Cirencesters Tall Tales and Hidden History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

If you’re after a way to explore Cirencester without the hustle of a guided group, this self-guided audio tour from VoiceMap might be just what you need. Designed for those who like to set their own pace, it offers a flexible way to see the town’s most notable sights and uncover some lesser-known stories along the way.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are its affordable price point of just $9.99 per person and the convenience of lifetime access. Plus, the fact that it works offline means you won’t have to worry about losing signal as you wander around. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that it’s entirely digital—so you’ll need your own smartphone and headphones, which isn’t unusual but is worth keeping in mind if you prefer a more traditional approach. This tour looks best for independent travelers who enjoy a bit of history mixed with local lore and want to explore at their own speed without committing to a group.

Key Points

• Flexible Scheduling: Start and stop whenever you want, giving you total control over your day.
• Affordable Price: At $9.99, it’s a budget-friendly way to get a guided experience.
• Rich Content: Learn about Cirencester’s sites from a knowledgeable guide, Owen Bowles.
• Self-Paced Exploration: You can linger at favorite spots or speed through areas you’re less interested in.
• Offline Use: Map and audio work without internet, perfect for wandering without interruptions.
• Limited to External Views: No entrance fees included, so museum or attraction visits are separate.

What’s Included and What’s Not

When you book this tour, you gain lifetime access to the audio guide in English, compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The VoiceMap app allows you to download everything upfront, so you can enjoy the tour offline—no worries about data or signal issues. This makes it a great option for travelers who want a fuss-free experience and don’t want to rely on a tour guide following a set schedule.

However, it’s important to note that entrance tickets for any attractions you might want to visit along the way are not included. You’ll need your own smartphone, headphones, and any food or drinks you want to bring along. Also, transportation isn’t covered, so plan how you’ll get to and from the various stops.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Hear

This circular tour begins near the Corn Hall & Arcade, a historic indoor market that’s been a focal point of Cirencester for over 150 years. As you walk past, the guide shares stories and myths surrounding it, giving a lively introduction to the town’s trading history. From there, the journey continues through a series of notable sites, each with its own story.

Corn Hall & Arcade

Starting point, this is the town’s main hub. We love how the guide reveals not just the facts but the myths that surround it, adding a layer of local flavor to your walk.

St. John Baptist Church

You get a glance at this church’s honey-colored stone and its impressive spire. The guide points out the architecture and shares tidbits about its significance in Cirencester’s religious life.

Corinium Museum

A highlight for fans of old stories: the museum’s Roman mosaics produced locally. Although you’ll only see it from the outside on this tour, the guide’s insights help bring this part of Cirencester’s story to life.

Bathurst Estate & Great Yew Hedge

Passing by the estate and the world’s tallest yew hedge, this stop hints at the grandeur of Cirencester’s aristocratic history, with some fun facts about the estate’s grounds.

Powell’s Church of England Primary School

While just a passing view, the guide shares interesting stories about the school’s role in the community—showing that even everyday places can have stories worth hearing.

St. John Baptist Hospital & Chantry

Again, a quick pass-by, but the guide’s narration gives context to its historical significance, making a simple building feel like part of the town’s living tapestry.

Abbey Grounds Park

The tour concludes with a relaxing stroll beside the lake in Abbey Gardens Park, which offers a peaceful spot to reflect on what you’ve learned.

Norman Arch Gate House & Roman Town Wall

Passing by the medieval gatehouse and Roman remains, the tour showcases Cirencester’s layered history—from ancient Roman walls to medieval gateways.

How Does It Feel to Use?

The app’s GPS feature makes navigation straightforward, with turn-by-turn directions guiding you from stop to stop. We’ve read that the tour is suitable for most travelers and that the narration is engaging and educational. One user mentioned that the knowledgeable guide really elevates the experience, making it more than just a walk past old buildings.

The flexibility is a huge plus—if you find a particular site fascinating, you can spend extra time there without feeling rushed. Conversely, if you’re eager to move on, you can breeze through the stops. This makes it ideal for those who want to customize their day or for a quick visit to the town.

The Downside

The main drawback, as noted in some reviews, is that technical issues can occur. One reviewer mentioned difficulty entering their code due to app limitations, which can be frustrating. It’s worth double-checking that you follow the instructions carefully and that your device is compatible.

Also, since the tour is only an external walk-around, if you want to step inside any museums or attractions, you’ll need to buy separate tickets. The tour itself doesn’t include entry fees, so it’s more about the storytelling and viewing external sights rather than inside visits.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience suits independent travelers comfortable with using their smartphone for navigation and storytelling. It’s perfect for history buffs who enjoy discovering stories at their own pace and don’t mind a bit of tech setup. It’s also a good choice if you’re on a budget, given its modest price, or if you prefer a flexible schedule without a guide dictating your pace.

Families with older children might also enjoy this as a self-guided activity, especially if they appreciate stories and historical tales. However, younger kids might find the walk and narration a bit slow or less engaging unless they’re seriously interested in history.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Cirencester Tall Tales and Hidden History Audio Tour offers a practical and affordable way to get a sense of the town beyond just the main sights. The ability to explore at your own pace, combined with the insightful narration from a knowledgeable guide, makes it a compelling choice for curious travelers who want to learn and wander without the constraints of a group or rigid schedule.

While technical hiccups can happen and it’s a purely external tour, these are minor inconveniences considering the overall value. For those who enjoy self-directed sightseeing and storytelling, this tour is an easy, budget-friendly way to enrich your visit to Cirencester.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is generally suited for most travelers, including older children, especially those interested in history and stories. Younger children might find the pace slow or less engaging unless they’re particularly curious about the topics covered.

Do I need to buy tickets for any attractions during the tour?
No, entrance fees for museums or attractions are not included, so any additional visits will need separate tickets.

What do I need to participate?
You’ll need a smartphone with the VoiceMap app installed, headphones, and the tour code sent after booking. A good internet connection initially is helpful for the download, but afterward, the tour works offline.

Can I start the tour whenever I want?
Yes, the tour is completely self-guided, so you can start and stop whenever it suits you. The tour’s flexible timing makes it easy to fit into your schedule.

How long does the tour usually take?
It’s designed to last around 1 hour 30 minutes, but you can take longer if you wish to linger at certain spots.

Is this tour only for walking?
Yes, it’s a walking tour covering outdoor sights around Cirencester. No transportation or inside visits are included.

What should I do if I encounter issues with the app?
Double-check that you’ve entered the code correctly and followed the instructions provided. If problems persist, contacting the support number or email listed might help resolve technical issues.

If you’re a traveler who loves exploring towns on your own terms, appreciates a good story, and doesn’t mind a tech setup, this self-guided tour offers a straightforward way to enjoy Cirencester’s charm. For those seeking a more in-depth inside visit, or with very young children, other options might be better, but for a relaxed, affordable, and informative walk, this ticks most boxes.