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Cotswold Craft Market

Handmade treasures from local artisans in a historic Victorian market hall.

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Held in the historic Corn Hall at the heart of Cirencester, the Cotswold Craft Market showcases handmade creations from local artisans and craftspeople. Every Saturday of the month, the market fills with a vibrant array of items including art, glasswork, pottery, jewellery, clothing, and soft furnishings. Admission is free, making it an accessible destination for those seeking unique, locally-made treasures in one of the Cotswolds' most charming market towns.

A brief summary to The Cotswold Craft Market

  • 26 Market Pl, Cirencester, GL7 2NY, GB
  • +447970859703
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early in the morning for the best selection and to avoid peak crowds; the market opens at 10:00 am and tends to be quieter before midday.
  • Bring cash as well as cards; some smaller artisan stallholders may prefer cash payments or offer discounts for cash purchases.
  • Combine your visit with Cirencester's other markets—the Charter Market runs Mondays and Fridays, and farmers' markets operate on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays, offering different experiences throughout the month.
  • Chat with the makers themselves; many exhibitors are the artists and craftspeople behind their work and enjoy sharing the inspiration and techniques behind their creations.
  • Check the Corn Hall's social media or website before visiting to see which exhibitors are scheduled, as the lineup can vary from month to month.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From the M4 motorway, exit onto the M5 heading south towards Gloucester, then follow signs to Cirencester town centre. Multiple car parks serve the Market Place area: Abbey Grounds car park, Old Station car park, and Brewery car park are all within 2–3 minutes' walk of the Corn Hall. Parking charges apply; expect to pay approximately £1.50–£2.50 per hour depending on the car park. Journey time from London is approximately 2 hours; from Birmingham approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

  • Bus

    Cirencester is served by regular coach and local bus services. National Express coaches connect Cirencester to London Victoria (approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, fares from £5–£15 depending on advance booking) and other major UK cities. Local buses operated by Stagecoach and other providers connect Cirencester to surrounding Cotswold towns including Cheltenham, Gloucester, and Oxford. Journey times from nearby towns range from 30 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. Bus services run throughout the day; check local timetables for Saturday service frequency.

  • Train

    The nearest railway station is Kemble, approximately 5 miles south of Cirencester, served by Great Western Railway with connections to London Paddington (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes), Gloucester, and other destinations. From Kemble station, local buses or taxis provide onward transport to Cirencester town centre (approximately 15–20 minutes by bus, fares around £3–£5; taxi approximately 15 minutes, fares £15–£25). Alternatively, some visitors cycle or walk from Kemble along quiet country roads.

  • Walking

    If staying in Cirencester town centre, the Corn Hall is easily reached on foot from most accommodation. The town centre is compact and pedestrian-friendly. From the railway station at Kemble, walking is not practical due to distance (5 miles), but the route follows country roads without dedicated footpaths for much of the journey.

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Discover more about The Cotswold Craft Market

A Hub for Local Artisans in Historic Cirencester

The Cotswold Craft Market occupies the Corn Hall, an iconic Victorian building dating back to 1863 situated in the very centre of Cirencester's Market Place. This prestigious venue has long been a gathering point for the community, and today it continues that tradition by providing a dedicated platform for local artists and craftspeople to display their work directly to the public. The market operates every Saturday of each month, creating a regular rhythm that draws both residents and visitors seeking authentic, handmade goods that reflect the creative spirit of the Cotswolds region.

Diverse Crafts and Artisan Offerings

The market features an impressive variety of handmade items that showcase the skill and creativity of exhibitors from across the region. Visitors will discover fine art, intricate glasswork, hand-thrown pottery, bespoke jewellery, unique clothing pieces, and beautifully crafted soft furnishings. Each stall represents an individual maker or small business, offering the opportunity to purchase directly from the creator and often to learn the story behind each piece. The diversity of offerings ensures that whether you're seeking a statement piece of jewellery, a functional ceramic vessel, or an original artwork, there is something to appeal to different tastes and budgets.

Atmosphere and Experience

The Corn Hall provides a welcoming, sheltered environment that makes browsing comfortable regardless of weather conditions. The Saturday timing aligns perfectly with the town's broader market culture—Cirencester hosts additional markets throughout the week, including the Charter Market on Mondays and Fridays, and speciality markets on other Saturdays. The craft market's monthly schedule allows regular visitors to anticipate new exhibitors and fresh stock, while the free admission removes any barrier to exploration. The setting within Cirencester's historic town centre, surrounded by period architecture and independent shops, creates a quintessentially English market experience.

Cirencester's Market Heritage

Circencester has held market rights since medieval times, and the town's Market Place remains the vibrant commercial and social heart of the community. The Cotswold Craft Market is part of this long tradition, operating alongside farmers' markets, antique markets, and general charter markets that collectively make Cirencester one of the most active market destinations in the Cotswolds. The town's Roman heritage, Georgian architecture, and thriving independent retail sector combine to create an enriching backdrop for a craft market visit.

Practical Considerations for Visitors

The market operates from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm, providing a generous window for browsing and purchasing. Cirencester town centre offers multiple car parks within easy walking distance, including Abbey Grounds, Old Station, and Brewery car parks. The Market Place itself is pedestrian-friendly and well-signposted. The town centre contains numerous cafés, restaurants, and independent shops, making it easy to combine a market visit with other activities. Nearby amenities include public restrooms, food and drink options, and seating areas throughout the town.

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