The Fleece Hotel, Cirencester

Cirencester - the Capital Of The Cotswolds - is an interesting market town with a very long history. Once a very wealthy woolen centre, Cirencester has inherited many Cotswold stone buildings and the largest parish church in the country with an exceptionally tall square tower. This makes for a pleasant atmosphere and an enjoyable town to walk around. The 3000-acre Cirencester Park designed by Alexander Pope in the 18th century includes a long avenue of old horse chestnut trees, a polo field and many good walks. Nearby is the tallest hedge in Europe and the open-air swimming pool and paddling pool fed by well water.

Nearly 2000 years ago, Cirencester was the second-largest Roman town in England and there are many Roman remains in the area. The Corinium Museum, a fascinating source of local history, includes very colourful reconstructions of a dining room, kitchen and a garden from Roman times. The remains of the Roman amphitheatre are on the edge of the town at Quern's Hill.
The Cotswold Water Park at nearby South Cerney includes 132 lakes with much to see and do. There is a beach and swimming, picnic and barbeque areas. Water sports include jet skiing and water-skiing, sailing and canoeing and kayaking, a model yacht club and a sub-aqua club. Or you could visit the Cotswolds Leisure Centre.

Three miles south-west of Cirencester, off the A433, is Thames Head at the source of the famous river with its statue of Father Thames.

To the south of us you can find the famous lions at Longleat House. If you are coming to a festival in Cheltenham, details are here.

In addition to the beautiful villages and countryside of the Cotswolds, nearby is the Cotswold Wildlife Park, the model village at Bourton-on-the-Water, many arts, crafts and antique shops as well as the tourist cities of Cheltenham and Bath only a short drive away. The Cotswolds is a centre for farming, and you can stop off at the Butts Farm Shop.

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