Banbury vs Marlborough

Banbury and Marlborough are both charming market towns in the UK, each with its own unique character and attractions. While Banbury is known for its historic market square and iconic cross, Marlborough boasts a picturesque high street lined with independent shops and cafes.

General information

Banbury
Marlborough
Introduction :
Nestled in the heart of Oxfordshire, Banbury is a charming market town with a rich history dating back to the Saxon era. Famous for its historic Banbury Cross, immortalized in the nursery rhyme 'Ride a Cock Horse,' the town offers a mix of traditional markets, independent shops, and modern amenities. With easy access to the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon, Banbury is a popular destination for visitors seeking a quintessential English experience.
Introduction :
Marlborough is a historic market town located in Wiltshire, England. Known for its charming high street lined with independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, Marlborough offers a unique shopping and dining experience. The town is also famous for its annual Marlborough Jazz Festival and boasts a rich history dating back to the 11th century. With stunning countryside surroundings and easy access to the ancient Avebury Stone Circle, Marlborough is a popular destination for visitors seeking a quintessential English market town experience.

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Advantages :
  • Banbury has good transportation links
  • Affordable cost of living compared to larger cities
  • Low crime rate making it a safe place to live
  • Excellent schools and educational opportunities
  • Wide range of facilities and amenities for residents
Advantages :
  • Marlborough offers a charming market town atmosphere with historic buildings.
  • The town has excellent schools and educational opportunities for residents.
  • Marlborough is surrounded by stunning countryside and offers great outdoor activities.
  • The town has a low crime rate, making it a safe place to live.
  • Marlborough has a variety of shops, restaurants, and amenities for residents to enjoy.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited job opportunities
  • High cost of living
  • Higher crime rates compared to surrounding areas
  • Limited educational options
  • Lack of major tourist attractions
Disadvantages :
  • Limited public transportation options
  • High cost of living compared to surrounding areas
  • Limited job opportunities
  • Higher crime rates compared to neighboring towns
  • Limited healthcare facilities and services
Points of interest :
Banbury is a historic market town known for its iconic Banbury Cross, a popular landmark mentioned in the nursery rhyme 'Ride a Cock Horse.' Visitors can explore the charming Old Town with its mix of independent shops and cafes. The town is home to the stunning Broughton Castle, a medieval manor house with beautiful gardens. Banbury Museum offers insights into the town's history and culture. The annual Banbury Folk Festival attracts music lovers from far and wide. The nearby Tooley's Boatyard, one of the oldest working dry docks in the country, is also worth a visit.
Points of interest :


Facts and figures

Banbury
Marlborough
Type : Town.
Banbury is a market town in Oxfordshire, known for its historic market square and iconic Banbury Cross. It offers a range of amenities, shops, and cultural attractions, making it a vibrant and bustling town.
Type : Town.
Marlborough is a historic market town in Wiltshire, known for its bustling high street, independent shops, and regular markets. With a population of around 8,500, it offers a mix of amenities and a vibrant community.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The population size of Banbury is not specified in the data available for comparison on market towns in the UK. Further research may be needed to determine the exact population figure.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The exact population size of Marlborough is currently unknown. Further research or data collection may be needed to determine the precise number of residents in the town.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
House prices in Banbury vary depending on the location, size, and condition of the property. It is recommended to research recent sales data or consult with a local real estate agent for accurate pricing information.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The average house price in Marlborough is currently unknown. It is recommended to consult local real estate listings or agencies for the most up-to-date information on property prices in the area.
🟡 Crime : Average.
Banbury has an average level of crime, with some reports of theft and anti-social behavior. However, overall it is considered a relatively safe town compared to others in the UK.
Crime : .
Marlborough has low crime rates compared to other towns in the UK. The community is generally safe and there are few notable criminal incidents reported in the area.
🟢 Education : Good.
Banbury offers a variety of primary and secondary schools, with consistently high academic standards and a range of extracurricular activities. The town also has access to further education colleges and universities nearby.
🟢 Education : Good.
Marlborough has a reputation for excellent education with a range of primary and secondary schools, including a prestigious public school. The town also has a strong sense of community support for education.
🟡 Employment : Average.
Banbury offers average employment opportunities with a mix of industries including manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. The town is well-connected to major cities like Oxford and Birmingham, providing additional job prospects for residents.
🟢 Employment : Good.
Marlborough offers a range of employment opportunities both in town and in nearby cities like Swindon and Salisbury. Notable employers include Marlborough College, local shops, and businesses in various sectors.


