Major changes at park in Gloucestershire come into effect next month

Electric pedestrian gates on four main routes into Cirencester Park - Cecily Hill, Windsor Walk, Barton Lane and Cirencester Park Caravan & Motorhome Club - will be activated on Friday, March 15 which means all visitors will need a pass to access its grounds.

The Bathurst Estate team, who own and manage the park, said that passes are being introduced to ensure the preservation of the park and to make sure it stays clean and enjoyable for all visitors.

Community passes will be available to residents living within the postcodes of GL7 1, GL7 2, GL7 5, GL7 6 and GL7 7 and the villages of Edgworth, Frampton Mansell, Ashton Keynes and Latton.

These passes will require a one-off deposit of £10 (per pass) and can be applied for as a household or an individual.

Example of what the community and annual passes will look like (Image: The Bathurst Estate)

However, residents living outside of these postcodes who still want to visit the Grade 1 listed parkland regularly can apply for an annual pass.

An individual annual pass will cost £30 and an annual household pass, which can be used by up to six people in one household, will cost £50.

£10 student passes will be available for pupils enrolled at Cirencester Deer Park School, Cirencester College and Royal Agricultural University and will need to be renewed annually.

Meanwhile, day passes for tourists will be available on The Bathurst Estate website or at the Cecily Hill ticket office in March.

Day passes will cost £4 for adults and £2 for children.

Passes will not be required to visit The Old Kennels and its facilities including Roots + Seeds Kitchen Garden. 

New map of Cirencester Park (Image: The Bathurst Estate)

A spokesperson for Bathurst Estate said: "The management and maintenance of Estates and private parklands is ever evolving, with landowners embracing new ways to ensure continuity in their conservation and preservation; Cirencester Park is no different.

"The introduction of passes will support this, as well as the work of those employed to ensure the Park is safe, that pathways are well-maintained and visitor areas are clean, interesting, and enjoyable."

Lord Bathurst said: “The physical and health benefits that people and their dogs get from the restorative powers of being in the natural environment of Cirencester Park is as important today as when the park was first established.

"We are delighted to continue to share Cirencester Park with the local community and visitors to the area.

"This year, we will continue our important conservation work, with phase two of the Broad Avenue Restoration Project starting in the autumn.

"The introduction of passes supports these important projects as well as the effective maintenance of pathways, woodlands, grasslands and monuments so we can continue to protect and preserve the important heritage, natural capital and biodiversity within the park for all.

"Regulars will notice new information points, signs and maps, with suggested walking routes and interesting facts about the park, its history, activities and wildlife as well as a striking wood carving that captures all its wonderful aspects.”

Passes will be available to pre-order on The Bathurst Estate's website or at the Cecily Hill ticket office from Wednesday, February 7 and will be delivered by post.