Cirencester is a small town with narrow streets, but there is everything that anyone could wish in such a place. The usual shops WH Smiths, Next, House of Fraser, Superdrug, Fat face and New Look etc. Banks and travel agents and pubs.
The one thing that stands out about Cirencester however, is the Church of St John the Baptist, which is more like a cathederal than a church and dominates the skyline on your approach to the town.
With the Roman Amphitheatre and the white Cotswold stone buildings, Cirencester is a town well worth a visit and a good base for exploring the Cotswolds.
Google map: bit.ly/eyHYCB
Great B&B in a little village 10 miles or so from Cirencester. It was really lovely to see an unspoilt bit of the Cotswolds, and this was a very cosy base. As well as the local knowledge and warm welcome from owner Gill it was a real plus to have sole use of a private sitting room.
Extremely friendly, affordable and unpretentious — but smart — family hotel in the Cotswolds. Selection of toys and essentials laid on for for the kids, excellent locally-sourced food for the grown-ups - and baby monitors so that parents can enjoy it without feeling guilty.
The Priory Inn, Tetbury, Gloucestershire (10 miles from Cirencester);
tel: 01666 502 251;
www.theprioryinn.co.uk
I recently went to Owlpen Manor, an estate in the Cotswolds that welcomes gay groups. It's in what is perhaps the most beautiful valley that I've been to in England, and the place does self-catering holiday cottages for two to eight people at really affordable prices. They have a great restaurant in an ancient cider barn and the manor house is open to the public. We loved their kitchen garden, which was recently voted one of the best in England.
The house is lived in, but they let you walk around the house and grounds and are very kind and approachable.
Near Uley in Gloucestershire, and approximately 19 miles from Cirencester;
tel: 01453 860 261;
email: sales@owlpen.com;
www.owlpen.com
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