Cirencester Roman 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.