Cirencester’s past is anything but boring. This self-guided audio tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the town’s rich history as the second-largest settlement in Roman Britain. Led by an expert Blue Badge Guide, the tour immerses you in stories of power, intrigue, and everyday life – from Anne Boleyn’s silver chalice to the origins of "daylight robbery." Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious, this tour promises to reveal Cirencester’s hidden gems and pique your interest in exploring further. With the freedom to move at your own pace, you’ll uncover the town’s medieval roots, marvel at Roman mosaics, and…
Key Points
- Provides an engaging exploration of Cirencester’s captivating history, from its prosperous Roman past to its role in the medieval Cotswold wool trade.
- Allows visitors to explore the town’s key sites, lesser-known stories, and enduring myths at their own pace through a self-guided audio tour.
- Offers access to a Blue Badge Tourist Guide’s engaging commentary, which brings Cirencester’s past to life and uncovers the origins of intriguing terms.
- Enables visitors to discover the Corinium Museum’s impressive collection of Roman mosaics and learn about the town’s rich Roman heritage.
- Showcases the grandeur of Cirencester’s historic buildings, such as the ‘wool church’ of St John Baptist and the Bathurst Estate, which reflect the town’s prosperous past.
Overview of the Tour
This self-guided audio tour provides an engaging exploration of Cirencester’s captivating history, guiding visitors through the town’s main sites, lesser-known stories, and enduring myths.
Led by Blue Badge Tourist Guide Owen Bowles, the tour covers the town’s rich past as the second-largest in Roman Britain. Visitors can discover the iconic Corinium Museum and its stunning Roman mosaics, the ‘wool church‘ of St John Baptist, and the historic merchants’ houses that reflect Cirencester’s prosperous medieval wool trade.
The 90-minute experience also delves into the origins of everyday phrases and invites guests to marvel at the towering Great Yew Hedge on the Bathurst Estate. With the freedom to explore at their own pace, travelers can enjoy Cirencester’s captivating heritage.
Key Highlights of the Tour
The tour’s key highlights include the opportunity to see Anne Boleyn’s silver gilt chalice, believed to be the last thing she touched before her execution, and hear from Blue Badge Tourist Guide Owen Bowles, who leads visitors through Cirencester’s captivating history.
Explorers can experience the tour at their own pace or complete it in just 90 minutes, and they’ll have access to the audio guide before, during, and after their booking date.
Along the way, they’ll:
- Visit the Corinium Museum and its collection of Roman mosaics
- See the ‘wool church’ of St John Baptist and historic merchants’ houses
- Discover the origins of terms like ‘daylight robbery’ and ‘teetotallers’
- Explore the Bathurst Estate’s Great Yew Hedge, the tallest in the world
- Visit Cecily Hill, the most exclusive street in Cirencester.
Exploring the Town at Your Own Pace
Visitors can explore Cirencester’s hidden gems and captivating history at their own leisurely pace, thanks to the self-guided audio tour. With the ability to access the audio guide before, during, and after their booking, travelers can plan their day around the tour or seamlessly integrate it into their itinerary.
Whether they choose to complete the full 90-minute route or meander through the town’s key sites, the tour provides a flexible and immersive experience. The turn-by-turn directions make it easy to navigate, while the engaging commentary from the Blue Badge Tourist Guide brings Cirencester’s past to life.
This adaptable experience allows visitors to uncover the town’s secrets at their own rhythm.
The Tour Experience
Embarking on the self-guided audio tour, visitors start at the Corn Hall Indoor Market, where they’ll enjoy Cirencester’s rich history through the engaging commentary provided by the Blue Badge Tourist Guide.
The tour then takes them on a captivating journey, allowing them to:
- Explore the Corinium Museum’s impressive collection of Roman mosaics
- Marvel at the grandeur of the ‘wool church’ of St John Baptist and historic merchants’ houses
- Uncover the town’s role in the medieval Cotswold wool trade
- Discover the origins of intriguing terms like ‘daylight robbery’ and ‘teetotallers’
- Wander through the Bathurst Estate’s record-breaking Great Yew Hedge and the exclusive Cecily Hill.
Along the way, visitors can enjoy the town’s hidden history at their own pace, creating a truly memorable experience.
