Some of Marlborough’s Summer Gems

Well, allegedly this is summer in Marlborough. Even if the sun fails to reappear before September there are great places to go and things to do in and around town. Please add any Marlborough summer gems that I’ve missed in the comments section below.

Free or nearly free...

Until the end of September at least, the over 60s and kids under 16 can swim for free at Marlborough Leisure Centre.

Finally there's somewhere for the young people of Marlborough to go- and it’s free! Salisbury Road Skate Park and Play Park opened in March. Its future users helped to design it, and people are coming from miles around to use it. There’s a great new play park for the kids too.

Last year’s Marlborough Funday was really good fun with something for everyone- and a lot of it didn’t cost a penny! This year’s event is on Sunday September 5th, from 10 am. The day includes a car boot sale, trade stands and charity stalls, Scruff’s Dog Show, a fancy dress competition, LOADS of stuff for kids and helicopter rides, weather permitting. There will be live bands, food and beer tents with a Hog Roast, BBQs and ice creams as well! More details.

Get the soundtrack to your summer at Marlborough’s gem of an independent record shop, Sound Knowledge. Obviously their CDs aren’t free, but they organise mini gigs and signings with established and up and coming bands in conjunction with Azuza which are completely free, you just need to go in the shop to sign up to go. Coming up are LA band, Funeral Party and Get Cape Wear Cape Fly.

One more day to enjoy a free local art gallery in Marlborough. Tomorrow is the last day of the Wiltshire Artist’s 38th Annual Exhibition at St. Peter’s Church. Open 10-5, entry is free.

Not free but great for summer...

It’s not until you leave Marlborough and come back that you realise we have not just great pubs, but great pubs with beer gardens. Off the top of my head I can’t think of any that don’t have them! My personal favourite is The Lamb, and Azuza is great for watching the world go by, plus their drinks are really reasonable. I’ve been told The Crown is doing really good food now too. When I went in a couple of months ago I didn’t recognise the place and the staff were really friendly. Have you got any recommendations? Why not review some local pubs?

Keep the kids occupied during the summer holiday with something from Marlborough’s independent Duckling’s Toy Shop. They even have a few tiny, tiny things for just 25p!

Get kitted up for any active summer holidays, or get a bike to beat Marlborough’s traffic jams or enjoy some local bike rides at Activ8 and Bertie Maffoons.

No summer holiday this year? Me neither.  We can at least pretend for a couple of hours by chowing down of French fodder at Brasserie Gerard. Their menu is not normally the cheapest in town, but they do have some good summer offers on. “Kids Eat Free” runs from July 27th –September 30th, the  £5.95 kids meal is free when one adult orders at least a main course. Just turn up and order.They also have a 2 for 1 offer on all main course from Sunday- Thursday, print out a voucher from the Brasserie Gerard website.