Locals in one of Britain's prettiest market towns say they are "lucky" and "grateful" to have such a thriving high street. Marlborough is a picturesque country town in north-east Wiltshireon the Old Bath Road, the historic road from London to Bath, and the River Kennet.
Last year, its high street 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 Wellsin Somerset. In 2022, it came second in the British Harper Dennis Hobbs Vitality Ranking, which tracks the health and prosperity of town centres. Local resident Chris Robe told the Express that the high street has stayed strong "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 probably the "unique blend of everything on offer coupled with its scale" that ensures Marlborough continues to thrive and is regularly voted one of the best places to live and shop.
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 town council says that Marlborough is "lucky" to have one of the widest high streets in the country, lined with buildings that are "a real mixture of architectural styles and historic period".
Marlborough is "compact" with "quirky yards, streets and alleyways" to explore, full of independent businesses including cafés, shops, restaurants, galleries, hotels, 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 events, including music festivals and performances, artist and artisan studio openings, and a literary festival.
The town is surrounded by stunning historic countryside, such as Merlin's Mound, Silbury Hill, the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, the River Kennet, ancient Savernake Forest, and West Woods.
