Christmas in Cirencester

Christmas in Cirencester The popularity of European Christmas markets has set a trend for our own beautiful towns and cities to follow suit.

Cirencester in Gloucestershire is a case in point. This attractive Cotswold market town is now a great place to spend a few days in the run up to Christmas and pick up some unusual gifts and decorations.

Throughout the  year the  town centre hosts regular twice weekly produce markets but  from 30 November – 16 December the area outside the imposing Parish Church of St John the Baptist is transformed into a traditional Christmas Market.  As of 2014 The Christmas Market is under review so please check with www.visitcirencester.com.

Here you can browse along a selection of decorated wooden chalets housing  a variety of stalls selling hand made gifts, unusual jewellery, local produce and much more.

Take time out to call into the Church as they have an impressive display of Christmas trees all individually decorated by local companies. The church itself is a famous landmark and the volunteers will welcome you and happily fill you in on its long history.

For the more energetic there is the addition of a skating rink set in the Abbey  grounds just behind the church and open from 12.00 -8.00 pm each day.

The New Brewery Arts Centre, Cirencester In addition to the Christmas market Cirencester has a great selection of individual shops and you can easily while away the hours searching for that perfect gift.

Tiny alleyways and tucked away courtyards all beckon you in with coffee shops around every corner for when a good rest is called for.

The New Brewery Arts Centre in the middle of town is a great place for a mid morning cappuccino and homemade cheese scone. As well as the popular cafe (also good for lunch) it showcases arts and crafts from local artisans and I guarantee you will be tempted by some of the delightful items on sale. Hand made cards, textiles and innovative pottery
to name a few.

Then there is the historical Corn Hall dating back to 1862 and recently refurbished to house a  Christmas Bazaar and a  Friday antiques market. The complex is also home to the famous restaurant and deli ' Made by Bob' but get the early for a table as it is very popular. There are also some lovely boutique style shops and the popular Hobbs Bakery.

The Fleece Hotel, Cirencester With all this going on it makes sense to stay in the centre of town and as luck would have it  there is the cosy and comforting Fleece Hotel to welcome you after a long day of shopping and sightseeing.

The Fleece Hotel is a recently renovated coaching inn, has bags of character and is popular with visitors and locals alike. The atmosphere buzzes in the bar area where you can enjoy a restorative gin and tonic or warm yourself with hot chocolate ( thoughtfully served alongside a shot glass filled with maltesers- yum!). Or you can relax in front of a large log fire on comfy sofas and chairs and while away a chilly afternoon with tea and scones. The guest rooms are individual and full of character and have quality en suite facilities. The hotel serves an imaginative breakfast selection and is also popular with visitors and locals alike for a spot of lunch, or a cosy evening meal.

255 people found this helpful
17127

Share Article:

Sally Dowling

Travel writer

Leave a comment

*

Sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest travel tips on top destinations.

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Most Recent Articles

There’s something refreshingly nostalgic about the quintessential British coach holiday….

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.