Top 5 Natural Monuments around Cirencester
Best natural monuments around Cirencester offer a blend of historical earthworks and cultivated natural spaces within the Cotswolds. This region, known for its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, features significant natural landmarks. Cirencester itself provides access to diverse green spaces and geological formations. The area's natural monuments range from ancient Roman earthworks to unique botanical features and extensive water parks.
Best natural monuments around Cirencester
- The most popular natural monuments is Cirencester Amphitheatre, a historical earthwork that represents one of Britain's largest Roman amphitheatres. This vast earthwork, built in the early 2nd century, measures approximately 46 meters by 41 meters and once held around 8,000 spectators.
- Another must-see spot is Daglingworth Gravel Track, a natural trail that passes Daglingworth Quarry. Visitors can find a variety of fossils, including oysters, scallops, and sea urchins, within the quarry's geological formations.
- Visitors also love The Tallest Yew Hedge in the World, a cultivated natural monument. This yew hedge, planted in 1720, stands at 13.1 meters high and surrounds the estate of Earl Bathurst.
- Cirencester is known for its historical earthworks, unique cultivated nature, and geological features. The area offers a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, from ancient sites to significant natural trails.
- The natural monuments around Cirencester are appreciated by the komoot community. These highlights have received 22 upvotes and feature 8 photos, showcasing their appeal to outdoor enthusiasts.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Daglingworth Gravel Track
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Cirencester Amphitheatre
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Source of the River Thames
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The Tallest Yew Hedge in the World
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Coronation Tree Carving, Cirencester Park
Highlight • Monument
Professional tree carver Andy O'Neill, of Bristol-based Wild Wood Carving, began work on the cedar in August and used a range of chainsaws to sculpt intricate designs into the tree.
The wildlife-themed totem encompasses a variety of animals including butterflies, bees, owls, dormice, lady birds, a Roman snail and a Goshawk. On top is a bucks head to represent the park’s history.
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Tips from the Community
If You Have Never Seen the Source of River Thames, Probably worth a look.
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A commemorative carving to celebrate King Charles III's coronation. Professional tree carver Andy O'Neill, of Bristol-based Wild Wood Carving, began work on the cedar in August and used a range of chainsaws to sculpt intricate designs into the tree. The wildlife-themed totem encompasses a variety of animals including butterflies, bees, owls, dormice, lady birds, a Roman snail and a Goshawk. On top is a bucks head to represent the park’s history.
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This yew hedge planted in 1720 is 13.1m (43ft) high and surrounds the house belonging to Earl Bathurst.
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Lovely gravel track connecting Welsh Way to Daglingworth via Quarry
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park at the end of the hike. start of hike missed but is easy to find from top of railway road. We came back via road as access that isn't recorded has a very high turnstile and so not as accessible as the rest of the walk
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Passes Daglingworth Quarry. Hanson Aggregates works Daglingworth Quarry, extracting limestone aggregate for road building, ornamental driveway stone and dust for brick making. Extraction of stone from the site is believed to have started in 1905, since when it has been in almost continuous use. The planning permission for the quarry expires in 2042 and progressive restoration is currently being undertaken. A wide variety of fossils are known from the Daglingworth Quarry. Oysters, pectinids (scallops) and echinoids (sea urchins) can be found within the Taynton Limestone and Hampen Formations. Discovered within the sandy lenses of Hampen Formation are rare plant fragments, and dinosaur footprints have been found near the top of the formation. These are now on display at the quarry office. The Shipton Member is generally devoid of fossils except, for a few beds containing borings and burrows made by marine animals such as molluscs and worms. At the top of this member is the Excavata bed where gastropods and the echinoids, Clypeus and Cidaris are found in abundance. Trace fossils, borings and bivalves are found in many beds throughout the Ardley Member. Fossils from large reptiles have been found from near the top of the member
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Good way to cross the A417. Could be muddy in depths of winter I suspect.
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well worth a visit , you really feel the atmosphere!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical natural monuments can I explore in Cirencester?
Cirencester offers a rich blend of history and nature. The Cirencester Amphitheatre is a significant earthwork, representing one of Britain's largest Roman amphitheatres. Built in the early 2nd century, it once held around 8,000 spectators and is free to enter during daylight hours. Additionally, the Abbey Grounds, a central green space, features the former site of the 12th-century St Mary's Abbey and a section of an old Roman wall.
Are there any unique cultivated natural features to see near Cirencester?
Yes, Cirencester Park is home to The Tallest Yew Hedge in the World. Planted in 1720, this impressive hedge stands at 13.1 meters (43 feet) high and encloses the estate of Earl Bathurst. Access to Cirencester Park typically requires a community or day pass.
Where can I find geological features or fossils around Cirencester?
You can explore the Daglingworth Gravel Track, which passes Daglingworth Quarry. This site is known for a variety of fossils, including oysters, scallops, and sea urchins, found within its Taynton Limestone and Hampen Formations. Rare plant fragments and even dinosaur footprints have been discovered here.
What natural monument marks the beginning of the River Thames?
A short distance from Cirencester, you can visit the Source of the River Thames. This symbolic origin of England's famous river is marked in a fenced-in area within cultivated meadows, offering a peaceful rural walk and a unique sense of geographical significance, though it can sometimes be dry in midsummer.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments or activities in the Cirencester area?
Absolutely. The Cirencester Amphitheatre is a great open space for families to explore and connect with Roman history. For more active fun, the Cotswold Water Park, just five miles south, offers over 180 lakes with activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and an inflatable course, alongside opportunities for walking and wildlife spotting. The Tallest Yew Hedge in the World is also considered family-friendly.
What outdoor activities can I do near Cirencester's natural monuments?
The area around Cirencester is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including a moderate 15.6 km loop that connects the Source of the River Thames and the Cirencester Amphitheatre. For more options, explore the Hiking around Cirencester guide. There are also extensive routes for MTB Trails and Road Cycling.
Are there accessible natural spaces within Cirencester town itself?
Yes, Cirencester boasts several accessible green spaces. The Abbey Grounds provide a vital green refuge in the town center with a lake and ancient trees. Querns Wood offers an accessible natural retreat with mature trees and informal paths, providing habitat for wildlife. Additionally, City Bank Nature Reserve, Cirencester's first designated Local Nature Reserve, offers peaceful walking and wildlife watching opportunities.
What is the best time to visit the natural monuments around Cirencester?
The natural monuments around Cirencester can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer weather, ideal for walking and water activities at Cotswold Water Park. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter can offer crisp, quiet walks, though some areas like the Source of the River Thames might be drier. Always check local conditions before your visit.
Are there dog-friendly walks near Cirencester's natural monuments?
Many natural spaces around Cirencester are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially around livestock or wildlife. The Cirencester Amphitheatre and the surrounding open fields are popular for dog walking. Querns Wood and City Bank Nature Reserve also welcome dogs. Always check specific site rules, especially for places like Cirencester Park which may have particular access requirements.
What are some lesser-known natural gems near Cirencester?
Beyond the well-known sites, Querns Wood offers a tranquil escape with its mature trees and Roman origins, providing a quiet spot for nature observation. City Bank Nature Reserve is another local gem, recognized for its value to wildlife and offering a peaceful place for walking and an outdoor gym in a natural setting. These areas are perfect for calm, reflective recreation.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments in Cirencester?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of history and nature. For instance, many find the Cirencester Amphitheatre to be a place where you can truly feel the atmosphere of Roman times. The peaceful rural walk to the Source of the River Thames is also highly valued for its unique geographical significance. The sheer scale and history of The Tallest Yew Hedge in the World also leaves a lasting impression.
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