Visitor Information

Marlborough is a picturesque, quintessentially English market town situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Located just a short walk from the College, the town centre is steeped in history, with many characterful old buildings such as the 17th century Merchant’s House which features nationally acclaimed decorative features.

There is a bustling high street with a broad choice of eateries and cafes, national retail brands, designer boutiques, quirky independent stores and a twice-weekly market.

Marlborough enjoys a varied cultural life with its annual festivals programme (including jazz, science, music and literature), in which the College and our pupils actively participate. There is also an annual fair, the Marlborough Mops.

Just outside the town is the ancient Savernake Forest, home to many veteran trees including the famous Big Belly Oak. The River Kennet and the Kennet and Avon Canal pass through Marlborough and the adjacent stunning Wiltshire countryside.

The College Mound is part of the spectacular local Neolithic landscape which includes the famous stone circles of the World Heritage sites at Avebury and Stonehenge and the chambered tombs at the West Kennet Long Barrow.

Responsibility of Visitors

Everyone has a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.

  • All visitors should report and sign in at Reception, Admissions, Barton Farm or the Porters’ Lodge, as appropriate on arrival, and show photographic proof of identity.
  • All visitors will be issued with a red ‘Visitor’ lanyard which must be worn visibly at all times. This pass does not give access to Boarding Houses or other buildings with access control.
  • All visitors must sign out and return their lanyard at the end of the visit.
  • All visitors during term time must be accompanied by a member of College staff for the duration of their visit.
  • Visitors are not permitted to take photographs without the permission of a member of staff and they should refrain from using their mobile phones on site.

Exceptions to visitor requirements

Visitors to sporting events, Chapel services and plays and concerts will only be registered if entering any other buildings/facilities not related to the event.

Please click here to view our Access, Security and Visitors Policy.

Transport Links

Marlborough enjoys excellent road links. Bristol, Bath and Oxford are all accessible within an hour’s drive and London within an hour and a half.

From the east, London and the M25
Take the M4 westbound and exit at Junction 14. Take the first exit to Hungerford (A338). At the next roundabout turn right along the A4 westbound. Follow this road until you reach Marlborough.
In Marlborough follow the A4 westbound (signed Bath, Calne) into the High Street. Proceed down the High Street until you reach the mini-roundabout by the church. Turn right at this roundabout (the Master’s Lodge is straight ahead) and follow the road around the corner, under the bridge. The College’s main car park is clearly signposted on your left.

From the north, Oxford and the M40
Exit at Newbury from the A34 onto the A4 for Hungerford. Continue on the A4 to Marlborough. In Marlborough follow the A4 westbound (signed Bath, Calne) into the High Street. Proceed down the High Street until you reach the mini-roundabout by the church. Turn right at this roundabout (the Master’s Lodge is straight ahead) and follow the road around the corner, under the bridge. The College’s main car park is clearly signposted on your left.

From the north, Cheltenham and the M5
From the M5 follow the A419 signposted for Cirencester. Follow this road past Swindon until you reach the junction with the M4. Go over the motorway (Junction 15 on the M4) and take the A346 to Marlborough. In Marlborough follow the A4 westbound (signed Bath, Calne) into the High Street. Proceed down the High Street until you reach the mini-roundabout by the church. Turn right at this roundabout (the Master’s Lodge is straight ahead) and follow the road around the corner, under the bridge. The College’s main car park is clearly signposted on your left.

From the west, Bristol and the M4
Take the Junction 15 exit from the M4 onto the A346 to Marlborough. In Marlborough follow the A4 westbound (signed Bath, Calne) into the High Street. Proceed down the High Street until you reach the mini-roundabout by the church. Turn right at this roundabout (the Master’s Lodge is straight ahead) and follow the road around the corner, under the bridge. The College’s main car park is clearly signposted on your left.

From the south, Salisbury and the A303
Leave the A303 (or cross it if coming from Salisbury) at the Amesbury junction with the A345. Follow this road through Upavon and Pewsey. Marlborough is approached via a steep hill with the college laid out below. At the mini-roundabout go straight on. At the next mini-roundabout continue straight on (the Master’s Lodge is on your left at this roundabout). Following the road around the corner and under the bridge, the College’s main car park is clearly signposted on your left.

Trains from Paddington to Swindon run approximately four times an hour. There is a taxi rank at Swindon station where taxis can be found to take passengers to Marlborough (about half an hour away). Trains also run from Paddington to Pewsey less frequently, where a taxi should be booked in advance to drive to Marlborough. Trains also run infrequently to Great Bedwyn where a taxi should also be booked in advance.

Alternatively, you can view our location and find directions on Google Maps below.

If you are visiting us and would like to know more about the local area, or suggestions for accommodation or where to eat, we would recommend that you visit Marlborough Town Council’s website.