Cirencester Park - a group of people walking across a lush green park
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Cirencester Park

4.5
·888 reviews·, United Kingdom

A vast, historic parkland on the Bathurst Estate, offering grand avenues, scenic walks, and a touch of magic for families.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Blossoms and fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Cirencester Park - a group of people walking across a lush green park

Cirencester Park

Best Time

Spring mornings

Blossoms and fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vast, historic parkland on the Bathurst Estate, offering grand avenues, scenic walks, and a touch of magic for families.

4.5
(888 reviews)

"Massive! Good for a very long walk but all very spread out. Map is deceiving."

Vertical photo
TIP

🗺️ Get a Map & Plan

The park is vast; a map is essential to avoid getting lost and make the most of your visit.

💰 Be Prepared for Fees

An entrance fee for adults is now in place. Check current pricing before you go.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Grand Tree-Lined Avenues

Grand Tree-Lined Avenues

Central Park

Iconic, sweeping parkland with historic tree-lined paths, offering a sense of grandeur and natural beauty.

Cecily Hill Gates

Cecily Hill Gates

Main Entrance

The striking entrance to the estate, a landmark of historic charm and a perfect photo opportunity.

Fairy Trail

Fairy Trail

Woodland Areas

A whimsical trail that delights younger visitors, adding a touch of magic to the park experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Cirencester Park's Vastness

Cirencester Park is expansive! While beautiful for long walks, maps can be deceiving, and paths can lead you astray. Consider your route beforehand, especially if you have young children or dogs. Be aware that an entrance fee was introduced, which some visitors feel impacts the experience. Reddit

Understanding Access and Amenities

While historically free, Cirencester Park now has an entrance fee for adults. Instagram Some visitors note a lack of seating in woodlands and express disappointment about bike restrictions. Reddit Check for any ongoing maintenance work before your visit, as this can affect access to certain areas. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Blossoms and fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Golden foliage, pleasant walks
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend surges
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

01285, Cirencester on the map. #eddiehearn #nocontexthearn #parsons
@charlieparsons03
11K likes • 185.3K views

🗺️ Get a Map & Plan

The park is vast; a map is essential to avoid getting lost and make the most of your visit. Reddit

💰 Be Prepared for Fees

An entrance fee for adults is now in place. Instagram Check current pricing before you go.

This was a SWEATY fun ride! I also have no arms left😅😂 @SillyPrune #foryoupage #fyp #equestrian #horses #horseslover #horsegirlvibes #horseriding #Summer #funride #cirencesterpark
@thewalkingequestrian
9.4K likes • 62.6K views
For 326 years the public have enjoyed free access to Cirencester Park – one of the largest open green spaces in Gloucestershire. But from Friday, the Bathurst Estate will start charging us for coming there. The park was entirely paid for by money from the slave trade. As with estates in England, the aristocratic landowners became sickeningly rich because of the enslavement of tens of thousands of...
right.2roam
10.3K likes • 305.2K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain, so sturdy footwear is a must. [:athletic_shoe:]

🐶 Dog Walking Info

Great for dog walks, but check specific rules and designated off-lead areas. Reddit

Consider this your sign to explore Cirencester in the Cotswolds this autumn 🍂 We can’t believe it took us so long to visit the capital of the Cotswolds, a charming Roman town brimming with history and character. Here’s how to make the most of your visit: 🍂Take a stroll through Cirencester Park—easily one of the most beautiful parks in the Cotswolds. ⛪️ Step into the past at the stunning Church ...
theweeshastravel
0 likes • 11.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🗺️ Get a Map & Plan

The park is vast; a map is essential to avoid getting lost and make the most of your visit. Reddit

💰 Be Prepared for Fees

An entrance fee for adults is now in place. Instagram Check current pricing before you go.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain, so sturdy footwear is a must. [:athletic_shoe:]

🐶 Dog Walking Info

Great for dog walks, but check specific rules and designated off-lead areas. Reddit

☕ Cafe Prices

The on-site cafe can be pricey; consider bringing your own snacks and drinks. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(888 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Cirencester Park is a vast and beautiful estate offering extensive walking opportunities and scenic views. Visitors appreciate its grand avenues and the charming fairy trail for children. However, some find the park's size disorienting, the cafe expensive, and the new entrance fee a drawback. Reddit

"Massive! Good for a very long walk but all very spread out. Map is deceiving. Young kids would like the fairy trail. Cafe was really pricey. You have to pay to get in too."

Zoe Armstrong

"I understand that an entrance fee of £4 for adults was introduced this year,that could explain the lack of people when we visited,it is a great place to walk your dog,it is vast and lacks places to sit and rest in the woodlands,also not allowing bikes in to me is a big mistake,a park that size would be great to explore on a pushbike,actually a bike hire company on site cools be a better money stream"

Robin Beavis

"Beautiful views of the town from this park and quite nice to just walk around. Not much else to do but still could be worthwhile if you're in town for a day or two."

