A beautiful staycation destination in the Costwolds is hailed as one of the best places in the world to visit this year. Cirencester is a picturesque market town in the Cotswolds District of Gloucester, located on the River Churn.

The Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) that straddles a number of countries in South Central England. It's known for its array of stunning villages beloved by British daytrippers and the rich and famous alike. It reportedly sees tens of millions of visitors annually, with some small villages overwhelmed by holidaymakers. But according to TimeOut, Cirencester has remained "a little more under the radar" making it a great choice if you're looking to take in the beauty of the region without hordes of tourists.

The outlet named the town as both one of the best places in the country visit, and one of the best global travel destinations for 2026.

And with its rich history, array of independent shops, and picture-perfect golden Costwold stone buildings, its easy to see why.

The town, which has a population of around 20,000, is was once the second biggest ancient Roman settlement behind London and, retains incredible reminders of its storied past.

Time Out's UK news editor Ed Cunningham said: 'Ideally located for exploring the area's less busy (but no less beautiful) spots, the Cotswolds' biggest settlement has countless charms of its own.

"An elegant collision of architectural styles, bags of Roman history at the Corinium Museum and the Amphitheatre, fabulous shopping options at the markets, a solid roster of pubs and restaurants; in the Cotswolds, Cirencester is the place to be.'

The Corinium Museum, boasts "one of the largest collections of Romano-British antiquities extensively from Corinium", the old Roman name for the town, according to the popular tourist spot's website. The Ampitheatre is located on the outskirts of the own, offering visitors the changes to see the earthwork remains of the vast 2nd century structure.

It's just one of many attractions that bring vistors from across the country. In the summer months, visitors also relish a dip in the grand Cirencester Open Water Pool that dates back to the 1870s.

There's also plenty of green spaces, with St. Michael's Park and the Abbey Grounds "high on the hit list of family favourites", according to local guide website Cirencester Rocks.

Its various food options range from cosy cafes to high-end dining, and there also a number of pretty pubs and historic inns to enjoy a drink in after a day of exploring. Highly-rated options include the Bear Inn on Dyer Street, which dates back to the 18th century, and the family and dog-friendly atmosphere of the Masons Arms.