Cirencester is a pleasant market town in the heart of the Cotswolds. There are many wonderful things to do in the town such as exploring its Roman past to taking nearby nature walks. There are lots of excellent places to stay in Cirencester from top hotels to picturesque stone cottages.
I’ve been visiting the Cotswolds for years and always love spending time in Cirencester thanks to its interesting Roman heritage and gorgeous countryside location. If you’re looking for where to stay in Cirencester, read on and find out about some of the top accommodation options in this picturesque town.
Whether you’re looking for somewhere in the center, places with parking, budget options, or a little bit of luxury you’ll be sure to find something of interest in this list of the best areas to stay in Cirencester and its surroundings.
Best Places to Stay in Cirencester
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of the best places to stay in Cirencester center as well as some excellent options nearby within beautiful country settings. I’ve included a mixture of hotels, cottages, bed and breakfasts, and other unique options so there’s something to suit every kind of need and taste.
1. The Old Brewhouse
The charming Old Brewhouse is a 17th Century townhouse in the heart of Cirencester that offers four-star bed and breakfast accommodation. The en-suite rooms are decorated to a modern standard and come with either a bath or shower. Rooms come with a TV and DVD player, coffee-making facilities, and free toiletries.
A full English breakfast, (vegetarian option also available), is included in the price and will set you up for a day of sightseeing or hiking in the beautiful Cotswolds. The accommodation comes with a beautiful garden and courtyard where you can enjoy drinks or an evening meal.
The Brewhouse is located on London Road in the center of town with all major attractions and amenities within walking distance. The Market Place is just a two-minute walk away and you can check out what the stallholders have to offer on a Monday or Friday. There’s also a farmers’ market on the second and fourth Saturday of each month.
This is also the best place to stay in Cirencester for nightlife as all the excellent pubs and bars like The Bear Inn and The Twelve Bells are right on the doorstep. The town center is one of the best areas to stay in Cirencester for access to everything you need for a comfortable stay. Click here to book your stay.
2. Corinium Hotel and Restaurant
The gorgeous 16th-Century Corinium Hotel and Restaurant is located in the center of town and has 15 beautifully decorated rooms, each with its own theme and character. Rooms come with an en-suite bathroom and free toiletries, a flatscreen TV, free WiFi, and tea and coffee-making facilities.
The hotel has its own onsite restaurant that serves a selection of classic and contemporary British dishes as well as local beers and ciders. There’s a private, walled garden for guests to enjoy that’s the perfect place for a relaxing drink or meal during the warmer months.
If you’re looking for where to stay in Cirencester with parking, then the Corinium is a great option as it’s free to leave your car during your visit. The hotel is a short walk from the River Churn, Abbey Grounds Park, and Abbey Lake. Cirencester’s excellent open-air swimming pool is also just a couple of minutes away on foot and is one of my favorite places for lazy, summer afternoons.
Nearby places to eat include the Indian Rasoi Restaurant and Thai Emerald if you’re looking for a taste of Asia, but be sure to check out the onsite restaurant at the hotel where you can choose from the bar menu or evening á la carte. This is also one of the cheaper places to stay in Cirencester thanks to its great rates. Click here for more information.
3. Cosy Cottage
If you’re looking for the best cottage in Cirencester then you’ll struggle to find better than the cute Cosy Cottage. The cottage is set within beautiful country surroundings outside Cirencester and is an excellent option for walkers and hikers who want a real piece of rural England.
The open-plan accommodation comes with one double bedroom, a kitchen with a fridge, an oven, a washing machine, and everything you need for a self-catering stay. There’s a living area with comfortable seating, a table, and a flat-screen TV. The bathroom comes with a shower and complimentary toiletries.
The cottage is located in the tiny village of Ewan just over three miles from Cirencester and across from the River Thames. Since the local pub the Wild Duck Inn closed a few years ago, there aren’t any restaurants in the village itself, so you’ll have to make the short drive into Cirencester if you want to eat out.
The property comes with a small garden and seating area for al-fresco dining or morning coffees outside with the sound of the birds and gorgeous country views. There’s an additional option of a continental breakfast each morning during your stay. Click here to learn more about this property.