Yogen Mudgal

What People Like

Vast parkland
Grand avenues
Fairy trail

What People Dislike

Confusing maps
Expensive cafe
Entrance fee

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way to reach the Cotswolds from London is by train to Kemble station, followed by a taxi or bus to Cirencester. Reddit Driving is also an option, offering more flexibility to explore the wider Cotswolds area. TikTok

While Cirencester town is served by buses, getting directly to the park might require a walk or a short taxi ride from the town center. TikTok

There are parking facilities available, but it's advisable to check the Bathurst Estate website for the most up-to-date information on parking locations and any associated fees. Instagram

Some visitors have expressed disappointment regarding bike restrictions in the park. Reddit It's best to check the official Bathurst Estate guidelines for current cycling policies. TikTok

Yes, Cirencester Park is known for being open to horse riders, and events like fun rides are sometimes held here. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, an entrance fee for adults was introduced. InstagramReddit It's recommended to check the Bathurst Estate's official website for the latest admission prices and any concessions. Reddit

The park is generally open daily, but specific hours can vary. Always check the Bathurst Estate website for the most current opening and closing times. TikTok

Typically, tickets can be purchased at the entrance, but it's wise to confirm this with the park management, especially during peak seasons or events. Reddit

Information on discounts for seniors, students, or families is usually available on the official website. Reddit

No, Cirencester Park is part of the private Bathurst Estate and is not managed by the National Trust. [^seo_keywords]

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The park is ideal for long walks, enjoying the scenery, and exploring its grand avenues. Reddit There's also a fairy trail that children often enjoy. Reddit It's a place for relaxation and appreciating the natural landscape. TikTok

Yes, the fairy trail is a highlight for kids. Reddit However, the vastness and potentially misleading paths mean supervision is key. Reddit

Dogs are welcome in Cirencester Park, and it's a popular spot for dog walking. Reddit Be sure to check any specific rules regarding leads and designated areas. Reddit

Facilities can be limited, especially in the woodlands where seating is scarce. Reddit The on-site cafe offers refreshments but can be expensive. Reddit

The park is massive, and a full exploration could take several hours. Reddit Visitors often find the map deceiving, so plan for longer than you might expect. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The grand tree-lined avenues, the Cecily Hill Gates, and the sweeping parkland offer stunning photographic opportunities. Instagram Look for the interplay of light and shadow under the trees. TikTok

Absolutely. The expansive parkland, mature trees, and historic features provide ample subjects for landscape photographers. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in private estates and parks. It's essential to check the Bathurst Estate's policy on drone photography before flying. Instagram

Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) offers beautiful light for photography. TikTok Midday can be harsh, but the tree canopy provides shade. Instagram

Views of the town from higher points within the park can be picturesque. Reddit The Cecily Hill Gates also make for a dramatic backdrop. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cirencester Park offers a magical experience for families, particularly with its fairy trail, which is a big hit with younger visitors. Reddit The expansive grounds provide plenty of space for children to run around and explore. However, parents should be mindful of the park's vast size and the potential for misleading paths, so keeping a close eye on children is essential. Reddit Consider packing plenty of snacks and drinks, as the on-site cafe can be expensive, and seating might be limited in certain areas. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Walkers & Dog Owners

For those seeking a peaceful solo walk or a great place to exercise their dog, Cirencester Park is an excellent choice. Its extensive parkland and woodland trails offer miles of exploration. Reddit Dog owners will appreciate that the park is generally welcoming to pets, though it's always best to confirm specific rules regarding off-lead areas. Reddit The sheer scale means you can enjoy long, uninterrupted walks, but remember to carry a map to navigate effectively and be aware of the entrance fee. Reddit

🐎 Equestrians

Cirencester Park is renowned for its equestrian appeal, with dedicated areas for horse riding. TikTok Visitors can enjoy the thrill of a fun ride or simply explore the parkland on horseback. TikTok If you're an equestrian, this park offers a beautiful and historic setting for your rides. Ensure you are aware of any specific equestrian access points or rules managed by the Bathurst Estate. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Bathurst Estate and Cirencester Park's History

Cirencester Park is the heart of the Bathurst Estate, a vast 15,000-acre property that has been home to the Bathurst family since the 17th century. Instagram The park itself, designed in part by renowned landscape architect Alexander Pope, is a testament to historical estate management and landscape design. Instagram It's important to note that the estate's historical wealth was significantly tied to the slave trade, a fact that has been brought to light and impacts how some visitors perceive the park's legacy. Instagram

Historically, Cirencester Park was known for its free public access, a tradition that spanned over 300 years. Instagram However, recent changes have introduced an entrance fee for adults, a decision that has generated discussion among visitors. Reddit This shift in access policy is a key consideration for anyone planning a visit, as it alters the traditional perception of the park as a completely open public space. Instagram

Navigating Cirencester Park: Tips from Visitors

Visitors frequently highlight the sheer size of Cirencester Park, often describing it as 'massive' and 'spread out.' Reddit This vastness, while offering ample space for exploration, can also be a challenge. Many reviewers mention that the park map can be 'deceiving' and that it's easy to take a wrong turn, potentially ending up far from your intended destination. Reddit This underscores the importance of having a reliable map and planning your route, especially if you're not familiar with the area or are traveling with children. Reddit

Practical advice from those who have visited includes wearing comfortable shoes due to the extensive walking involved. Reddit Some visitors have also noted a lack of seating in the woodland areas, so be prepared for that if you plan on resting. Reddit While the park is a great place for dog walking, it's always wise to check the latest regulations regarding off-lead areas. Reddit Lastly, be aware that the on-site cafe can be quite pricey, so bringing your own refreshments is a common recommendation. Reddit

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