A guide to Marlborough

Did you know?

  • 1.
    The first written record of Marlborough (written as ‘Merleberge’) dates from the Domesday Book in 1087.
  • 2.
    The earliest sign of human habitation is the Marlborough Mound, a 62ft high (19 m) prehistoric tumulus in the grounds of Marlborough College. Recent radiocarbon dating has found it to date from about 2400 BC.
  • 3.
    Marlborough has many half-timbered buildings and several old coaching inns, as it was a stopping point for coaches and horses heading west out of London.

Marlborough Area

Marlborough is a large and vibrant market town and is one of the principal towns of north Wiltshire. It has a long, wide high street and a well-attended street market open on Wednesdays and Saturdays selling local produce, pottery, clothing and more. Marlborough offers excellent shopping opportunities with many quality independent retailers, cafes and restaurants as well as some of the more high-end high street retailers.

Surrounding Villages

  • Aldbourne
    Around 6 miles north-east of Marlborough, and within easy reach of Hungerford and Swindon. This pretty village is bounded by rolling chalk hills and complete with a village green. Aldbourne has excellent facilities including a very good primary school and a host of small businesses. Walkers, horse-riders and runners enjoy the many footpaths and by-ways that run through the surrounding hills.
  • Avebury
    Avebury is famous for being the world’s largest pre-historic stone circle which is run by the National Trust, and lies about 7 miles west of Marlborough. Much of the village is encircled by the monument and the high street is lined with pretty thatched cottages. You can also find a quirky souvenir shop, museum and post office.
  • Great Bedwyn
    To the east of Marlborough stands the idyllic village of Great Bedwyn, which has a rich history and vibrant community. There is a direct train service to London Paddington, which makes it very popular with commuters. Also nearby Little Bedwyn has its own Michelin star restaurant called The Harrow.

Lifestyle

  • Shopping

    Marlborough has an extensive choice of independent fashion, jewellery, gift retailers and some of the more reputable chains Mint Velvet, Jigsaw and Cath Kidston.

    Discover quirky shops tucked down alleyways and in Hughenden Yard, a courtyard complex of small shops just off the high street. Susie Watson Designs flagship store is located in the centre of the High Street with a bespoke interior design service.

  • Eating

    Pino’s Ristorante

    Situated just off of Marlborough’s historic High Street, this family-run Italian restaurant offers exceptional authentic cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.

    Kitchen Sisters

    Go to The Bear to find out what a real burger tastes like at Kitchen Sisters. Whether beef or vegan, each burger is cooked to taste and tweaked to perfection.

    Rick Stein

    Rick Stein Marlborough occupies a large double fronted period building on the High Street serving British and internationally inspired seafood with a la carte and set menu options.

  • Drinking

    The Wellington Arms

    Their friendly staff serves an impressive selection of delicious drinks and real “pub grub”, with highly recommended pies from the locals.

    The Roebuck

    With cosy corners to curl up in, this homely pub on the edge of the market town of Marlborough provides home-cooked food, and perfect pints of cask ale.

    The Oddfellows

    Snug village pub with open fire just outside Marlborough, with a lovely garden, serving British dishes using local produce.

Travel

  • Trains

    Pewsey (7 miles south of Marlborough) has connections to London Paddington in just over an hour. Great Bedwyn is almost equidistant with connections to London Paddington in 1 hr 25 mins.

  • Other Transport

    The A346 will take you directly to Swindon in around 25 minutes, or to Andover in just over 30 minutes.