The park stands on the site of one of the wealthiest Augustinian abbeys in England prior to its destruction during the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
The Abbey Pool was originally created to serve as a fish pond for the medieval monks living in the adjacent monastery.
The land was donated to the Cirencester Urban District Council in 1964 by the Bathurst family to be preserved as a public amenity.
The park contains a modern children's play area integrated into a landscape historically protected for its archaeological sensitivity.
Remnants of the abbey’s precinct wall are still visible within the park boundaries.
Abbey Grounds Park occupies the site of the former Augustinian Cirencester Abbey, which was dissolved in 1539. The park features a large ornamental lake known as the Abbey Pool, which acts as a habitat for local waterfowl. The grounds are bounded by the River Churn and contain remnants of the medieval abbey's foundations. A significant portion of the park is maintained as open green space suitable for recreation and walking. The site connects directly to the Cirencester town center, providing a transition between urban architecture and nature. Archaeological excavations have identified structural remains buried beneath the landscape.
The stone bridge overlooking the Abbey Pool with the parish church spire visible in the background.
Bring bird seed if you intend to feed the ducks and swans, as feeding them bread is discouraged by local environmental guidelines.
The paths can become muddy after periods of heavy rain, so waterproof footwear is recommended.
Combine a visit with a walk through the adjacent town center to see the Roman history displayed at the Corinium Museum.
Avoid feeding the waterfowl bread, as it is harmful to their health and pollutes the Abbey Pool.
Keep dogs on a leash in designated areas and utilize provided bins to maintain the site's cleanliness.