Geographical features

Banbury
Marlborough
Elevation : 545 feet
Banbury's elevation above sea level is approximately 545 feet, providing a picturesque setting with views of the surrounding countryside and nearby rivers.
Elevation : 110 meters
Marlborough is situated at an elevation of approximately 110 meters above sea level, offering picturesque views of the surrounding countryside and providing a unique charm to the town.
Topology : Rolling hills and valleys
Banbury is situated in an area characterized by rolling hills and valleys, providing picturesque views and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
Topology : Rolling hills and valleys
Marlborough is characterized by its rolling hills and valleys, creating a picturesque and scenic landscape for residents and visitors to enjoy.
🔴 Coastal : No.
Banbury is not a coastal town. It is located inland in Oxfordshire, approximately 70 miles away from the nearest coast, which is the south coast of England.
🔴 Coastal : No.
Marlborough is not a coastal town. The nearest coast is approximately 50 miles away to the south, towards the English Channel.
🟢 River : Yes.
Banbury has the River Cherwell flowing through it, adding to the town's picturesque charm. The river provides a tranquil setting for leisurely walks and recreational activities for residents and visitors alike.
🟢 River : Yes.
The River Kennet flows through Marlborough, adding to the town's picturesque charm. Residents and visitors can enjoy walks along the riverbanks and appreciate the natural beauty it brings to the area.
⚪ Lake : Unknown.
Banbury does not have a lake within the town itself. However, there may be lakes or reservoirs in the surrounding area, but the exact distance and location are unknown.
⚪ Lake : Unknown.
Marlborough does not have a lake within the town limits. However, there may be lakes or reservoirs nearby, but the exact distance is unknown.
🟢 Water ways : Yes.
Banbury has man-made waterways such as the Oxford Canal, which runs through the town, providing a picturesque setting for leisure activities and boat trips.
⚪ Water ways : Unknown.
Marlborough's man-made waterways such as reservoirs or canals are not well-documented. Further research or local knowledge may be needed to confirm the presence of such features in the town.
🟢 Flooded : Yes.
Banbury has experienced flooding in the past, notably during severe weather events such as Storm Dennis in 2020. The River Cherwell has been known to overflow, causing localized flooding in the town.
🟢 Flooded : Yes.
Marlborough has experienced flooding in the past, particularly during severe weather events such as Storm Dennis in 2020. The River Kennet has been known to overflow, causing localized flooding in the town.


Local facilities

Banbury
Marlborough
🟢 Train station : Yes.
Banbury has a train station located in the town center, providing easy access to other cities and towns in the UK. It is a key transportation hub for residents and visitors alike.
Train station : .
Marlborough does not have a train station. The nearest train station is Pewsey, located about 7 miles away, which provides connections to major cities like London and Exeter.
Transport links :
Banbury has excellent transport links to other areas, with easy access to major roads such as the M40 and A422. The town also has a train station with direct services to London, Birmingham, and Oxford.
Transport links :
Marlborough has good transport links to other areas with the A346 and A4 providing easy access to nearby towns and cities. The M4 motorway is also within reach for connections to London and Bristol.
🟢 Primary school : Yes.
Banbury has several primary schools, including Harriers Ground Community Primary School and The Grange Community Primary School. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings for their teaching and facilities.
Primary school : .
Marlborough has several primary schools, including St. Mary's Church of England Primary School and Marlborough St. Mary's CE VC Primary School. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings for their academic standards.
🟢 Secondary school : Yes.
Banbury has several secondary schools, including The Warriner School, Blessed George Napier Catholic School, and North Oxfordshire Academy. Each school has received positive Ofsted ratings in recent years.
🟢 Secondary school : Yes.
Marlborough has one secondary school called St. John's Academy. The school has received positive Ofsted observations and offers a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for students.
🟢 College : Yes.
Banbury has several colleges and sixth forms, including Banbury and Bicester College and North Oxfordshire Academy Sixth Form. These institutions offer a range of courses and qualifications for students.
🟢 College : Yes.
Marlborough has a college called St John's Academy which offers post-16 education. The college provides a range of courses and opportunities for students to further their education and skills.
🟢 Tourist information : Yes.
Banbury has a tourist information facility to assist visitors with information on local attractions, events, accommodations, and more. It serves as a helpful resource for tourists exploring the town.
🟢 Tourist information : Yes.
Marlborough has a tourist information facility to assist visitors with information on local attractions, events, and accommodations. It serves as a helpful resource for tourists exploring the area.
🟢 Post office : Yes.
Banbury has a post office located in the town, providing postal services to residents and visitors. It is a convenient location for sending and receiving mail and packages.
🟢 Post office : Yes.
Marlborough has a post office located in the town, providing postal services to residents and visitors. It is a convenient facility for sending and receiving mail and packages.
🟢 Library : Yes.
Banbury has a public library that offers a wide range of books, resources, and services for the community. It is a valuable resource for residents and visitors alike.
🟢 Library : Yes.
Marlborough has a public library that offers a range of services and resources for residents and visitors to enjoy, providing a valuable community hub for learning and leisure activities.
🟢 Police station : Yes.
Banbury has a police station located in the town center, providing essential law enforcement services and support to the local community. Residents can easily access police assistance and resources when needed.
🟢 Police station : Yes.
The Marlborough police station is located in the town center, providing a visible presence and quick response to any incidents or emergencies in the area.
🟢 Hospital : Yes.
Banbury has the Horton General Hospital, which is part of the NHS. It provides healthcare services to the residents of Banbury and the surrounding areas.
⚪ Hospital : Unknown.
Marlborough does not have an NHS hospital within the town itself. Further research is needed to determine the nearest hospital facilities available to residents in the area.
🟢 A&E : Yes.
Banbury has an NHS hospital, Horton General Hospital, which includes an accident and emergency department to provide immediate medical care to residents and visitors in need of urgent assistance.
⚪ A&E : Unknown.
Marlborough's healthcare facilities are not specified. It is recommended to check with local sources or the NHS website for up-to-date information on hospitals and emergency services in the area.


When choosing between Banbury and Marlborough, consider whether you prefer a town with a strong historical presence like Banbury or a more contemporary feel like Marlborough. Both towns offer a delightful mix of amenities and a vibrant community, making either a great choice for those seeking a quintessential market town experience.