Located at the heart of Cirencester, the historic "Capital of the Cotswolds." Connect with our team or delve into seven centuries of coaching inn heritage.
Whether you are planning a romantic Cotswolds escape, booking a celebratory dining table, or organising a wedding, our friendly front-of-house team is delighted to help.
Telephone: 01285 700 900
Email: info@kingsheadcotswold.co.uk
Email: book@kingsheadcotswold.co.uk
The Kings Head, 24 Market Place, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 2NR, United Kingdom
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The Kings Head is prominently situated on the northern side of Cirencester’s Market Place, opposite the Church of St John the Baptist.
Cirencester is accessible via the A417 / A419 connecting Swindon (M4 J15) and Gloucester/Cheltenham (M5 J11A).
Nearby Car Parks:
The nearest mainline railway station is Kemble (KMB), located 4 miles (approx. 10 minutes by taxi) from the hotel, offering direct hourly GWR services to London Paddington (approx. 75 minutes).
Regular National Express coach services stop directly in Cirencester town centre.
Guests driving to the hotel may pull into the Market Place loading bays briefly to deposit heavy baggage with our reception team before parking in one of the nearby long-stay car parks.
Our concierge team will happily assist with luggage transport up to your room.
From medieval coaching inn to Royalist refuge during the English Civil War, discover the historical figures and milestones that shaped this landmark Grade II listed establishment.
The Kings Head is established during the reign of King Edward III as a primary coaching stop on the medieval trade route through Cirencester—then one of the wealthiest wool capitals of England. Subterranean stone walls and vaulted cellar arches date from this early era.
Records confirm ownership by Robert Strange of Cirencester, an affluent clothier who served as High Bailiff in 1553 and later High Sheriff of Gloucestershire. Upon his death in 1588, the estate descended to his great-grandson, Robert Strange of Somerford Keynes (who died in 1654 and is commemorated by a marble monument in Somerford Keynes church).
During the outbreak of the English Civil War, Giles Lord Chandos entered Cirencester on King Charles I's Commission of Array to enlist local men for the Royalist army. The town, staunchly Parliamentarian, violently revolted. The populace killed members of his entourage and smashed and torched his carriage in the Market Place.
Lord Chandos escaped with extreme difficulty into The Kings Head, which barred its heavy timber doors to the angry mob and offered him safe haven, sparing his life. This dramatic event was immortalized in a celebrated painting by English historical artist John Beecham.
Featured prominently on Hall and Sons' 1795 town plan of Cirencester between the north and south rows of the old Market Place. In 1804, artist John Burden illustrated the inn's distinctive three-storey Georgian facade and mansard roof, which continue to define the Market Place streetscape today.
Acquired by the Right Hon Seymour Henry Earl Bathurst in 1893, The Kings Head remained an integral part of the noble Bathurst family estate for over four decades until July 1935, catering to royal visitors, equestrian travelers, and dignitaries.
Now operating under W.H. Brakspear & Sons Ltd within the Honeycomb Houses brand of historic coaching inns. Meticulously restored to showcase Roman ruins, medieval stone masonry, exposed Tudor beams, and vaulted cellars alongside 21st-century boutique hospitality.
Explore Roman antiquities, historic market streets, private aristocratic parklands, and award-winning local vineyards just moments from our doorstep.
Directly Opposite
Gloucestershire's largest parish church, begun c. 1115 (Grade I listed). Renowned for its perpendicular porch, elaborate stone fan vaulting, and medieval merchants' tombs. Free daily open hours 10am–4pm with guided tours.
5 Mins Walk
A 3,000-acre privately owned estate laid out according to 18th-century Baroque geometric principles. Free pedestrian access courtesy of Lord Bathurst. Open daily 9am–5pm; dogs on leads welcome.
Vineyard Experience
Family-owned boutique winery with three vineyard sites across the Stroud Valleys. Produces award-winning still white, red, rosé, and English sparkling wines. Guided tours and cellar tastings bookable in advance.
National Trust • 15 Mins
One of the largest 4th-century Roman villas in Britain, unearthed in 1864. Features intricate mosaic floors, hypocaust underfloor heating systems, and bathhouses nestled in a wooded Cotswold valley.
Distillery Tours
Founded in 2014 by Dan Szor, producing acclaimed English Single Malt Whisky and Cotswolds Dry Gin infused with Cotswolds lavender, pink grapefruit, and local botanicals. Tours run daily at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm.
Historic Lido
Opened in 1869 on the edge of Cirencester Park, one of the UK’s oldest surviving outdoor lidos. Main heated spring pool, children's paddling pool, sunbathing patio, and refreshment tuckshop.
The Kings Head is committed to protecting your personal information under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018.
Data Controller: W.H. Brakspear & Sons Ltd, The Bull Courtyard, Bell Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2BA. Enquiries: info@brakspear.co.uk.
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