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

This self-guided audio tour offers a flexible and affordable way to explore Cirencester, an ancient market town in England. Perfect for those who prefer to wander at their own pace, it combines captivating narration with the town’s best sights—without the pressure of a group tour. For just $9.99, you get lifetime access to a 90-minute journey through history and local legends, guided by a knowledgeable Blue Badge Tourist Guide.

What we appreciate most about this experience is its flexibility—you can start whenever you like, linger at stops, or skip ahead if something doesn’t catch your interest. The offline capability of the VoiceMap app means you won’t worry about losing internet connection, and the price makes it a budget-friendly choice for curious travelers. That said, one potential hiccup is the mixed reviews regarding the app setup—some users have experienced issues redeeming their codes, so it’s worth double-checking instructions or reaching out to support if needed.

This tour suits history lovers, solo explorers, or anyone wanting to discover Cirencester beyond the usual guidebook highlights. It’s especially good if you’re seeking a personalized experience with the freedom to explore at your own speed. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this tour offers an accessible way to learn about the town’s intriguing past and hidden corners.

Key Points

• Self-paced exploration: You control when to start, pause, and finish the tour.
• Affordable price: At just under $10, it offers value for a personalized walking experience.
• Offline access: No internet needed once downloaded, making it reliable on the go.
• Rich content from a knowledgeable guide: Owen Bowles shares stories and insights about Cirencester’s history.
• Variety of sights: From Roman ruins to medieval buildings and scenic parks.
• Some technical issues reported: Be prepared to troubleshoot code redemption if needed.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

This self-guided audio tour is hosted by VoiceMap, a company known for its easy-to-use app and detailed narration. Once you purchase your ticket, you’ll receive a code and instructions to download and activate the VoiceMap app on your mobile device. The app then guides you along the route using GPS, providing turn-by-turn directions and audio commentary at each stop. This setup is ideal for travelers who want independence while still gaining expert insights.

Starting Point: Corn Hall & Arcade

Your journey begins outside the historic Corn Hall in the town center. Built over 150 years ago, this indoor market is a focal point of Cirencester’s modern-day life, but it also holds stories of its past. The narration here reveals some myths surrounding the market, along with lesser-known historical facts. The lively atmosphere of this spot makes it a great introduction to the town’s character.

St. John Baptist Church

As you stroll down the route, you’ll pass the church of St John Baptist, an architectural gem made of honey-colored stone. The guide emphasizes its significance as a prominent wool church, a key part of Cirencester’s medieval prosperity. From here, you can observe the fine merchant houses lining the street—each with stories of commerce and craftsmanship woven into their facades.

Corinium Museum

Next, the tour passes the Corinium Museum, which hosts an impressive collection of Roman mosaics crafted locally. While you don’t enter the museum as part of this experience, the narration highlights its role in preserving Roman-era artifacts discovered in the area. If you have extra time, the museum’s exhibits are a must-see, showcasing Cirencester’s ancient roots.

The Bathurst Estate and the Great Yew Hedge

A highlight of the tour is passing by the Bathurst Estate and its legendary Great Yew Hedge, claimed to be the tallest in the world. The guide shares the estate’s history and its botanical marvel, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of local aristocratic estates. This is a perfect spot for photos and a breather.

Local Schools and Historical Buildings

As you continue, the route takes in Powell’s Church of England Primary School and St John Baptist Hospital, each with their own stories of community and care. The narration enriches your walk by explaining their historical importance, adding depth to your understanding of modern-day Cirencester.

Abbey Grounds and Roman Walls

The scenic Abbey Gardens Park, with its serene lake, provides a peaceful conclusion to the tour. Here, you can relax and reflect on what you’ve learned. The nearby remains of Cirencester’s Roman walls provide a tangible link to the past, reminding you of the town’s ancient significance as a Roman settlement.

The Norman Gateway and Roman Wall Remains

Passing by the 12th-century Norman Arch Gate House, you get a sense of the medieval defenses of the town. The guide details its history as part of the Augustinian Abbey of St Mary, which once dominated the landscape. Nearby, the Roman town wall remnants underscore Cirencester’s long-standing strategic importance.

