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Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
How To Spend A Weekend In Cirencester: The Cotswolds
How To Spend A Weekend In Cirencester. getty Cirencester, known as the 'capital of the Cotswolds,' is an ancient market town founded by the Romans—once the second-largest town in Roman Britain after London—today, peppered with swathes of honey-colored independent shops, cute cafés, and fine art galleries. Strolling along its charming cobblestone streets, you'll be troubled not to uncover a myriad of historic jewels, from its gothic parish church of St John the Baptist to Cirencester's Roman amphitheater (open all day; free of charge), built in the second century, for 8,000 onlooking spectators. Or, pay a visit to its Roman-themed Corinium Museum, surf through its Market Place (a Farmer's Market is held every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month), sip a pint at the 15th-century Black Horse—the oldest pub in town—and catch a glorious sunset at Earl Bathurst's 3,000-acre estate, Cirencester Park. But if you're looking to go further afield, Cirencester can serve as the perfect pillow stop while venturing deeper into the quintessentially English Cotswolds—from pretty chocolate-box villages to secret garden spas and gastropub-galore. So here is our guide on where to sleep, eat, and explore in the 'capital of the Cotswolds'—and beyond. Orchard Stable Luxury Cottages Nestled in the Cotswolds village of Ampney Crucis—just over 3 miles from Cirencester—the Orchard Stable is a chic 2-bedroom countryside retreat, set within Ampneyfield Farm, housing two other luxury barn conversions (The Milking Parlour and Haymaker Barn—ideal for group stays). Snaking across a little patio guarded by towering European hornbeams and an apple orchard, you'll reach the pretty barn door of this charming honey-stone cottage. Inside, spill into its cozy, open-plan kitchen-come-living room, elegant and homely, dressed in Cotswolds stone with exposed oak beams, a full-size pistachio kitchen (with a fridge freezer, electric oven, microwave, induction hob, dishwasher, and Nespresso coffee machine), a Victorian writing desk, and little country touches like vintage polo sticks, cricket bat trunks, and Edwardian shoe trees. Here, you can graze on grand feasts, sat at your farmhouse banquette table, or sink into comfy cotton sofas as you peruse Netflix, wrapped in snuggly woolen throws, with a toasty log burner. Orchard Stable Luxury Cottages Step up through an iron-latched door into a second snug living room with cross-stitched sofas, a vintage globe, art deco paintings, and a cool antique leather trunk—all hidden behind long wedgewood-style drapes. Meanwhile, a winding staircase flows into two attic master bedrooms, both evoking snug countryside-chic, with low beams, blown glass lanterns, skylight windows, super king beds (with fluffy woolen throws), and quirky farmyard prints—one with a direct en-suite (and an in-bedroom deep soaking tub) and the other with a small adjacent bathroom wrapped in pretty Parisian tiles with a rainfall shower. A secret door upstairs, however, reveals an iron staircase descending to a beautiful private courtyard—all yours—with whispering birch trees and an aromatic herb garden. This is Cotswolds utopia. Nestled in The Old Kennels of Cirencester Park, Roots + Seeds serves sustainable, farm-to-fork cuisine—utilizing suppliers within a 25-mile radius, alongside home-grown ingredients freshly picked, every morning, from its on-site Kitchen Garden (with a goal to hit 75% home-grown this year). Join for its famous Sunday lunch—grazing on starters like Welsh rarebit crumpet or prawn cocktail—before feasting on its Mixed Roast Sharing Board ($32 per person) made up of tender chicken pies, giant fluffy Yorkshire puddings, pork loin roulade, blades of beef, crispy roast potatoes, and rich creamed spinach. Pair