Things to do in Marlborough

2026 Europe 50 - Best Things to Do

Stonehenge

On the Salisbury Plain southeast of Bath, England, numerous stone circles stand amidst the vast wilderness—this is the mysterious prehistoric site of Stonehenge in the British Isles. In 1130 AD, a British priest accidentally discovered Stonehenge during a journey. These majestic stones, with an average weight of nearly 30 tons, still puzzle researchers today regarding their arrangement and exact purpose. On the way to the prehistoric Stonehenge, signs are posted along the route, and railings surround the site, allowing visitors to view it from a distance of 30 m. Research suggests its construction spanned over a thousand years: approx. 3000 BC, ancient people built embankments here, creating a circular earthwork with 56 pits arranged inside; by approx. 2500 BC, the massive stones were gradually transported and erected. The main sandstone blocks were sourced from the Marlborough Downs, approx. 30 km away, with each averaging approx. 25 tons, and the heel stone weighing approx. 30 tons. The smaller bluestones came from the Preseli Hills in Wales, over 200 km away. The fact that such transportation was accomplished without metal tools or wheels still astonishes researchers today.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Bath

The Roman Baths

The Roman Baths is located in the center of Bath, opposite Bath Abbey. It is an attraction in Bath and also the origin of the city's name. This well-preserved Roman bathhouse is a place that draws endless streams of eager visitors. Stepping inside is like witnessing a living portrait of Roman-era life, featuring the sacred spring, Roman temple, Roman bathhouse andThe Roman BathsThe artifacts are quite famous. #Architectural features# The Victorian reception hall at the entrance is magnificent, with arched ceilings carved with scenes of the four seasons. Here, besides purchasing tickets, don't forget to pick up a free audio guide (available in Chinese). However, large luggage storage is not provided, so if needed, you can store bulky luggage elsewhere before exploring. The baths are divided into upper and lower levels. The lower-level pool is connected to an underground hot spring, with emerald-green water that remains warm to this day, bubbling up continuously. It's hard to imagine it has maintained this state for over 10,000 years. The upper and lower levels of the baths are supported by 12 pillars, each topped with statues of varying forms, as the Romans believed the godlike hot springs were a gift from divine protection. From the reception hall, you can proceed to the terrace, which offers a panoramic view of the Great Bath, surrounded by Victorian-era statues dating back to 1894. Take a moment here to admire the overall grandeur of the Great Bath. #Sacred spring# The sacred spring is located at the heart of The Roman Baths, with natural water maintaining a constant temperature of 46°C. Water gushes from underground day and night, with excess flowing into the original Roman drainage system. The museum features a glass floor, allowing visitors to clearly see the bath's water pipes below, which also house treasures like carved gemstones and tin masks, well worth a look. #Great bath# The Great Bath is the highlight for most visitors. This massive pool is lined with 45 lead slabs and has a depth of 1.6 m. Steps are installed around it for easy access. The pool is filled with abundant spring water, its surface steaming. A large stone slab lies horizontally where the hot spring flows out, serving as a diving platform for entertainment in ancient times. From 10:00 to 17:00 daily and during July and August evenings, staff dress in ancient Roman attire, immersing visitors in the distant Roman era. The Great Bath is flanked by the East Bath and West Bath, along with bathing suites and a high-temperature bath. For more historical insights, visit The Roman Baths Museum, which houses composite models of the temple and baths, as well as exhibits of comedy films related to ancient Rome.

No. 19 of Best Things to Do in United Kingdom

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is located in Oxfordshire, England. It was commissioned by Queen Anne as a reward for the first Duke of Marlborough's military achievements in the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. Construction began in 1705 and was completed in 1722, designed by Vanbrugh in the English Baroque style. It is one of the few non-royal, non-ecclesiastical country houses in England to be called a "palace." The palace is still inhabited by the Duke of Marlborough's family and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, along with its gardens. In 1874, former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was born here, which is why it is often referred to as "Churchill's birthplace." This magnificent palace boasts over 300 years of history to share and houses one of Europe's most significant and extensive collections. Its cultural highlights are diverse, complemented by a rich program of special activities and exhibitions year-round. You can explore the state rooms with an audio guide, admiring portraits, tapestries, and exquisite furniture while learning about the palace's three-century history. Stroll through the gardens and admire the charming English landscape, keeping an eye out for historical landmarks such as the victory column, the bridge and the temple of Diana along the way. Explore various formal gardens, including the rose garden, the water terrace and the secret garden. You can also take the miniature train to the walled garden, where you'll find the adventure playground, the Marlborough maze and the butterfly garden. Your palace, gardens and admission ticket include year-round activities and exhibitions. From jousting tournaments, food festivals and flower shows to Halloween daytime entertainment and Easter egg hunts, there's something for everyone. Inside the palace, you can explore breathtaking state rooms and immersive exhibitions that bring 300 years of history to life. Outdoors, you can discover over 2000 acres of Brown-designed landscapes, 150 acres of award-winning formal gardens, and the iconic rooftop restoration project. Whether visiting with friends or planning a family outing, your admission ticket will take you through unforgettable seasonal moments at this magnificent British palace.