The Practical Aspects

This tour is designed for maximum convenience. The app’s offline feature means you won’t need data, making it ideal for travelers with limited connectivity. The duration of approximately 90 minutes gives you enough time to absorb the sights without feeling rushed, though you can extend your visit at any stop.

Since this is a self-guided experience, there are no group sizes or guided tour timings. That’s great for solo visitors, families, or couples who enjoy exploring at their own pace. The price point at just $9.99 makes it accessible, especially when compared to guided tours or entry fees for individual attractions.

However, some users have reported issues with code redemption—specifically, one reviewer mentioned difficulty entering the code into the app, which led to frustration. It’s advisable to carefully follow the instructions sent with your purchase, and support is available if you run into trouble.

The Value of a Self-Guided Tour

Compared to traditional guided tours, this experience provides greater flexibility and cost efficiency. While you won’t have a live guide answering questions, Owen Bowles’ narration offers a wealth of information that rivals a guided experience. The ability to pause, replay, or skip sections means you can tailor the journey to your interests.

Considerations

• This tour does not include entry to museums or attractions mentioned along the route.
• You’ll need your own smartphone and headphones.
• It’s a walking tour, so comfortable shoes are recommended, especially since you’ll be exploring historic streets and parks.
• The tour’s reliance on GPS means a clear signal is helpful, though offline access helps mitigate connectivity issues.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for independent travelers, history buffs, or those who want to combine sightseeing with the freedom to customize their day. It’s perfect if you’re on a budget but still crave a knowledgeable narrative to enhance your visit. Solo explorers will appreciate the autonomy, while families or couples can enjoy a shared adventure without the constraints of a group.

It’s also suitable for those who enjoy audio-guided walks but prefer to avoid the crowds or rigid schedules of traditional tours. If you’re comfortable with technology and want a personalized exploration of Cirencester’s hidden stories, this tour hits the sweet spot.

Final Thoughts

This self-guided audio tour offers a cost-effective and flexible way to uncover Cirencester’s secrets. The highlights—including Roman ruins, historic buildings, and scenic parks—are complemented by engaging narration from a knowledgeable guide. While a few technical issues were noted, many users find the experience rewarding and informative.

The real strength lies in its combination of authentic stories and personal freedom. You can take your time, revisit points of interest, or simply enjoy wandering through the charming streets at your own pace. The price makes it accessible, and the offline map feature ensures smooth navigation.

For travelers who love history but dislike being herded around in a group, this tour is a solid choice. It’s equally suited for those new to Cirencester or seasoned visitors who want a fresh perspective. Just be prepared for some minor technical hiccups, and you’ll get a wonderfully tailored glimpse into the town’s past and present.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While primarily designed for adult exploration, children who enjoy walking and listening to stories may find it engaging, especially if accompanied by adults.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 8 days ahead. The tour is available to purchase online with a quick process.

What do I need to participate?
You’ll need your own smartphone, headphones, and internet access during setup. The app works offline once the tour is downloaded.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Absolutely. The tour is flexible—you can start whenever it suits you.

Are there any entrance fees to attractions along the route?
No, the tour does not include entry to museums or attractions; these are optional extras if you choose to visit them.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The walking route takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how long you linger at each stop.

Is the app user-friendly?
Most users find the VoiceMap app straightforward, but some have experienced difficulties redeeming their code. Follow the instructions carefully.

Can I pause and resume the tour?
Yes, the app allows you to pause and resume as you wish, giving you total control over your experience.

What if I encounter technical issues?
Customer support is available, and it’s advisable to keep your codes and instructions handy to troubleshoot any problems.

In the end, this tour is a fantastic way to explore Cirencester on your terms, blending storytelling with scenic walking. Whether you’re interested in Roman history, medieval architecture, or just a peaceful stroll through charming streets, it offers a neat package of discovery and flexibility.