Places to Visit
Cirencester
Today Cirencester, capital of the Cotswolds is a lively market town, but it’s origins lie during the Roman times when it became the second most important town in Britain. The remains of the Roman occupation can be seen in the amphitheatre and defensive walls, situated in the Abbey grounds. The finds and an exceptional collection of mosaics can be viewed in the newly refurbished Corinium museum.
St John’s Hospital
During the Medieval period, Cirencester developed into a thriving market town based on the wool trade. Built on this prosperity is the striking St John the Baptist Parish church that dominates the market place. Traces of Cirencester’s history can also be seen in the Abbey Grounds, which contains the site of St Mary’s Abbey, and nearby is St John’s Hospital, founded during the 12th century by Henry II.
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| Cecily Hill entrance to Cirencester Park |
The Market Place | The Abbey Grounds |
Cirencester has an exceptional variety of attractions and a
wide range of traditional and specialist shops, craft centres
and many restaurants.
Well worth a visit.
Bourton-on-the-Water
An extremely popular and attractive place to visit in the Cotswolds, situated alongside the river Wind Rush, Bourton on the water offers antique shopping, cafes and restaurants. Other attractions include Birdland the motor museum and the fascinating model village.
Bibury
Stated by William Morris as ‘the most beautiful village in England,’ Bibury epitomises a Cotswolds village. The famed Arlington Row consisting of a cluster of 14th century weaver’s cottages constructed in stunning Cotswold stone and the flowing river Coln completes this picturesque village.
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| Arlington Row | The river Coln |
Arlington row overlooking Rack Isle water meadow owned by the National Trust.
Also situated in Bibury is a Trout farm, craft centre and many shops cafes and restaurants.
Westonbirt Arboretum
Renowned Westonbirt Arboretum covers 600 acres of stunning woodlands offering 17 miles of fantastic walks thorough a fine collection of trees and fauna. Although famous for the autumn colours, Westonbirt is spectacular all year round with a varied programme of events available throughout the year.
Cotswold Water Parks
The Cotswold water parks is collectively made up of 133 man made lakes, offering a broad range of outdoor activities, including water sports, fishing, bird watching and nature reserves. Various footpaths allow miles of scenic walks through the Cotswold countryside.
Within 3 miles of Poole Keynes is award-winning Keynes County Park, which offers safe swimming beaches, children’s play area, boat and cycle hire, lake side walks, picnic areas and a café.
