Living in Cirencester

Cirencester has a strong sense of community, with an active local population engaged in social, sporting, and cultural activity. Annual events such as the Cotswold Show, Cirencester Carnival and Advent Market foster a real sense of belonging. The Corn Hall, at the heart of the town, hosts regular markets and live performances, drawing people together throughout the year.

With beautiful parks like Cirencester Park and the Abbey Grounds, residents enjoy ample green space for walking, picnicking, and recreation. The town also boasts strong participation in local societies, from history and gardening clubs to amateur dramatics.

The local leisure centre, community halls, and public sports facilities provide further opportunities for engagement, making Cirencester a welcoming choice for those seeking community spirit in the Cotswolds.

Crime rates in Cirencester are generally lower than in urban centres, reflecting its status as a small market town with a strong sense of community. Most residents report feeling safe during the day and at night, with the majority of incidents being petty theft or antisocial behaviour rather than serious crime.

Gloucestershire Constabulary maintain a visible presence in the area, and partnerships such as Neighbourhood Watch schemes contribute to the area's overall sense of security. Recent years have seen community investment in local safety initiatives and greater engagement between residents and police, further supporting Cirencester’s reputation as a safe place to live.

Parking in Cirencester is well catered for, with a range of public car parks in and around the town centre offering both short and long-term options. On-street parking is available in residential areas, though it can be limited during busy times or market days, and many streets operate a permit system for local residents.

Access by road is excellent, with the A419 bypass connecting directly to the M4 for London and the South West. The A417 gives fast access north towards Cheltenham and Gloucester. Traffic congestion is typically modest, although the roads can become busy during peak tourist periods or major events.

• Swindon – approx. 30 minutes via A419
• Cheltenham – approx. 35 minutes via A417
• Gloucester – approx. 35 minutes via A417
• Oxford – approx. 55 minutes via A40/A420
• Bristol – approx. 1 hour via M4/A417

Cirencester boasts a rich food scene, filled with independent cafés, farm-to-table restaurants, and traditional pubs serving locally sourced produce. The Kings Head Hotel and The Fleece are notable for their historic atmosphere and extensive menus, while made-to-order bakeries and modern bistros add to the town’s culinary repertoire.

For those seeking nightlife, Cirencester offers a more relaxed scene. Local pubs and wine bars often host live music and community events, and artisan gin or craft beer tastings are common. While the town is less known for large clubs, nearby Cheltenham and Swindon offer a wider array of late-night venues for those seeking livelier entertainment.

The twice-weekly Charter Market brings a variety of street food vendors and fresh local produce to the centre of town, reinforcing Cirencester's reputation as a destination for food lovers.

School quality: Cirencester is noted for its choice of well-rated primary and secondary schools, with good options for early years and sixth form education available locally.

Parks and green space: The town is surrounded by countryside and has many family-friendly parks, such as Cirencester Park and the Abbey Grounds, offering play areas, lakes, and open space.

Childcare: Nurseries and pre-schools are available within the town and surrounding villages, giving families with young children a variety of options.

Safety: The area is considered safe, with a reputation for low crime rates and active community policing.

Family activities: Cirencester offers museums, leisure centres, arts and crafts workshops, and seasonal events ideal for children and families throughout the year.

Pet owners are well catered for in Cirencester, with extensive green space and direct access to the scenic Cotswold countryside, ideal for dog walking. Cirencester Park and the nearby Cotswold Water Park offer countless trails and off-lead areas for dogs to enjoy.

The town is home to several veterinary practices, pet shops, and dog-friendly cafés and pubs. Local businesses are generally welcoming to pets, and many rentals or homes for sale accommodate animals.

The combination of rural surroundings and a supportive local community makes Cirencester an excellent choice for households with pets.

Cirencester enjoys well-developed transport links, positioned just off the A419 and A429. Although the town itself does not have a railway station, nearby Kemble Station is just over four miles away, providing regular direct trains to London Paddington (around 75 minutes) and links to Swindon, Cheltenham, and Bristol. Local and regional bus services connect Cirencester with Cheltenham, Swindon, and Gloucester, making both daily commuting and weekend travel straightforward.

The town is well served by cyclists’ routes and lies on the edge of the Cotswold Water Park, making active transport a viable option for many residents. Road links also place key destinations within convenient reach:

• Swindon – approx. 30 minutes via A419
• Cheltenham – approx. 35 minutes via A417
• Oxford – approx. 55 minutes via A40/A420
• Bristol – approx. 1 hour via M4/A417

Bristol Airport is just over an hour by car, enabling connections to both domestic and international destinations.

Schools in Cirencester are well-regarded with a good choice for families. There are several primary schools, including Powell’s C of E Primary School, which was last rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2022, and Chesterton Primary School, also rated 'Good' in its last inspection in 2022. Cirencester Primary School caters to the local community and is recognised for its engaging curriculum.

For secondary education, Cirencester Deer Park School stands out, rated 'Good' by Ofsted in its 2019 inspection and known for its broad enrichment activities. Another notable option is Kingshill School, an academy catering to ages 11-16, rated 'Good' by Ofsted (2022).

In terms of further education, Cirencester College is a leading sixth form and FE provider, offering A-levels, technical courses, and apprenticeships, making it the principal choice for post-16 education in the region. Cirencester also lies within reach of the Royal Agricultural University, a pioneering institution established in 1845, world-renowned for its agricultural and land management degrees. The university attracts students from around the globe and contributes to the academic and cultural life of the town.