it with tickling cocktails, from the Roots + Seeds Gin and Tonic to Kitchen Garden Chilli Margaritas (made with homemade chili syrup). The Crown Jake Eastham Once a 16th-century coaching inn, The Crown is an award-winning gastro pub in Ampney Crucis, nestled within the 24-bedroom boutique hotel, Wild Thyme & Honey—wrapped in Cotswolds stone, with rustic furniture, antler chandeliers, and cozy crackling fireplaces. As night falls, it offers a low-lit, romantic feel, where couples graze on small plates of 'Nduja Scotch egg, hot honey kissed burrata, and sesame prawn & squid crumpets—followed by glazed pork belly, char-grilled smoked haddock fillet, or a smoky 28-day dry-aged steak burger, cooked over glowing coals, Robata Grill style. Top tip—look out for its legendary Steak Night Experience, held every Friday—and stay overnight afterward in its lavish No. 3 London Road suite ($675 per night). Garden Room The Double Red Duke A 35-minute drive from Cirencester, in the tiny village of Clanfield, The Double Red Duke is well worth the visit—a quintessential Cotswolds pub and boutique hotel—bearing 19 lovingly-furnished rooms (think vintage furniture, Roberts radios, and roll-top baths), a beautiful beer garden with candy-striped parasols, and a snug spa set in a shepherd's hut (double rooms from $250 per night). Saunter along to the Garden Room with sexy olive booths, Greek busts, stained glass windows, and caged lanterns, as waiters—dressed in boiler jackets—whiz around with plates of crab rolls, beef tartare, and devilled lamb's kidneys. Juicy steak cuts are the real showstopper, however, with what's up for grabs scribbled on chalkboards and crossed out as locals waltz inside and take their pickings—from T-bone to thick Black Angus ribs—served with bone marrow mash or belly-filling chunky chips. Broad Avenue The Bathurst Estate The Grade I listed Cirencester Park has presided as the crowning jewel of the Bathurst Family for over 300 years—set across 3,000 acres, hosting calendar scribble-worthy events from adrenaline-pumping horse trials to the annual Cotswold Show, surrounded by striking sculptures, sweeping loop horse-riding routes (up to 8.5 kilometers) through Oakley and Hailey Wood, and the world's tallest yew hedge (park entry; $5 per person). Visit 'The Mansion,' as it's known locally, built by the 1st Earl (believed to be built on the same site as the original Cirencester Castle) on private tours held on selected days throughout the year ($35 per person), grab some doggy ice-cream from Beano in the Park, or visit the Cirencester Park Polo Club, established in 1894. Boasting 11 polo grounds, a polo academy, and its famous Pavillion Restaurant (serving decadent four-course lunches)—it has hosted some of the most influential figures of the world, from George VI to the Maharaja of Jaipur, the sultan of Brunei and the current Royal Family. The Pig in the Cotswolds Jake Eastham Dwarfing the Cotswolds village of Barnsley, just four miles from Cirencester, THE PIG-in the Cotswolds is a sumptuous Grade II-listed manor house hotel boasting original ornamental gardens designed by Rosemary Verey. Meander along the garden path, and you'll uncover its stone-walled spa, where you can indulge in contouring facials (using Gua Sha stones), volcanic hot stone massages, LED-lamp manicures and pedicures, Himalayan pink exfoliation scrubs, and full-body wraps (massages and facials from $170 for 60 minutes; $210 for 90 minutes). Afterward, retire to the Relaxation Room—wrapped in Cotswolds stone with Turkish rugs, candlestick alcoves, and giant floral murals, as you stretch out on a floral chaise lounge and sip ginger tea with dates and dried apricots for grazing. Or, make use of the outdoor hydrotherapy plunge pool, rattan loungers, and herb-scented sauna and steam room at the Fieldhouse (complimentary access for hotel guests only). Just across the road from the Fieldhouse sits The