Sunshine to wake up to this morning. Breakfast in the van and then off to explore Cirencester properly.

Gates onto the Bathurst Estate are at the entrance to the campsite. Entry is only allowed 8am to 5pm using a card for which we had to pay a £10 deposit. The estate has been owned by Bathurst family since 1695 and is home to the 9th Earl and Countess Bathurst.

Our walk takes us through fields past the local cricket and tennis clubs and eventually to a glorious avenue of trees called The Broad Avenue. Originally horse chestnut trees which are now over two hundred years old some are being replaced by small leaved lime trees. It’s still an impressive and beautiful sight. We walk up and down it before heading into town.

Just before we leave the park we admire a 150 year old cedar tree carved in commemoration of the King’s coronation by a talented carver Andy O’Neill.

Our next stop is the Corinium museum. Corinium is the Roman name for the town. It’s a museum showcasing the towns history from Roman, Anglo Saxon, Saxon through to the Medieval age. Very enjoyable and well put together.

We enjoy a cuppa and share a piece of tasty citrus berry cake at Jack’s cafe sitting in the sunshine before heading back into the park.

This is the start of the river walk through and around the town following the River Churn which is full to the brim and in some spots has recently been in flood.

Our stroll continues through Abbey Park the site of St Mary’s Abbey destroyed by Henry VIII in 1539. We end it at John The Baptist church and head inside for a look. Some beautiful stained glass windows and gorgeous stone work.

We’ve now earned a pint or two which we enjoy whilst having a snack before we wander back for dinner in the van and a DVD of The Book Thief which we bought in a charity shop. An excellent day of discovery and nearly 17k steps.

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