Devizes vs Marlborough

Devizes and Marlborough are two charming market towns in the UK, each with its own unique character and attractions. Both towns offer a rich history, picturesque surroundings, and a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural sites for visitors to explore.

General information

Devizes
Marlborough
Introduction :
Located in the heart of Wiltshire, Devizes is a charming market town with a rich history dating back to the 11th century. Known for its bustling weekly market, historic landmarks such as the 19th-century Wiltshire Museum and the impressive Devizes Castle, the town offers a mix of traditional charm and modern amenities. With its picturesque canal, vibrant town center, and friendly community, Devizes is a delightful destination for visitors and residents alike.
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 :
  • Devizes has a rich history and heritage to explore
  • The town offers a variety of shops and amenities
  • There are good transport links to nearby cities
  • Devizes has a strong sense of community spirit
  • The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside for outdoor activities
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 public transportation options make it difficult to get around.
  • High cost of living compared to other towns in the area.
  • Higher crime rates than national average, particularly in certain areas.
  • Limited educational opportunities and lower performing schools.
  • Lack of major tourist attractions or cultural amenities.
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 :
Devizes is a charming market town in Wiltshire, known for its historic landmarks such as the 11th-century Devizes Castle and the Wadworth Brewery, offering tours and tastings. The town is home to the famous Caen Hill Locks, a flight of 29 locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal, a popular spot for canal boat enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the award-winning Devizes Museum, showcasing the town's rich history. The annual Devizes International Street Festival brings vibrant entertainment to the town, while the weekly market offers a variety of local produce and crafts. The town also boasts a range of independent shops and cafes to explore.
Points of interest :


Facts and figures

Devizes
Marlborough
Type : Town.
Devizes is a historic market town in Wiltshire, known for its bustling market, independent shops, and rich heritage. With a vibrant community and range of amenities, it offers a quintessential English town experience.
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 Devizes is not specified. Further research or data collection is needed to determine the exact population figure for this market town in the UK.
⚪ 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.
The average house price in Devizes is currently unknown. It is recommended to consult a local real estate agent or online property websites for the most up-to-date information on housing prices in the area.
⚪ 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.
Devizes has an average level of crime, with some reports of petty 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.
Devizes offers a strong education system with a variety of schools and educational opportunities for students. The town has a reputation for high academic standards and a supportive learning environment.
🟢 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.
Devizes offers a mix of employment opportunities, with a variety of businesses in the town center and surrounding areas. There are also commuting options to larger cities nearby for additional job prospects.
🟢 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

Devizes
Marlborough
Elevation : 394 feet (120 meters)
Devizes has an elevation of approximately 394 feet (120 meters) above sea level, providing picturesque views of the surrounding countryside in Wiltshire.
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 : Devizes is situated in a valley surrounded by hills and farmland.
The town is nestled in a picturesque setting with rolling hills and agricultural land, creating a scenic and tranquil environment.
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.
Devizes is not a coastal town. It is located inland in Wiltshire, England, approximately 50 miles away from the nearest coast. Despite its lack of coastal location, Devizes offers a charming market town atmosphere with historical attractions and scenic countryside surroundings.
🔴 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.
Devizes has the River Avon running through it, providing a scenic waterway for residents and visitors to enjoy. The river adds to the town's charm and offers opportunities for leisure activities.
🟢 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.
Devizes does not have a lake within the town itself, but there are several lakes and reservoirs in the surrounding area. The closest lake is likely to be a short drive away.
⚪ 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.
Devizes has man-made waterways such as the Kennet and Avon Canal, which runs through the town, providing a picturesque setting for boating and walking along the towpath.
⚪ 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.
Devizes has experienced flooding in the past, notably during severe weather events such as Storm Angus in 2016. The town is situated near the River Avon, which can contribute to flooding.
🟢 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

Devizes
Marlborough
🟢 Train station : Yes.
Devizes has a train station located on the Westbury to Swindon line, providing convenient access to surrounding areas. The station offers regular services for commuters 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 :
Devizes has good transport links to other areas with the A361 and A342 providing easy access to nearby towns and cities. The M4 motorway is also within a short drive for connections to Bristol and London.
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.
Devizes has several primary schools, including Southbroom Infants School and Wansdyke Primary School. Both schools have received positive Ofsted ratings for their teaching and learning standards.
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.
Devizes has a secondary school named Devizes School, which has received positive Ofsted observations and offers a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for students in the area.
🟢 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.
Devizes has a college and a 6th form, providing post-16 education options for students in the town. The institutions offer a range of courses and qualifications for further study.
🟢 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.
Devizes has a tourist information facility to assist visitors with information on local attractions, accommodations, and events, making it easier for tourists to explore the town and surrounding areas.
🟢 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.
Devizes has a post office located in the town, providing postal services and other related amenities for the local community and visitors.
🟢 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.
Devizes has a public library that offers a range of books, resources, and services to the community. It serves as a hub for learning, research, and leisure activities 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.
Devizes has a police station located in the town, providing law enforcement services and support to the local community. Residents can access police assistance and resources within the area.
🟢 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.
Devizes does have an NHS hospital, the Devizes Community Hospital, providing healthcare services to the local community. Residents have access to a range of medical facilities and treatments within the town.
⚪ 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.
Devizes has an NHS hospital with an accident and emergency department, providing essential healthcare services to the town and surrounding areas in times of urgent medical need.
⚪ 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 Devizes and Marlborough, consider your preferences for historical sites, shopping options, and overall ambiance. Devizes may appeal to those seeking a more traditional market town experience, while Marlborough offers a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. Ultimately, both towns have much to offer, so the choice comes down to personal taste and what you value most in a destination.