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

The British Museum

The British Museum's collection spans artifacts from civilizations across the world, with a total of approx. 8 million items, covering regions including ancient Egypt, ancient Greece and Rome, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. The museum has approx. 60 permanent galleries, and the items on display represent only a very small fraction of the total collection, with its ancient Egyptian, ancient Greek and Roman, and Asian collections being particularly renowned. The south facade of the main building features an Ionic colonnade, and the main entrance is topped by a sculpted pediment. Entering through the main entrance leads into the Great Court, a public space designed by Norman Foster with a white color scheme, where the massive semi-transparent glass roof ensures ample natural light even on London's overcast days. The Great Court was originally part of the British Library; after the library relocated, it was converted into a covered plaza, and the court displays authentic sculptures including a stone statue from Easter Island. The Rosetta Stone bears a decree of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh inscribed in three scripts, serving as the key to deciphering ancient Egyptian civilization and ranking among the museum's most notable exhibits. The Elgin Marbles are sculptural fragments from the Parthenon, dating back over two thousand years, and are now displayed in Room 18. The Portland Vase is renowned for its dark blue glass and white cameo relief decoration, displayed in Room 70. The Tang dynasty copy of Admonitions of the Instructress to the Court Ladies survives with nine scenes and holds significant artistic and historical value, though it is not on permanent display. The Chinese collection is concentrated in Rooms 33, 33b, and 95, arranged chronologically by dynasty with artifacts ranging from Shang and Zhou bronzes to Ming and Qing porcelain, among which the Song dynasty Cizhou ware "circus pillow" and the Yuan dynasty blue-and-white dish with fish and aquatic plant design are particularly worth a closer look. The ancient Egyptian galleries are famous for their mummy exhibits and are among the most visited areas in the museum.

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

London Eye

Take a ride on the incredible 135-metre London Eye and enjoy a panoramic view of London's stunning skyline, packed with iconic landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and more. Ride during the day, at night, at sunset, or at dusk—which will you choose? The London Eye has a total of 32 air-conditioned, fully enclosed cabins, each of which can accommodate approximately 25 people. It takes about half an hour to complete a full rotation. The cabins are equipped with explanations of various sights in London, which play when they rotate to the corresponding angle. In addition, touch-sensitive information panels are also available.

2026 Europe 50 - Best Things to Do

Windsor Castle

• Stroll through the family castle of the Windsor dynasty • View the exquisite treasures in the state suite • Enjoy the audio guide and savor the beauty of the castle Windsor Castle sits on a hill on the south bank of the Thames and is one of the official residences still in use by the British royal family today. The castle was first built by William I in the 11th century, and after subsequent expansions and renovations by many monarchs, it blends a variety of architectural styles, including a Norman fortress, a medieval palace, and Georgian state apartments, and is also one of the few medieval castles in Europe that are still inhabited today. The castle is divided into the upper, middle, and lower wards. The upper ward centers on the state rooms, which display famous paintings, armor, and fine furniture collected by monarchs over the centuries, including works by masters such as Holbein, Van Dyck, and Rubens; the Waterloo Chamber was built by George IV to commemorate the defeat of Napoleon, and its walls hang portraits of allied monarchs and commanders. The upper area also houses Queen Mary's Dolls' House, created by architect Edwin Lutyens in the 1920s, with exquisitely detailed interiors that even include electricity and running water. The central area is marked by a round tower, which was originally built of wood and later rebuilt in stone. Today, it houses royal documents and a photography collection, and the moat garden below the tower is planted with roses and other flowers. St. George's Chapel in the Lower Ward is a masterpiece of English Gothic architecture, founded in the 15th century and renowned for its magnificent stone fan vaulting and stained glass windows—looking up at the vaulting is an unmissable experience when visiting. The chapel is also the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, has hosted numerous royal weddings, and is the burial place of several British monarchs.

National Trust - Avebury Manor

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Berkshire

Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle is set within a vast country estate and is a representative historic mansion in the area. Its exterior is primarily made of light-colored stone, featuring towering turrets, decorative windows, and a layered architectural facade, surrounded by expansive lawns, woodlands, gardens, and open estate views. The interior features formal drawing rooms, a library, and other display spaces. Visitors can tour some of the rooms to admire the furniture, paintings, and decor. The estate gardens include the Secret Garden, Monk's Garden, Rose Arbour, wildflower meadows, and herb gardens, which are ideal for walking, taking photos, and enjoying seasonal plant views.

Coate Water Country Park

West Kennet Long Barrow