4. The Malthouse
The Malthouse is a two-bedroom apartment that sleeps up to four people, making it a great option for families or small groups of friends. Both rooms come with an extra-large double bed and there’s WiFi throughout the property. There’s a large living room with comfortable seating and a flat-screen TV, and the interior is tastefully decorated.
The apartment comes with a fully fitted kitchen with modern appliances and everything you need from a large oven to a microwave and fridge/freezer. The Malthouse has a central location with shops, pubs, and restaurants right on the doorstep. The Twelve Bells is just across the road and is an excellent place for a meal.
It’s just a five-minute walk from the property to the Corinium Museum and Cirencester Park; two of the top attractions in the town. You’ll find plenty of conveniences nearby from the local supermarket Tesco to smaller grocery stores, newsagents, and a range of boutique shops to browse.
The Malthouse is located in the best area to stay in Cirencester if you’re looking to be close to all the attractions, shopping, and nightlife. Click here to book now.
5. The Cottage
With two double bedrooms that sleep up to four people, The Cottage is an excellent option for families and groups of friends. This picturesque cottage made of Cotswold stone is located on a quiet street just a short walk from Cirencester Park and five minutes from the center of town.
The property comes with a cozy living room featuring a flat-screen TV, and a log burner for winter evenings. There’s WiFi throughout and the kitchen comes with everything you need for self-catering including an oven, microwave, dishwasher, and washing machine. There’s also a cute patio garden to the rear.
There’s plenty to do within walking distance of the cottage from strolling around the park or along the river to exploring the Corinium Museum or taking a dip in the nearby open-air swimming pool. Local places to eat include The Fleece and The Golen Farm.
There’s a Waitrose supermarket nearby as well as smaller shops for your daily needs including a Costa Coffee for your morning caffeine fix. This is one of the best neighborhoods in Cirencester for those who want to be close to all the attractions and amenities. Click here to find out more.
6. That One
The Cotswold Water Park lodge “That One” is an absolutely stunning lakeside property that sleeps up to six people. There are two bathrooms with showers, a fully fitted kitchen with modern appliances, and a comfortable living area with flatscreen TV for relaxing evenings in.
The property comes with a large decked veranda perfect for barbeques and al-fresco dining on long, summer evenings. The lodge comes with its own tennis courts and watersports activities from windsurfing to kayaking. This is one of the best places to stay in Cirencester for groups who want to partake in outdoor activities.
The Cotswold Water Park is made up of 180 lakes over a 42-mile square area and is absolutely stunning. This is one of my favorite places to cool off in summer; there are so many activities in and out of the water from hikes to swimming, and there’s even a beach complete with golden sand.
This is definitely one of the best places to stay near Cirencester for lovers of the outdoors. There’s no end to the activities on offer around the lakes. There are plenty of places to eat and drink nearby including The Old George Inn and the Royal Oak pubs. Click here to learn more about this property.
7. The Kings Head Hotel
As it’s located right in the central Market Place, the Kings Head Hotel is one of the best Cirencester hotels close to nightlife with all the pubs, bars, and nightclubs within walking distance. This four-star property has rooms that come with an en-suite bathroom and free toiletries, WiFi, and a flatscreen TV.
There’s an onsite restaurant that serves food all day and specializes in British cooking using local ingredients, and an extensive, hand-picked wine list. Guests can relax in the bar or lounges, or walk two minutes to some of the top local pubs and restaurants like Henry’s Bar and Seafood Grill or MBB Brasserie.
There are plenty of attractions close by from the beautiful 15th Century St John the Baptist Church to Cirencester Park and the Corinium Museum. All the local amenities including Tesco and Waitrose supermarkets, bakeries, and newsagents are a short stroll from the hotel.
This boutique hotel also has wellness and treatment rooms that can be booked for the ultimate relaxing stay (for an extra charge). With such a central location, this is the best neighborhood in Cirencester for access to all the top places to visit around the town. Click here to find out more.
8. The Eliot Arms
The Eliot Arms is located in the small village of South Cerney, 7 miles (12 km) south of Cirencester and right next to the lakes of the Cotswolds Water Park. This four-star hotel is located above the gorgeous pub of the same name and is built out of the local honey-colored Cotswold stone.
All rooms come with a private bathroom and complimentary toiletries, tea and coffee-making facilities, WiFi, and a flat-screen TV with free channels. The rooms have been decorated to a modern standard but still retain a rustic charm. A full English or Irish breakfast is included in the price.
