Welcome to Cirencester
In the market place of the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’ stands the imposing Parish Church of St John Baptist.
The earliest parts of the building date from 1115 when construction started on the chancel. Various additions were built between then and 1500 when the great south porch adjoining the market place was built.
The church is open throughout the year and welcomes thousands of visitors a year as well as its regular worshipping community who all see the church as a source of peace and prayer. Although full of history, the Parish Church of St John Baptist is a living building and everyone is valued here.
A warm welcome exists for visitors and there are short written guides available in most main languages to suit those who come from all over the world. Guided tours are also arranged, usually on most weekdays, led by members of the church. Longer written guides and booklets about this magnificent and historical church are available from the book shop within the church itself.
Inside St John Baptist, the visitor is immediately surrounded by a cathedral-type environment, full of history, yet totally linked with a modern worshipping community. Inside the North door a bookstall and souvenir shop welcome all who visit.
There are always volunteer stewards on duty to answer questions and notices are posted as to when the tours are planned to allow visitors to see, in detail, this wonderful church.
The church is open from 10:00am until 5:00pm every weekday. It’s free to enter, although any donations are appreciated to help with running costs
Address: 6 West Market Place, Cirencester, GL7 2NH (open in Google Maps).
Parking is available in one of the many car parks nearby – most only a few minutes’ walk away. There are bus stops which are within walking distace to the church.
In a small recess at the east end of the south aisle resides a silver goblet. This is known as the Anne Boleyn cup, because it was given by Queen Anne Boleyn to Dr Richard Masters, a physician, as thanks for his care of Anne’s daughter, who would become the future Elizabeth I. It was presented by Dr Masters to the church in 1561. The cup is gilt silver.
Also worth noting is the tulip shaped pulpit which dates from the 15th century.
The octagonal font was carved in the 14th century. It was returned to the church in the 19th century after it had been discovered in the abbey grounds.
From mid-March until the end of October there are six weekly guide led church tours at 10:30 am or 2:30 pm.
Booking is not required and there is no charge for this service but a voluntary donation would be appreciated towards the upkeep of the church.
Please be aware that tours may be cancelled should a church service be in progress.
Details of all of our tour dates & times.
Tours may also be booked for groups or societies throughout the year at the Parish Office. There is a charge of £5 per person. Contact the Parish Office for more information.
We also have paper leaflets in a variety of languages to help you appreciate the many beautiful and interesting features of the church. Just ask a steward for the one that suits you best.
Climb the tower of the Parish Church of St John Baptist and enjoy a different view of Cirencester from above. The tower tours offer the chance to explore parts of this historic church that aren’t normally accessible to visitors, including the Bell Chamber.
The tower is open for visitors on selected Saturdays during 2026:
There is no need to book a time slot in advance. Visitors can simply come along during the opening hours.
Tickets cost £5 per person, with a reduced price of £3 for children aged 12 to 16.
Payment can be made by cash or debit/credit card.
Children under 12 are not permitted to climb the tower.
Allow approximately 30 minutes to make the climb up and back down again. The Bell Chamber is open and can be visited as part of the climb. The top of the tower can accommodate a maximum of eight people at a time, so there may occasionally be a short wait before you can go up.
The tower climb is not a guided tour, but stewards are available to help visitors. There is normally a steward at both the bottom and the top of the tower, with additional stewards in the Ringing Chamber when required.
For safety reasons, the tower will be closed if it is wet. If the weather is uncertain, please check before travelling.
We look forward to welcoming you and giving you the opportunity to see Cirencester from a whole new perspective.
The Parish Church is open from 10:00am until 4:00 or 5:00pm every weekday.
It's free to enter, although any donations are appreciated to help with running costs.