From historic buildings and royal connections to independent shops and centuries-old celebrations, Marlborough blends fascinating heritage with modern market-town life.

Stroll & See

The dynamic market town of Marlborough has much to offer. It has one of the widest high streets in the UK, lined with many independent businesses, including boutique shops and chic cafés. The street was not always so wide, however, it was rebuilt following the Great Fire of Marlborough in 1653. The town went on to have two more huge fires until an Act of Parliament was passed forbidding houses in Marlborough to have thatched roofs.

Oliver Cromwell encouraged donations to help the people of Marlborough rebuild the town as a token of thanks for their support during the Civil War. Among the oldest buildings are The Merchant’s House, which dates to the 17th century. It has plenty of historical features and paintings, and restoration and preservation work is ongoing (themerchantshouse.co.uk).

The Grade I-listed St Mary’s Church is also worth a visit. Listen for its eight bells and look for the carvings of three heads with luxuriant facial hair in the north-west corner of the nave, which probably date from the 12th century. During the Siege of Marlborough in December 1642, the Parliamentary commander holding the town sought refuge in St Mary’s Church. Holes made by Royalist guns can be seen in the north wall of the tower. The fire of 1653 caused the church roof to collapse, while the heat from caused reddish discolouration close to the west door.

The private school Marlborough College was founded in 1843 for the education of the sons of Church of England clergy but is co-educational nowadays. It contains a variety of buildings of historic interest, including a covered bridge across the A4 road modelled on the Bridge of Sighs in Venice.

Marlborough is famous for its 800-year-old Mop Fair, which was originally held for the purpose of seeking employment and is now a huge fun fair. It also hosts a yearly literature festival with family-friendly activities in September.

Well-known businesses in the town include Marlborough Tiles, which has been handmaking quality wall tiles since 1936.

Try not to

Have a spell cast on you. Legend has it that the wizard who advised King Arthur was buried in ‘Merlin’s Mound’ at Marlborough College, and that the town was named after him – Merlin’s Barrows.

Did you know?

Nobel Prize winner and author of Lord of the Flies, William Golding, grew up in the town and attended the former Marlborough Grammar School.

Eglantyne Jebb, founder of the Save the Children Fund, taught at St Peter’s Junior School. Catherine, Princess of Wales, and her sister, Pippa, attended Marlborough College, as did Siegfried Sassoon, artist William Morris and author Malorie Blackman..

EAT

Dan’s at The Crown

Dan has been feeding people in Marlborough for 25 years, initially at Coles Restaurant before starting his own venture at The Crown in The Parade.

dansrestaurant.co.uk

STAY

The Green Dragon

One of Marlborough’s oldest pubs, located on the High Street. greendragonmarlborough.co.uk

EXPLORE

Savernake Forest

This 4,500-acre ancient woodland is renowned for its 1,000-year-old oak trees, including the Big Belly Oak.