptist, a vibrant town center, and proximity to the Cotswold Water Park.
Cirencester itself is full of quaint shops, quirky stores and cafes, while also being home to the fantastic Corinium Museum. The market town of Swindon is 30 minutes away.
Located in the Market Place are the weekly Monday and Friday Charter Markets, the monthly Arts & Crafts Market and the Farmers' Market, held on the 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month as well as a number of speciality markets. Highlights in February include: Our regular Charter, Farmers', and Indoor markets and....
Is Cirencester worth visiting in 2025? - Hidden gems in the Cotswolds
Does Cirencester have a town centre?
Cirencester has a traditional town centre with plenty of shopping streets, where you'll find high-street favourites and independent retailers alike. The pedestrianised Market Place is home to The Corn Hall, an arcade with independent shops and markets running most days.
Well-known names such as Crew Clothing, Joules, Waterstones, White Stuff and Marks & Spencer combine with local boutiques, specialist food shops and independent retailers to offer a unique shopping experience.
Where is the most Christmassy place in the Cotswolds?
For a magical Cotswolds Christmas, visit iconic villages like Bourton-on-the-Water (floating tree!), Broadway (lights & shopping), and Stow-on-the-Wold (traditional charm), explore grand events at Blenheim Palace or Sudeley Castle (light trails), and experience festive markets in Cirencester, Cheltenham, and Bath, all offering twinkling lights, artisan gifts, mulled wine, and winter wonderlands.
The biggest market in the Cotswolds is widely considered to be the Moreton-in-Marsh Market, held every Tuesday, famous as the largest open-air street market with hundreds of stalls selling diverse goods, from fresh produce to crafts, though the Stroud Farmers' Market is also a major, award-winning event, especially for local and artisan foods.
The most beautiful parts of the Cotswold Way are subjective but commonly cited sections include the stunning views from Cleeve Hill and Broadway Tower, the classic villages like Broadway and Chipping Campden, and the picturesque riverside walk from Bibury to Fairford, all offering iconic Cotswold scenery, historic charm, and rich biodiversity.
Crowned the least Christmassy town in the UK was… Luton. The city scored the lowest on the festive spirit score, making it home to the Grinchiest of souls in the country. Second place went to Bradford, followed by Southampton in third.
The 'capital of the Cotswolds' Cirencester is not only one of Time Out's best places to visit in the UK, but one of our best places in the entire world to travel to in 2026. The classic, picture-perfect countryside charm of the Cotswolds reportedly brings in more than 35 million visitors a year.
What is the prettiest street in Cirencester? Cecily Hill, leading up to the entrace to Cirencester Park, is a majestic road flanked by impressive town houses with colouful flower displays, planters and window boxes.
Cirencester has a diverse range of shops that will cater for many people's needs. The town centre has the usual chain stores including TGJones (was WH Smith), White Stuff, Fat Face, Jones Bootmaker, EE, Vodafone, Argos and Boots.