There are plenty of things to do around the property from spending a day at the beach to hiking, cycling, kayaking, and more. As well as the restaurant at the Eliot Arms, there are lots of other nearby options for dining including the Royal Oak and The Old George Inn which can both be reached within a few minutes walk.
This is one of the fancier places to stay in Cirencester so is a good option for a special occasion or a romantic getaway (the surrounding countryside is also perfect for idyllic walks). Click here to book today.
9. Apsley Villa Guest House
The quaint Apsley Villa Guest House is located in the heart of Cirencester and offers comfortable double, twin, and family rooms with private bathrooms. The property comes with free, off-road parking and there’s WiFi throughout. The price also includes a generously sized full English or Irish breakfast.
The rooms are tastefully decorated to a modern standard and include tea and coffee-making facilities, and free toiletries. All the local amenities and conveniences are within walking distance of the guest house with local supermarkets and shops right on the doorstep.
Nearby attractions include St Michael’s Park and the beautiful, gothic Holy Trinity Church. There are plenty of places to eat and drink around the property such as the Cirencester Watermore Fish and Chips Shop and The Twelve Bells pub (the steaks are a must-try).
The property is located in a safe neighborhood in Cirencester town center with free and secure parking. If you’re looking for a cozy room in a good location that won’t break the bank, then the Apsley Villa Guest House is a top pick. Click here to find out more about this property.
10. The Fleece at Cirencester
If you’re seeking a central location in the heart of the town then a stay at The Fleece is the best place to stay in Cirencester. This traditional inn is over 300 years old and retains many of its original fixtures like the rustic wooden beams and log fires. The welcoming rooms have an en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries.
Free WiFi is provided throughout and guests can enjoy a selection of films on the flatscreen TV. There are also tea and coffee-making facilities provided for your stay. A full English breakfast is included in the price and guests can take advantage of the Stableyard restaurant for lunch and dinner too.
The Fleece offers five-star accommodation with room service and a minibar, and there’s a walled courtyard, lounge, and bar for visitors to enjoy. With such a central location, all the top attractions such as the Corinium Museum, open-air swimming pool, and markets are just a short walk away.
If you fancy a change to the onsite restaurants there are plenty of dining options nearby from the Sultan Indian Restaurant to Amore Mio Italian and much more. Local supermarkets, bakeries, and convenience stores are also close by. Click here to book.
11. The Potting Shed Luxury Escape
The Potting Shed is a luxury, one-bedroom apartment situated in a quiet neighborhood in the northern part of the town, ideally located close to Cirencester Park. The property comes with a large double bedroom, a fully fitted kitchen with oven, microwave, and washing machine, and a private bathroom with shower.
The open-plan kitchen has a small dining area perfect for entertaining and there’s a cozy living room complete with a log burner for cold, winter evenings. There’s a terrace to the rear that’s perfect for al-fresco dining and the property comes with free, onsite parking.
It’s just a short walk to the park, open-air swimming pool, and many of the town’s top attractions. All the conveniences of Cirencester are just a few minutes walk away including Tesco and Waitrose supermarkets and lots of interesting boutique shops selling everything from clothes to second-hand books.
For dining, there are plenty of options on the doorstep from the cute bistro, La Passione to The Crown pub, and a whole lot more. Being one of the most romantic properties in town, this is one of the best places to stay in Cirencester for couples. Click here to learn more.
12. Wild Thyme and Honey
The absolutely gorgeous Wild Thyme and Honey Hotel is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. The property overlooks a small river called Ampney Brook and rooms come with terrace and garden views. Rooms come with a private bathroom and shower along with complimentary toiletries.
The property is located out in the stunning Cotswold countryside but is still only 3.5 miles (5.6 km) from Cirencester town center. Bus number 50 runs hourly between the village and the town so even if you don’t have your own transport this is a great option for those who want a little slice of English heaven.
The property is in a rural setting but there’s plenty to do from walking along the river to exploring nearby churches like the Holy Rood and the quaint St Mary’s. The property has an excellent restaurant serving a selection of dishes from the á la carte menu, and there’s also the nearby Crown at Ampney Brook if you feel like eating out.
If you’re looking for a real retreat in one of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds, then a stay at Wild Thyme and Honey is just the place for you. Click here for more info.
