Living in Marlborough

Marlborough has a strong sense of community, often described as welcoming and connected. Regular markets, including a twice-weekly street market, anchor the town’s social rhythm. Community groups and volunteering opportunities abound—from gardening societies to art collectives and book clubs—which makes it easy for newcomers to settle in.

There are several community centres, including the Marlborough Town Hall, which hosts talks, workshops, and local theatre performances. Annual events such as the Marlborough Literature Festival and Christmas fair bring residents together and foster a spirited local culture.

The surrounding countryside is a defining feature, with the River Kennet, Savernake Forest, and Marlborough Downs inviting outdoor pursuits. Walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers are well catered for, and the proximity to ancient landmarks like Avebury adds historical intrigue to everyday life.

Crime rates in Marlborough are generally low compared to larger towns or urban centres, and the area has a reputation for being a safe and peaceful place to live. Community policing is proactive, with regular patrols and visible engagement helping to deter anti-social behaviour.

Neighbourhood watch schemes and active resident associations contribute to a heightened sense of safety within the local community. While the central High Street and town centre experience typical minor incidents associated with night-time activity, there are few reports of serious crime, making Marlborough particularly appealing to families and older residents.

Recent years have seen increased efforts in community safety initiatives, partly in response to the town’s appeal as a tourist destination. Local police and council teams work closely to address any issues and promote a reassuring atmosphere for all residents.

Parking in Marlborough is managed by a mix of on-street parking, pay-and-display car parks, and resident permit schemes, especially around the central High Street. The wide main street can accommodate a good number of vehicles, though it can become busier during market days and peak tourist seasons.

The town offers several long- and short-stay car parks, such as the George Lane and Waitrose car parks, which typically have a good turnover of spaces. Some residential streets have permits, and parking is usually readily available outside central hours. There are also disabled bays and bicycle racks provided for convenience.

The A4 runs directly through Marlborough, offering straightforward east-west connections, while the A346 and A338 give quick access south to Salisbury and north to Swindon. The M4 motorway (Junction 15) is around 15–20 minutes’ drive, enabling easy road journeys to several regional hubs:

• Swindon – approx. 25 minutes via A346 (12 miles)
• Newbury – approx. 30 minutes via A4 (18 miles)
• Salisbury – approx. 50 minutes via A338 (32 miles)
• Devizes – approx. 30 minutes via A361 (16 miles)
• Reading – approx. 55 minutes via M4 (45 miles)

Congestion is rarely a major issue in Marlborough, except during holidays and the popular annual events, when extra care may be needed to find parking close to the town centre.

Marlborough is acclaimed for its diverse range of food and drink options, from historic coaching inns to chic modern cafés. The town’s High Street and side streets are lined with independent restaurants, bistros, and classic English pubs. Notable establishments include The Polly Tea Rooms for afternoon tea, The Food Gallery for contemporary dining, and The Marlborough for traditional ales in a heritage setting.

Pub culture thrives, with charming venues like The Royal Oak and The Bear offering a classic Wiltshire welcome and real ales. Several restaurants provide worldwide cuisines, including Italian, Thai, and Indian fare, while regular food markets and delicatessens bring fresh produce to residents and visitors.

The nightlife in Marlborough is generally relaxed, focused around the local pubs and a handful of wine bars. There’s little in the way of late-night clubs, but special events at the town's theatres and live music nights at pubs provide a vibrant social scene for all ages. The annual Marlborough Jazz Festival and seasonal food festivals further enrich the town’s entertainment calendar.

School Quality: Marlborough is known for its strong schools, both state and independent. Families value the presence of Marlborough College and St John’s Academy, and nearby primaries offer high standards of education.

Parks and Green Space: The area boasts numerous parks, play areas, and direct access to Savernake Forest, providing space for children to explore and play.

Childcare: There are various nurseries and pre-schools in Marlborough, and local childminders are popular for those with younger children.

Safety: With low crime rates and an active community police presence, the town gives parents peace of mind.

Family Activities: Family events, sports clubs, community activities, and the local library offer a range of things for families to do. The surrounding countryside lends itself to weekend walks and outdoor adventures.

Marlborough’s rural location makes it highly appealing for pet owners, with an abundance of dog-friendly walking routes through Savernake Forest, the Marlborough Downs, and along the Kennet riverbanks. Many local parks provide suitable exercise spaces, and dog owners regularly meet for group walks or informal socialising.

There are several veterinary practices within the town itself, as well as pet shops and groomers. Numerous cafés and some pubs welcome well-behaved dogs, and the general attitude toward pets in housing and public spaces is accommodating.

Access to open countryside ensures that other pets—like horses, cats, and small animals—can thrive, and local equestrian facilities are a real asset for those involved in horse-riding. Marlborough is widely recognised for being a pet-friendly community area.

Marlborough offers good transport links for a town of its size, benefiting from its position on the A4 corridor between London and Bristol. While Marlborough no longer has its own railway station, nearby stations at Great Bedwyn and Pewsey on the London Paddington line provide accessible rail options about 15-20 minutes’ drive away.

The town is also well served by buses, with regular services to Swindon, Devizes, and Salisbury. Major roads—the A346 and A338—connect Marlborough to Swindon, Hungerford, and Salisbury. The M4 motorway is around 8 miles north, giving fast road access to Reading, London, and South Wales.

Commute times:

• Swindon – approx. 25 minutes (12 miles)
• Newbury – approx. 30 minutes (18 miles)
• Salisbury – approx. 50 minutes (32 miles)
• Bath – approx. 55 minutes (36 miles)
• Heathrow Airport – approximately 1 hour (62 miles)

The town’s accessible location, especially to Swindon and Newbury, makes it a popular base for commuters as well as those who want easy access to London and the West Country.

Primary Schools in Marlborough

Marlborough is served by several reputable primary schools. St Mary’s Marlborough CEVC Primary School is well regarded in the community and received a 'Good' Ofsted rating in its latest 2023 inspection. Preshute Church of England Primary School stands out for its academic focus and supportive environment. St Katharine's CE Primary School, slightly to the west of the town, is also popular with local families.

Secondary Schools in Marlborough

The town is home to St John’s Marlborough, an academy that provides secondary education for the area and has a strong reputation, holding an 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating from 2014. St John’s Sixth Form offers a diverse curriculum and is a main draw for local and nearby students seeking A-level or vocational qualifications.

Independent Schools

Marlborough College is one of the UK’s most distinguished independent boarding schools, dating back to 1843, providing world-class education for boys and girls aged 13-18. Its alumni list is extensive, and it contributes significantly to the town’s national profile.

Colleges & Universities

While Marlborough itself does not have a university, it is within reasonable commuting distance of Swindon College, New College Swindon, and Wiltshire College. The University of Bath and University of Bristol are reachable within an hour's drive, broadening higher education choices for local students.