Visiting the Corinium Museum
Upon starting the tour, visitors explore Cirencester’s Roman heritage by exploring the Corinium Museum‘s impressive collection of ancient mosaics, which offer a glimpse into the town’s prosperous past as the second-largest settlement in Roman Britain.
The museum’s carefully curated exhibits showcase the intricate and well-preserved designs, transporting visitors back in time. Visitors can marvel at the level of detail and craftsmanship, and learn about the significance of these remarkable artifacts.
The museum also houses a wealth of other Roman artifacts, providing a comprehensive understanding of Cirencester’s ancient history.
Exploring the Corinium Museum is a captivating and educational experience that sets the stage for the rest of the self-guided audio tour.
Discovering Cirencester’s Medieval History
After exploring Cirencester’s prosperous Roman past at the Corinium Museum, the audio tour turns its attention to the town’s captivating medieval history.
Visitors uncover the tales of Cirencester’s role in the lucrative Cotswold wool trade, which transformed the local economy and architecture during this period.
The tour highlights:
- The ‘wool church’ of St John Baptist, an architectural marvel that testifies to the wealth generated by the medieval wool industry
- Historic merchants’ houses that once hosted traveling salesmen and served as hubs for the wool trade
- The origins of phrases like ‘daylight robbery’ and ‘teetotallers’, which emerged from Cirencester’s colorful medieval past
- Cecily Hill, the most exclusive street in town, where the wool magnates of the era built their lavish residences
- Cirencester Park’s impressive tree-lined avenue, a testament to the town’s enduring legacy as a center of Cotswold wool production.
Exploring the Bathurst Estate
Beyond the town’s historic center, the audio tour leads visitors to explore the Bathurst Estate, a sprawling Georgian-era estate that showcases Cirencester’s enduring influence and opulence.
Towering over the landscape, the estate’s Great Yew Hedge stands as the tallest of its kind in the world, a testament to the grandeur and ambition that defined this remarkable property.
As you stroll through the estate’s meticulously maintained gardens, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas and a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of Cirencester’s elite.
The tour delves into the estate’s fascinating history, revealing how it served as a symbol of the town’s prosperity and power during the height of the Cotswold wool trade.
Logistics and App Requirements
To access the self-guided audio tour, visitors need to first install the VoiceMap smartphone app, which provides the tour content and interactive map. From there, they can either download the tour before their visit or access it directly on-site at the Corn Hall starting point.
The tour can be enjoyed at the visitor’s own pace, with turn-by-turn directions guiding them through Cirencester’s historic landmarks and hidden gems.
The app-based tour offers several benefits:
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
- Access to the tour before, during, and after the booking date
- Ability to explore the town at your own pace or complete the tour in 90 minutes
- Tour narration in English from a local Blue Badge Tourist Guide
- Turn-by-turn directions to ensure you don’t miss a single highlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English?
The tour is currently only available in English, according to the details provided. There is no mention of the tour being available in any other languages for this self-guided audio experience exploring Cirencester’s hidden history.
Can the Tour Be Booked for a Specific Time Slot?
The tour can be booked for a specific time slot. However, travelers have the flexibility to access the tour before, during, and after their booking date, allowing them to complete it at their own pace.
Is There a Guide Available to Lead the Tour if Needed?
Yes, the tour features a Blue Badge Tourist Guide, Owen Bowles, who shares insights and stories along the way. The self-guided experience allows visitors to explore at their own pace while benefiting from the guide’s expertise.
Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals for the Tour?
The audio tour doesn’t offer any discounts or package deals, but it provides excellent value at £8 per person. Visitors can explore Cirencester’s history at their own pace with the included audio guide for a flexible and immersive experience.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Focus on Specific Areas of Interest?
The tour can be customized to focus on specific areas of interest. Visitors can explore the town at their own pace, spending more time in the areas that interest them most, whether that’s historical sites, architecture, or the local culture.
Recap
Cirencester’s Hidden History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour offers a captivating journey through the town’s remarkable past.
Visitors can explore Cirencester at their own pace, seeing its Roman heritage, medieval narratives, and intriguing local legends.
Whether seeking to uncover the town’s hidden gems or simply soak in its rich historical atmosphere, this self-guided tour provides an engaging and enlightening experience for all.
