The Cotswolds is an area in south central and south west England comprising the Cotswold Hills, a range of rolling hills that rise from the meadows of the upper Thames to an escarpment, known as the Cotswold Edge, above the Severn Valley and Evesham Vale. The area is defined by the bedrock of Jurassic limestone that creates a type of grassland habitat rare in the UK and that is quarried for the golden-coloured Cotswold stone. It contains unique features derived from the use of this mineral; the predominantly rural landscape contains stone-built villages, historical towns and stately homes and gardens.
A unique hotel & event venue in the Cotswolds
Set among the honey-coloured villages and gently rolling hills of The Cotswolds, De Vere Cotswold Water Park is a hotel as spectacular as its surroundings. In the heart of the 152 lakes that spread across the unique Cotswolds Water Park, this is a place where modern design effortlessly combines with its natural surroundings.
Here, wood, Cotswolds stone and glass are seamlessly integrated to create light, airy and contemporary lakeside spaces to make every event extraordinary. From an unforgettable wedding to a conference to inspire your guests; this striking backdrop sets the scene for a truly memorable day.
With places to eat and drink across four lakeside locations, dining here is made simple. From coffee and snacks in the Muddy Duck Café and drinks and light bites in The Lounge, to seasonal dining in the Brasserie Restaurant and classic dishes served in The Old Boathouse Restaurant & Bar.
When you want to take time out to unwind, our collection of stylish rooms and apartments offer the perfect sanctuary. Or visit our spa, a destination in its own right, where a world of pampering and relaxation awaits.
With extensive grounds, home to nature reserves and alive with wildlife to explore, as well as the glorious Cotswolds beyond, De Vere Cotswold Water Park offers a wonderful retreat from the outside world. All just 20 minutes from J15 of the M4 and J11A of the M5 with Bristol airport just over an hour away.
Cirencester (often referred to as the Capital of the Cotswolds) was the second largest town in Britain during Roman times.
Today the former Corinium Dobunnorum is home to more than 18,000 people and a service centre for the thousands more who live in surrounding villages. In later years it was a very prosperous medieval wool town.
Cirencester's market square is dominated by the cathedral-like Parish Church of St. John Baptist (one of the largest in England). The large south porch with its impressive fan vaulting was built about 1490.
The town contains many interesting buildings spanning several centuries.
St. John Baptist Church and Market SquareCirencester's Parish Church of St. John Baptist
in the Market Square
Cirencester's market town status was mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086. Traders still set up their stalls every Monday and Friday and since 1999 the town has had its own farmers' market. Crafts and antiques markets are also regular attractions.
The first Agricultural College in the English speaking world was founded by Henry 4th Earl Bathurst who became founding president of the Royal College of Agriculture in Cirencester. The college was established to train young farmers in the best agricultural methods of the time and to lead the way with innovations.
Cirencester
Barry and I was looking back in-to the passed for a nice trip down memory lane to our old friend and teacher who is retired now, and at 60 years old now with not the best of health, its is hard to imagine just how skillfull he was, but back in the day he was phenomenal! He helped move things forward as a student of the Thai Masters, with his knowledge, skill, movment and timing second to none. He made a massive impact here in the UK and he achieved what others could only dream of at that time! He gave so much to people like Barry and I and many others. Its so sad that we have to get old and weak and step down from our former selves, but on a positive note, what great memories and moments in time! A big thank you Ronnie from Barry and I for all the years of help as a teacher and friend, a true living legend of UK Muay Thai! Thank you Ronnie we are always here for you in heart spirit and mind.
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The Church of St John Baptist, Cirencester, is by some distance the largest parish church in Gloucestershire, and one of the biggest in the whole country; 180 feet long and 104 feet wide, centred on a square tower 134 feet tall.
Cotswolds Towns & Villages
The Cotswolds is home to some of the most unspoilt, historic and famous towns and villages in England. The honey-coloured stone buildings provide a quintessential English charm found no-where else in the world. It really is a unique experience!
