Locals in one of Britain’s prettiest market cities say they are “lucky” and “grateful” to have such a thriving high avenue. Marlborough is a picturesque nation city in north-east Wiltshire on the Old Bath Road, the historic street from London to Bath, and the River Kennet.
Last 12 months, its high avenue was named one of the UK’s best by readers of The Times, alongside the likes of Sherbourne in Dorset, Northallerton in North Yorkshire, and Wells in Somerset. In 2022, it came second in the British Harper Dennis Hobbs Vitality Ranking, which tracks the health and prosperity of city centres. Local resident Chris Robe informed the Express that the high avenue has stayed robust “because it knows what it stands for”. He said it “hasn’t sold out to big chains or businesses that don’t fit the local vibe”. “When you walk through, you see independent cafés, butchers and bakeries, places with character,” he said. “That’s what keeps people coming back, and it’s what keeps money circulating in the community.”
Fellow resident Mandy Kelsey said: “It’s a beautiful town. It has a lovely vibe with a great range of shops, cafes and places to mooch around in. Yes, it’s a range of rather upmarket shops but there is a Wednesday and Saturday market for less expensive items if money is tight.
“We should be grateful the shops are full and nothing is boarded up and run down, be grateful for what you have on your doorstep. I love it.”
A spokesman for Marlborough Town Council said it is in all probability the “unique blend of everything on offer coupled with its scale” that ensures Marlborough continues to thrive and is often voted one of the best locations to stay and store.
They added: “In a survey a few years ago, our own residents described Marlborough as a friendly, historic, beautiful market town, and we agree. In fact, we wrote it on the welcome signs.”
The city council says that Marlborough is “lucky” to have one of the widest high streets in the nation, lined with buildings that are “a real mixture of architectural styles and historic period”.
Marlborough is “compact” with “quirky yards, streets and alleyways” to discover, full of unbiased companies including cafés, outlets, eating places, galleries, motels, and a boutique cinema.
The spokesman added: “We’re a friendly bunch, and all of our businesses will give you a very warm welcome.”
He said there are also many cultural occasions, including music festivals and performances, artist and artisan studio openings, and a literary pageant.
The city is surrounded by beautiful historic countryside, such as Merlin’s Mound, Silbury Hill, the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, the River Kennet, historic Savernake Forest, and West Woods.
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