Village Pub, also owned by The Pig; an eccentric inn (with just six bedrooms) dressed with antique portraits, Hogarth prints, deer heads, and timeworn wingback sofas. Here, you'll devour small plates of pork pies and honey-coated chipolatas—while pub staples include smoked mackerel, devilled eggs, pork chops, or the Village Pub Ploughman's—paired with fine local ales on tap. Housing one of the largest collections of Romano-British antiquities from Corinium, Roman Britain's second-largest city, Corinium Museum (in Cirencester's town center) showcases exhibits from the Roman and Neolithic periods, all the way up to Victorian times—where you'll uncover the tools of prehistoric metal smiths, gawp at Roman mosaics, and discover Anglo Saxon grave goods (tickets from $11 per person). Rowing boat picnic on the Thames Cotswold Canoe Hire Dreaming of a romantic row along the River Thames? Head to the town of Lechlade on Thames at the edge of the Cotswolds (a 26-minute drive from Cirencester), where you can opt for Cotswold Canoe Hire's two-hour Rowing Boat Picnic on the Thames. Drifting along the River Windrush, padded with comfy cushions and wrapped up in snuggly blankets, you'll indulge in a Premium River Windrush hamper—think smoked salmon and cream cheese bloomers, fresh bacon and brie baguettes, homemade scotch eggs and sausage rolls, mini quiches, sweet cakes, and more—as you hear the gentle paddle of elegant swans heading for St Kenelm's Church ($135 per couple). Travelers in London can hop on a 70-minute direct train with Great Western Railway from London Paddington to Kemble. From there, it's a 11-minute cab drive to Cirencester. To book the Orchard Stable, visit For more information on the Cotswolds, visit
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Biker and passenger seriously injured in crash as police hunt driver and women passengers
Police are searching for a driver and a number of female occupants after a biker and passenger were seriously injured in a crash. The 'serious collision' involving a Vauxhall Vectra and the motorcycle happened in Leek Road in the Longsdon area of Staffordshire. Staffordshire Police officers were called to the scene at 6.35pm on Wednesday, June 4, alongside paramedics. READ MORE: 'Major' cannabis farm busted on Midlands high street after call from British Gas Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp, click the link to join The rider and passenger of the motorbike remained in hospital today, Saturday, June 7, with serious injuries. Another man was also still in hospital. Police appealed for help to trace the car driver along a number of female occupants who left the scene in a blue taxi. The occupants were collected close to a pub called the Black Horse and taken to an address in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. Anyone with any information or dashcam or CCTV footage was asked to contact police via a portal here. The force said: "We are appealing for information following a serious collision on Leek Road, Longsdon, Staffordshire, on the stretch of road between Dunwood Lane and Honeysuckle Lane. "On Wednesday at 6.35pm, a serious collision was reported involving a silver Vauxhall Vectra and a motorbike. "Officers attended the scene alongside colleagues from West Midlands Ambulance Service. The rider and passenger of the motorbike were taken to hospital with serious injuries, where they remain. "Another man also remains in hospital. "We are asking for the public to help us to identify the driver of the Vauxhall Vectra involved in the collision and a number of female occupants who left the scene in a blue taxi, collected close to the Black Horse pub. "They were taken to an address in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. "We are keen to speak to anyone with any dashcam or CCTV footage of the collision and any information about the driver of the Vauxhall and the occupants of the taxi."
