Cirencesters Tall Tales and Hidden History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

A self-guided audio tour of Cirencester offers a flexible and affordable way to uncover the town’s hidden stories and historic landmarks. Priced at $9.99 per person, this mobile tour provides lifetime access and takes approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours to complete. It suits visitors who prefer exploring independently, with the ability to pause, linger, or speed up as they wish. The tour features audio narration by Owen Bowles, a Blue Badge Tourist Guide for the Heart of England, who shares insights on various sights along the route.

This tour starts at 26 Market Place and ends near St. John Baptist Church, passing by notable sites including Roman walls, medieval gatehouses, and historic estates. Visitors need to bring a smartphone and headphones, as no entrance fees are included for attractions. The VoiceMap app allows offline use and provides turn-by-turn directions, making navigation straightforward even without constant internet access. While the tour offers great flexibility, some users have experienced technical issues with codes, so careful following of instructions is recommended.

Key Points

• Self-guided audio tour perfect for independent exploration of Cirencester.
• Affordable price of $9.99 with lifetime access.
• Duration of about 90 minutes to 2 hours allows for a relaxed pace.
• Includes narration by Owen Bowles about local myths and lesser-known histories.
• Multiple stops including Roman walls, medieval gatehouses, and Chamber of Commerce sites.
• Start and end points are close, making it easy to navigate the circular route.

Starting Point at 26 Market Place in Cirencester

The tour begins at 26 Market Place, a central location ideal for visitors arriving by foot or public transport. From here, the VoiceMap app provides clear instructions and directions to the first stop. The starting point offers quick access to the town’s main streets and attractions, setting a convenient tone for the self-guided experience.

The route is designed to be flexible, allowing visitors to adjust the pace. The app’s offline capability ensures the narration remains available even without internet, ideal for those traveling outside mobile coverage zones. The accessible start makes this tour suitable for most visitors, including those with limited mobility.

Exploring Corn Hall & Arcade

The tour’s first highlight is the Corn Hall and Arcade, a building with over 150 years of history. The narration reveals stories and myths surrounding this lively marketplace while passing by its historic façade. Visitors enjoy hearing about its significance as a center of commerce and community life in Cirencester.

Walking past this site, travelers get a sense of the town’s commercial past and current vibrancy. The information provided helps make the visit more meaningful, even from the outside, and sets the scene for the rest of the tour. This stop exemplifies how the tour combines factual history with local legend.

Discovering St. John Baptist Church and Honey-Coloured Houses

Next, the route leads past St. John Baptist Church, famously called the wool church for its historic ties to the wool trade. The church’s architecture and history are explained in the narration, offering insights into Cirencester’s medieval prosperity.

Alongside the church, the tour passes merchant houses made of honey-colored stone, showcasing the town’s wealth during the textile boom. Visitors learn about the town’s economic evolution while admiring the charming architecture. This segment balances architectural beauty with stories about Cirencester’s trading history, making it a highlight for history buffs and architecture lovers alike.

Visiting the Corinium Museum and Roman Mosaics

The Corinium Museum is an important stop, notable for its collection of Roman mosaics crafted by local artisans. The narration describes how ancient craftsmen worked and reveals the significance of Roman influence in Cirencester. While the museum itself is not included in the entrance fee, the exterior and its collection are visible from the street.

This part of the tour offers a glimpse into Cirencester’s Roman past, with stories about the town’s status as Corinium in Roman Britain. The mosaics, along with Roman walls nearby, reinforce the deep history embedded in the town’s fabric. For history enthusiasts, this stop provides context for the Roman remains that still mark the landscape.

Passing by Bathurst Estate and the Great Yew Hedge

The route passes by the Bathurst Estate, home to the Great Yew Hedge, claimed to be the tallest of its kind in the world. The narration shares anecdotes about the estate’s history and the hedge’s unique status. Visitors see the estate’s grounds from the outside, appreciating its landscape and historical significance.

