Cirencester Roman Amphitheatre
Step into the grassy oval of one of Roman Britain’s largest amphitheatres, where 8,000 spectators once roared for gladiators and games.
On the outskirts of Cirencester lies the impressive earthwork remains of one of Britain’s largest Roman amphitheatres. Built in the early 2nd century, this open-air site once held around 8,000 spectators for gladiatorial contests, games and public events. Today, it’s a free-to-enter historical monument where visitors can walk the arena and imagine the roar of the ancient crowd. Well-signposted and managed by English Heritage, it offers a quiet, atmospheric glimpse into Roman Britain, surrounded by trees and open grassland.
A brief summary to Cirencester Amphitheatre
- 1xw, 30 Cotswold Ave, Cirencester, GL7 1XW, GB
- +441285655646
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the day or on a weekday to enjoy the site in near-silence, when the atmosphere is most evocative and the grassy arena feels truly ancient.
- Bring a good pair of shoes – the ground can be uneven and muddy after rain, and there are steps at the entrance.
- Combine your visit with the Corinium Museum in Cirencester town centre to see Roman mosaics, inscriptions and artefacts from the amphitheatre and the wider Roman town.
- Dogs are welcome on leads, making this a good stop for dog walkers; just stick to the paths and avoid damaging the earthworks.
- Take a moment to stand in the centre of the arena and look out over the banks – closing your eyes, you can almost hear the roar of the ancient crowd.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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On foot from Cirencester town centre
From the centre of Cirencester, follow signs for the amphitheatre along Cotswold Avenue. The walk takes about 15–20 minutes on paved and tarmac paths, passing residential streets and green spaces. The route is well marked but includes some uneven surfaces and a small flight of steps at the site entrance.
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By car
Drive to Cotswold Avenue in Cirencester and use the free car park at the eastern end of the road. The site is a short walk from the car park, but the approach includes steps and uneven ground, so it may not suit those with limited mobility.
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By local bus
Take a local bus to Cirencester and alight near the town centre. From there, follow signs for the amphitheatre along Cotswold Avenue. The final approach is on foot and includes steps and uneven surfaces, so allow 20–25 minutes from the bus stop.
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By bicycle
Cycle from Cirencester town centre along Cotswold Avenue, using the cycle lane where available. There are no dedicated cycle racks at the site, but bikes can be left nearby. The route is mostly flat, but the final approach includes steps and uneven ground.
Cirencester Amphitheatre location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Cirencester Amphitheatre
Where Rome Once Roared
Standing in the grassy oval of Cirencester’s Roman amphitheatre, it’s easy to imagine the thunder of thousands of spectators. Built in the early 2nd century AD, this was one of the largest amphitheatres in Roman Britain, capable of holding about 8,000 people. At the time, Cirencester (known as Corinium) was the second most important town in Roman Britain after London, and this arena served as a major centre for public entertainment, from gladiatorial contests and beast hunts to athletic games and possibly executions. The amphitheatre was constructed just outside the town’s defensive walls, a common practice to keep such large, potentially rowdy gatherings separate from the main urban area. After the Romans left Britain, the site was abandoned and later reused as a defensive earthwork against Saxon invaders, adding another layer to its long history. Today, only the earthworks remain, but their scale and layout clearly reveal the original structure.Walking the Ancient Arena
What you see now is a large, grass-covered oval surrounded by low banks that once supported tiered seating. The central arena is clearly defined, and the surrounding banks give a strong sense of how the amphitheatre was laid out. Information panels around the site explain its history, construction and use, helping visitors visualise the original stone and timber seating that once rose above the earthworks. Paths allow you to walk around the perimeter and into the arena itself, offering different perspectives of the space. From the edge, you can appreciate the sheer size of the venue; from the centre, you can look out over the banks and imagine the crowd that once filled them. The site is open and grassy, with trees and woodland around the edges, creating a peaceful contrast with its violent past.A Quiet Corner of Roman Britain
Unlike many Roman sites, Cirencester’s amphitheatre is not a fenced-off ruin with ticket barriers, but a free, open-air monument that feels more like a local park than a formal attraction. This makes it ideal for a quiet, reflective visit, especially on a weekday or early in the day when it’s often deserted. The surrounding area is wooded and gently rolling, with paths leading into nearby green spaces. It’s a place where history and nature blend: the earthworks are clearly man-made, yet they’ve been softened by centuries of grass, trees and weather. Dogs on leads are welcome, and the site is popular with walkers and locals as well as tourists, adding to its relaxed, everyday atmosphere.Planning Your Visit
There is no admission fee to visit the amphitheatre, and it’s open any reasonable time during daylight hours, making it easy to fit into a wider trip to Cirencester. The site is managed by Cirencester Town Council on behalf of English Heritage, and there are clear signs and information boards explaining the history and layout. Access is via a small flight of steps at the entrance, and parts of the site are uneven, so it may not be suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Facilities such as toilets, shops and cafes are not on-site but are a short walk or drive into Cirencester town centre. For a deeper dive into Roman Corinium, the Corinium Museum in the town centre houses many finds from the amphitheatre and the wider Roman town, including mosaics, inscriptions and everyday objects.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
The Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home
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Cirencester Park
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Corinium Museum
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Corn Hall Market Place
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The Cotswold Craft Market
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Abbey Grounds Park
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The Organic Farm Shop
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Essential places to dine
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The Garden Restaurant
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The Old Boathouse
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The Bell at Sapperton
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The Catherine Wheel
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The Gallery Restaurant
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Modern European dining in the heart of Bibury, blending local Cotswold produce with elegant country charm at The Swan Hotel.
The Old Smokery
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A lively Cotswolds hub blending rustic dining, vibrant events, and welcoming atmosphere at Far Peak Camping.
The Long Table
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A pay-as-you-can community restaurant in Stroud serving locally sourced meals that nourish both body and spirit.
Wilder
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The Ox Barn
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Experience modern British countryside cuisine in a beautifully restored 19th-century oxen house nestled in the tranquil Cotswold village of Southrop.
Grey's Brasserie
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Sophisticated yet relaxed dining at Whatley Manor, featuring globally inspired small plates and traditional Sunday roasts in a stunning Cotswolds setting.
The Dining Room at Whatley Manor
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Fagin's
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Le Champignon Sauvage
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The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie Cheltenham
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Elegant dining in Cheltenham’s historic Montpellier Rotunda, blending modern British cuisine with iconic Ivy style and grand architectural charm.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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m.a.d.e.
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Landmark Cirencester
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Octavia's Bookshop
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MākerCulture
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Surprises
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Moonstruck
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The Cotswold General Store
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Cotswold Candle Hut
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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17 Black Restaurant, Cocktail and Wine Bar complete with Nightclub and Karaoke Room.
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The Bear Inn, Cirencester
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The Weighbridge Inn
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Jax Nightclub Gloucester
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Capones
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
