Nestled in the picturesque countryside of north-east Wiltshire, the market town of Marlborough is earning widespread acclaim for its thriving high street—a place where locals express deep gratitude for the community spirit and independent businesses that define it.
Located along the historic Old Bath Road by the River Kennet, Marlborough stands out not just for its beauty but also for its impressive retail vitality. In the past year, it has been named one of Britain’s best high streets by readers of The Times, joining prestigious company with towns like Sherborne, Northallerton, and Wells.
The town also achieved second place in the 2022 British Harper Dennis Hobbs Vitality Ranking, a respected measure of town centre health and success.
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Local resident Chris Robe told the Express that Marlborough’s high street remains resilient because it “knows what it stands for.” He highlighted the town’s deliberate choice to avoid heavy reliance on big chains or businesses that don’t complement the local character.
Walking through Marlborough, visitors encounter an array of independent cafés, butchers, and bakeries—businesses with genuine character that draw people back time and again and keep money circulating within the community.
Fellow resident Mandy Kelsey described the town as “beautiful” with a “lovely vibe,” appreciating the diverse mix of shops and cafes. She noted that although many stores are upmarket, there are also markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays offering more affordable options. “We should be grateful the shops are full and nothing is boarded up or run down,” she said. “I love it here.”
Representatives from Marlborough Town Council attribute the town’s ongoing success to its distinctive blend of offerings and manageable scale. A survey of residents previously described Marlborough as “friendly, historic, and beautiful”—aptly displayed on the town’s welcome signs.
The council emphasizes that Marlborough boasts one of the widest high streets in the country, lined with buildings showcasing a rich mix of architectural styles and historic periods. This compact town invites exploration through its quirky yards, streets, and alleyways, teeming with independent cafes, shops, restaurants, galleries, hotels, and even a boutique cinema.
Moreover, Marlborough’s vibrant community spirit extends beyond retail with numerous cultural events including music festivals, artist studio openings, and a literary festival.
Surrounded by stunning historic landscapes such as Merlin’s Mound, Silbury Hill, the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, the River Kennet, Savernake Forest, and West Woods, Marlborough’s charm is as natural as it is cultivated.