13. Cotswolds Hare
The Cotswolds Hare offers four-star accommodation in the heart of Cirencester town center with modern, comfortable, and affordable rooms. Guests can make the most of off-road parking, the shared lounge, and a continental breakfast included in the price.
Rooms come with free WiFi, a private en-suite bathroom with a shower, a small patio to enjoy morning coffee in the fresh air (the room has tea and coffee-making facilities), and complimentary toiletries.
With such a central location, everything you need from pubs and restaurants to shops and other amenities are within a few minutes walk of the Cotswold Hare. Walk along the River Churn or through St Michael’s Park, or pop into The Twelve Bells for a pint and a bite to eat.
This is an excellent option for first-time visitors to Cirencester with an excellent location, comfortable rooms, and top service. Click here to book today.
14. Barnsley House
The historic Barnsley House is a luxury spa and hotel in the heart of the Cotswolds and is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for the ultimate in relaxation and some pampering. The property comes with free private parking and free bicycles to use (which you should definitely take advantage of).
The tastefully decorated rooms come with an en-suite bathroom and old-fashioned bath with a shower attachment, free WiFi, a flatscreen TV, a minibar, and tea and coffee-making facilities. There’s a garden and terrace, and an onsite bar and restaurant serving upmarket British cuisine using local ingredients.
Barnsley House is located in the small village of Barnsley (not to be confused with the northern city of the same name) and is just 4.5 miles (7.2 km) from Cirencester. There are loads of great things to do in the area for nature lovers from walks to bicycle rides (remember the free bikes!).
In addition to the onsite restaurant, you’ll also find the local pub The Boot which serves a selection of pub classics and contemporary European dishes. Click here to learn more about this hotel.
15. Bluebell Lodge Caravan
If you’re looking for something a little different, then consider a stay at the Bluebell Lodge Cotswold Caravan. The property comes with one double room and one twin room and sleeps up to four people. This is an excellent option for small families or groups of friends.
This static caravan is located within the Cotswolds Water Park and comes with stunning lakeside views. There’s a garden for guests to enjoy which makes for a great place for summer barbeques, and free parking is also included. The property comes with a private bathroom and shower.
Inside the cozy living space, there’s WiFi throughout, a widescreen TV, a small log burner, and a fully fitted kitchen with all you need for a self-catering stay by the lakes. There are lots of fun things to do around the park from visiting the beach to hiring kayaks or paddle boards.
This is one of the most unique properties around Cirencester and is a great place to relax in some truly serene settings. Click here to book now.
Best Places to Stay in Cirencester: FAQs
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about where to stay in Cirencester:
Cirencester is a small town without any sprawling suburbs. Everywhere is reachable on foot but the area around the town center is the best place for tourists to stay; with all the attractions and conveniences no more than a few minutes away on foot.
There aren’t any neighborhoods to avoid in Cirencester as it’s a fairly safe place compared to Britain’s large inner cities. The area around the town center is safe for visitors, however, avoid entering unlit parks after dark and keep an eye on your personal belongings (which is standard advice wherever you go).
The town center is one of the safest places to stay in Cirencester. The area around South Way is even more so as it’s the home of Gloucestershire Constabulary (the police). The outlying towns and villages like Ewan and Little Cerney are also perfectly safe for visitors.
The town center and area around Market Place are best for shopping. There are weekly markets on Mondays and Fridays, plus a farmers’ market on the second and fourth Saturday of each month. The center is also home to lots of boutique shops as well as popular high-street brands.
It doesn’t matter where you stay in Cirencester town as everything you need is within walking distance. If you want to stay in the countryside, there are also plenty of options available with Little Cerney making an excellent base for exploring the Cotswold Water Park and beyond.
Cirencester is a beautiful town and the center with its Cotswold stone buildings, gothic churches, and large parks is the most beautiful part of the town.
In Conclusion
Now you know about the best Cirencester neighborhoods and the top places to stay in and around the “capital of the Cotswolds”. From central options like the Old Brewhouse and Kings Head Hotel to a gorgeous lakeside lodge like That One, there’s somewhere for everyone.
There are so many wonderful places to stay in Cirencester that you’re spoiled for choice on a trip to this historic market town. The only question now should be, which one to book first?
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