Illustration — photo coming soon
This area reveals an overlooked chapter in Cirencester's story—one driven by railways rather than Roman roads.
While the town centre attracts visitors keen on archaeology and market-day character, Stratton tells a different tale, centred on the Midland and South Western Junction Railway. During the Victorian era, this line became essential to the region's development, connecting Cirencester to Andover, Cheltenham and beyond, and reshaping how people and goods travelled through the Cotswolds.
The M&SWJR carved through Stratton, and though passenger trains ceased running generations ago and the original station vanished, the landscape still bears its marks. Walking here, you'll spot evidence if you look carefully—fragments of the abandoned route, surviving bridge supports, and the faint path where rails once lay. These physical traces offer genuine insight into how industrial change transformed even this rural corner.
The Corinium Museum in Cirencester town centre explores this railway heritage in detail, with exhibits explaining the line's local importance and impact. Since Cirencester sits just a short walk away, it makes an ideal base for this kind of exploration. You'll find all the usual amenities and attractions there too, so you can weave this industrial history into a broader visit to the area. It's a rewarding way to understand how Victorian enterprise reshaped the region's character.
Visitor reviews
Every review has a sheep rating. If you have dogs on your account, you can add an optional dog-friendly paw rating when you post.