Leader Live
19-05-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Black Horse pub in Buckley faces demolition as shop plans submitted
The Black Horse, on the corner of Mold Road and Ffordd Argoed, closed its doors for the last time in March. Plans have now been submitted to Flintshire County Council to demolish it to make way or a modern convenience store with 13 parking spaces on the site. Built in the early 1800s, the imposing Victorian pub has a number of original features including decorative external brickwork and original open fire hearths. But the structure is not a listed building and is not within a conservation area. According to Edgeplan, the agent operating on behalf of owner Thistlewood Properties Ltd, the pub has no identified historic value. "The existing public house will be demolished, however the building has no historic value and the use has now ceased," it wrote in a covering letter alongside the application. "The redevelopment of the site offers an improvement in terms of design. The structure is designed to look and function as a modern retail development and the high quality design and selection of materials will serve to integrate it into its surroundings. "The proposal offers an effective design solution to the provision of a convenience unit on the site, involving the use of high-quality materials including render and feature stonework to building elevations." The planning consultation is open until June 6.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Actress Sonyaa Ayoddhya speaks about ‘awfully painful' divorce from Harsh Samorre. 'Never thought this would happen'
Television actress Sonyaa Ayoddhya has finally addressed the rumours surrounding her marriage with entrepreneur Harsh Samorre. After months of public speculation, she confirmed that the couple officially parted ways in April 2025. Sonyaa, who rose to fame through roles in popular TV shows like Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2, Shakti: Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki, and Nazar, had remained silent for a long time about the status of her relationship. #Operation Sindoor India responds to Pak's ceasefire violation; All that happened India-Pakistan ceasefire reactions: Who said what Punjab's hopes for normalcy dimmed by fresh violations In a recent interview, she spoke candidly about the emotional impact of her divorce and the personal decision to move on. A Painful Decision Play Video Play Skip Backward Skip Forward Mute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions and subtitles off , selected Audio Track Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Sonyaa and Harsh tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Jaipur on December 12, 2019, attended by close friends and industry colleagues, including her Kasautii co-stars Erica Fernandes and Shubhaavi Choksey. However, reports of trouble in the marriage surfaced in 2024 when fans noticed that the couple had unfollowed each other on Instagram and deleted shared pictures. Although neither addressed the matter publicly at the time, Sonyaa often posted about emotional strength and solitude, hinting at personal struggles. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Black Horse Is Refunding - Lookup Your Name scanandclaim Get Offer Sonyaa Ayoddhya Speaking about her experience, Sonyaa said, 'Divorce is awfully painful, it is heartbreaking. I never thought this would happen to me. I have chosen peace over conflict and I don't wish to give it more time and energy than I already have. I am focusing on healing, learning and moving forward with my life.' She further added, 'It can't be just one person giving, the other has to do it too. It's important to strike the right balance in a marriage.' Focus on Career and Healing Now that the separation is finalised, Sonyaa is channeling her energy into her career. She mentioned that her focus is firmly on work and that she is open to taking up diverse roles across television and digital platforms. Reflecting on her past performances, Sonyaa noted that while she had an important role in Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2, her character in Nazar offered more depth. Sonyaa Ayoddhya 'I want to bag interesting roles in TV. I am enjoying working in OTT shows, too. In the past few years, I feel there are interesting roles for women in OTT shows,' she said. Sonyaa was last seen in Kill Dill – The Heartbreak Club, a web series that premiered on Amazon MX Player in March 2025. The show also featured Prit Kamani, Anushka Sen, Priyamvada Kant, and Barsha Chatterjee. Her other known works include Sanjog, Sirf Tum, and Fuh Se Fantasy.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Men attacked by group wearing hi-vis jackets
Police are appealing for information after a group robbed and assaulted three men in a Gloucestershire town. The incident happened at about 22:00 BST near to the King's Head Hotel on Market Place, in Cirencester, on Wednesday. Gloucestershire Police said a group of four or five men wearing yellow hi-vis jackets approached the three men, who are all in their 20s. A conversation between them started before one of the men wearing a hi-vis jacket punched a man in the other group. It has been reported that he also used a stick to hit the victim. More news stories for Gloucestershire Listen to the latest news for Gloucestershire Police said an altercation between the two groups followed, during which the three men were punched to the floor and their wallets and mobile phones were taken. Officers have spoken to a number of witnesses and reviewed CCTV, and are now asking for anyone with information to come forward. It is believed the group of men in the hi-vis jackets were seen in the Black Horse pub earlier in the evening, when they were acting in a rowdy manner. They were said to have Welsh accents. The man who threw the first punch was described as a small man of large build with ginger hair and tattoos on his neck. Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Gloucestershire Constabulary
