Colin Crosby Heritage Tours

Cirencester Park (Cirencester)

Cirencester Park is one of the most charming features of the delighful old town of Cirencester, on the edge of the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire.

The park belongs to Lord Bathurst, and is the parkland of Cirencester House. It covers an area of about 15 square miles, with walks extending for some miles. The Great Walk, extending directly out from Cecily HIll, is five miles long. There is an outstanding avenue of chestnut trees.

It was established at the turn of the 17th century by a previous Lord Bathurst.

Although it is private land, the public are allowed free access for walking, riding and general recreation.

Visitors to the park in its earlier days included Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift.

Cirencester House itself is not normally seen by the general public, being hidden by an enormous yew hedge, which is the tallest in England.

The entrance to Cirencester Park is by way of the utterly delightful Cecily Hill.