Beautiful villages such as Snowshill and Painswick nestle in the Cotswold Hills, are sure to delight any visitor. Historical market towns such as Cirencester, Tetbury, Stroud and Tewkesbury offer excellent local shopping with thriving markets bursting with local produce. For those visitors looking to enjoy the countryside from a more urban base the larger towns of Gloucester, with its historic waterfront, and Regency Cheltenham Spa offers impressive architecture, stylish shopping and world-class horse racing.
North Cotswolds
Whilst the rightly famous and popular towns of the north Cotswolds such as Cheltenham, Broadway, Bourton on the Water or Burford feature in every guidebook, head off the beaten track and you can unearth hidden gems such as Bourton on the Hill or Naunton. Each of the better known market towns such as Chipping Campden, Moreton in Marsh and Stow on the Wold has a cluster of villages around it and these are decidedly Cotswold in character and well worth investigating.
Winchcombe is an unspoilt market town set on the Cotswold edge. It’s known as being a centre for walkers and is a great place to base yourself if you want to enjoy the rural Cotswolds. A stay in the north Cotswolds brings Stratford upon Avon and Oxford into perfect range for day visits.
South Cotswolds
The south Cotswolds covers the area around Cirencester and the Stroud Valleys – continuing down to north Wiltshire and towns such as Tetbury and Malmesbury. Basing yourself here puts Bristol and Bath within easy reach.
The Cotswold Water Park dominates the south of the Cotswolds and is an incredible place for leisure offering sports, walks and a beach based around 150 lakes in 40 square miles. Despite its size, it is a well-kept secret just a few miles from Cirencester.
There are ‘Five Valleys’ here which meet at the town of Stroud; linked by the lofty heights of Rodborough, Minchinhampton and Selsley Commons. Many artists and craftspeople live in these peaceful, hidden valleys. The surrounding pretty towns of Nailsworth, Painswick, Fairford and Tetbury are all lovely Cotswold market towns.
Whichever part of the Cotswolds you choose, the advice is to really make yourself at home by staying a little longer.
Visit one of the many Tourist Information Centres if you need to find out more information during your visit; buy a gift or souvenir, or just to have a chat with the friendly Information Centre staff about where to go on your visit.
For nearly forty years, Dolphin SAC has been providing training and organising club diving for the residents of Cirencester and the surrounding towns and villages. Our divers love to get in the water, meaning that we organise a minimum of two club diving trips a month, regardless of the time of year!
Cirencester Uk Street Scene
Nick Brent
At Cirencester and surrounding area promoting Muay Thai and the IMTF for the community to help develop opportunities for everyone, to pledge to leave no one behind and to find everyone a place that they are happy in, and also a place that they decide that they would like to be in; not the over way around. We are here to just help as an organisation to guide them academically and vocationally to succeed in their journey from our wealth of experience from all the team that are involved that work so hard serving others and giving their life to the art of helping others. To draw from this vast pool of knowledge that is at our disposal. To help recognise any organisation or individual that helped to make a positive difference from any art and background within in the martial arts globally. We move positively and peacefully forward step by step to a better future for all.
Cirencester Uk Street Scene Vernacular
Ciren Scene
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Ciren Scene
Based in Cirencester, we are a well established local magazine and online platform, recognised as the hub of local community information; with updates on news and issues affecting our businesses; articles of interest, puzzles, competitions, recipes, reviews and extensive local events listings. Advertising with us establishes your business within the local community, giving you presence and building confidence in your goods and services
Welcome to the Vintage and Modern Cotswolds. For lovers of the retro, the vintage and for those with a tendency to all things hipster, the Cotswolds is a delight - full of experiences, inspiration and shops that you just can’t find anywhere else, perfect for 'vintiquing' and unearthing unique treasures. To help you discover a new side of the Cotswolds we’ve put together four routes to lead you to places to visit, secret retro and vintage shopping and stylish places to stay.
Base yourself in a central location along the Roman Fosseway and you can explore all the areas including the rural undiscovered Cotswolds, The Regency town of Cheltenham, The cathedral City of Gloucester and Medieval town of Tewkesbury and all the beautiful towns and villages that make up the area.
28August 2022
