Pretty UK market town has nation's 'best high street' and no abandoned shops

Daily Mirror

2 days ago

Marlborough, a quirky and picturesque country town nestled in north-east Wiltshire, was last year named one of the UK's best high streets - and locals say they are "lucky" to have it
Residents of one of Britain's most charming market towns, Marlborough in north-east Wiltshire, have expressed appreciation for their bustling high street - describing themselves as "lucky" and "grateful".
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The idyllic country town, situated on the Old Bath Road, the historic route from London to Bath, and by the River Kennet, is celebrated for its beauty - and it's easy to see why. Last year, The Times readers lauded Marlborough's high street as one of the UK's finest, ranking alongside esteemed locations such as Sherbourne in Dorset, Northallerton in North Yorkshire and Wells in Somerset.
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Back in 2022, it also secured the runner-up spot in the British Harper Dennis Hobbs Vitality Ranking, which assesses the vibrancy and success of town centres. It comes after reports of a small fishing village with some of UK's best seafood but hardly any tourists.
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Local Chris Robe praised the high street's resilience to the Express, attributing its strength to its clear identity. He remarked that 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 commented. "That's what keeps people coming back, and it's what keeps money circulating in the community."
Another local, Mandy Kelsey, also shared her fondness with the publication: "It's a beautiful town. It has a lovely vibe with a great range of shops, cafes, and places to mooch around in. Yes, there are a range of rather upmarket shops, but there is a Wednesday and Saturday market for less expensive items if money is tight.
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"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 representative for Marlborough Town Council attributed the town's success to what is likely a "unique blend of everything on offer coupled with its scale", which has consistently placed Marlborough among the top spots to live and shop. They continued: "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."
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The council considers Marlborough fortunate to boast one of the broadest high streets in Britain, adorned with an eclectic mix of architectural styles spanning various historical periods.
Described as "compact", Marlborough offers a treasure trove of "quirky yards, streets and alleyways" ripe for discovery, brimming with independent establishments such as cafés, boutiques, eateries, galleries, hotels, and even a boutique cinema.
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The spokesperson remarked: "We're a friendly bunch, and all of our businesses will give you a very warm welcome." He also highlighted the town's vibrant cultural scene, replete with music festivals, performances, open studios for artists and artisans, and a literary festival.
Encircling the town is a breathtaking landscape steeped in history, featuring landmarks like Merlin's Mound, Silbury Hill, the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, the River Kennet, the ancient Savernake Forest and West Woods.