While not entering the estate, travelers get a sense of Cirencester’s aristocratic past and the impressive scale of its historic gardens. The story of the hedge adds a unique element to the tour, highlighting Cirencester’s connection to notable estates.

Learning about Powell’s Church of England Primary School

As the tour passes Powell’s Church of England Primary School, the narration covers its history and role in the community. The school’s architecture and location in the town are also highlighted.

This stop offers a glimpse into Cirencester’s educational history and ongoing community life. While primarily an exterior view, the story adds depth to the town’s social fabric, making the walk more engaging for those interested in local institutions.

Exploring St. John Baptist Hospital and the Chantry

Next, the tour passes St. John Baptist Hospital, an historic site with origins tied to healthcare and charity. The narration explains its historical significance, and the nearby Chantry adds further context about medieval religious life.

Seeing these sites from the outside, visitors gain insights into Cirencester’s charitable and religious history. The narration makes these often-overlooked buildings meaningful, deepening understanding of the town’s communal past.

Strolling through Abbey Grounds Park

The journey concludes with a relaxing walk beside the lake in Abbey Gardens Park, a peaceful green space in the town. The narration describes the park’s history and features, including the 12th-century Norman Arch Gate House visible nearby.

This final stop offers a tranquil end to the tour, perfect for reflective strolling or a quick rest. The Norman Gate House remains as a historical anchor, and the park’s landscaped beauty provides a fitting conclusion to the exploration.

Visiting the Norman Arch Gate House

Passing the 12th-century Norman Arch Gate House, the only surviving building of the Augustinian Abbey of St Mary, offers a tangible link to Cirencester’s medieval past. The narration details its history and significance as a relic of the abbey.

Its preservation provides a poignant example of Cirencester’s historical resilience. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to connect with the town’s monastic history without needing to enter any buildings.

Roman Wall Remains and Ancient Fortifications

The tour also passes by the Roman town wall, remnants of Cirencester’s ancient fortifications. The narration recounts the town’s strategic importance during Roman times and how these remains have endured through centuries.

Standing beside these remains, visitors gain a sense of the town’s historic depth. The storytelling makes the ancient walls more than just ruins — they become stories of a past that still shapes the town today.

The Sum Up: A Flexible and Informative Way to Explore Cirencester

This self-guided audio tour offers excellent value for those interested in history, architecture, and local legends. The $9.99 price point and lifetime access make it an accessible option for independent explorers. The narration by Owen Bowles is knowledgeable, providing engaging insights at each stop.

The tour’s main strength lies in its flexibility—you control the pace, choose where to linger, and enjoy the offline navigation. It’s particularly suited for visitors who prefer exploring at their own speed and want to skip the crowds of guided groups. However, some users have encountered technical issues with codes, so following the provided instructions carefully is advised.

This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Cirencester’s Roman remnants, historic buildings, and scenic parks. It’s ideal for history lovers and those seeking a personalized experience of this charming town without the need for a group or guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the tour cost?
The tour is priced at $9.99 per person.

How long does the tour take?
It lasts approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how long you linger at each stop.

What do I need to participate?
A smartphone and headphones are required. The VoiceMap app is needed, which functions offline once the tour is downloaded.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 26 Market Place and ends near St. John Baptist Church on W Market Place.

Are entrance fees included?
No, tickets or entrance fees for museums or attractions are not included.

Can I do the tour at home?
Yes, the virtual tour option is available for use at home.

Is this tour suitable for all mobility levels?
Most travelers can participate, but no specific accessibility info is provided.

What if I have technical issues with the code?
Follow the instructions carefully, and contact the tour provider if issues arise. There have been some reports of code entry problems.

How do I access the tour after booking?
Once booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code to activate the tour in the VoiceMap app.

Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided experience, allowing complete flexibility in timing and pace.

This self-guided tour of Cirencester combines historical highlights with scenic walks, offering a practical and engaging way to learn about the town’s fascinating past beyond guided group tours.