Marlborough, a historic market town in Wiltshire, boasts a thriving high street that stands out amid national concerns over shop closures. In 2024, almost 13,000 shops across the UK shut down, averaging about 37 a day, due to rising rents and a lack of customers. Against this backdrop, Marlborough's high street has been named one of the best in the UK by The Times.
Wide High Street with Independent Shops
Nestled along the River Kennet, Marlborough is known for its wide high street, one of the broadest in Britain, dating back to medieval times. The street is lined with historic coaching inns and timber-framed buildings, creating a timeless atmosphere. Among these are numerous independent shops, including clothing store Curate, children's shop Radish Loves, The India Shop, and the White Horse Bookshop. Cafés such as Cardinal Coffee Shop, Coffi Lab, and The Food Gallery, along with bakeries, restaurants, and pubs, add to the appeal.
Market and Rankings
A market is held every Wednesday and Saturday, with about 20 traders selling fresh produce, artisan bread, cheeses, flowers, and household products. The town was ranked the second-best place to shop in England by Harper Dennis Hobbs, benefiting its estimated 9,000 residents. Kim Dudley, owner of boutique Kim Vine, said: "Marlborough is known because it's got lots of independents, which is really good. It’s become quite a destination town for women to meet up from Bath, from Gloucestershire, from Berkshire, they’ll meet here, have a nice day out and go for lunch. There's lots to offer here for independent shops."
Best Place to Live
The Sunday Times previously named Marlborough one of the best places to live, citing its shopping scene, the 17th-century silk mercer museum Merchant's House, Marlborough College (attended by the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton), and its grand Georgian buildings.
