Nearest train station: Bedwyn
Marlborough is a picturesque historic market town situated in northeast Wiltshire, roughly 10 miles southeast of Swindon, and lays claim to having the second widest high street in the UK (after Stockton on Tees).
The River Kennet runs through the town, offering some pleasant wild swimming spots along its banks. We recommend you check an area in the north of the town within the Stonebridge Wild River Reserve which offers a great secluded swimming spot in the form of a cow pond.
Head along a footpath in a northeasterly direction and you’ll reach the pool in question, which is just downstream from the bridge crossing over the River Kennet. There is also a boardwalk at the entrance which leads up past reed beds, a wetland and eventually a dipping platform adjacent to the pond.
Following the banks of the River Kennet both east and west will bring you out of Marlborough after a short walk, with the river offering plenty of other wild swimming spots along its banks.
How to Get to Stonebridge Wild Reserve, Marlborough
We’ve provided detailed instructions on how to get to this spot by the River Kennet in Marlborough by various means of transport below, as well as general travel information nearby.
By car
Enter the postcode SN8 2BG into your sat nav, which will take you to the Stonebridge Wild River Reserve. There is no parking at the reserve itself, however, there are plenty of street parking and car park spots around Marlborough – the reserve is only a ten minute walk from the high street.
Head into the reserve and follow the wooden boardwalk allowing access along the banks of the River Kennet, where you’ll eventually come across the cow pond. There are also plenty of smaller gravel “beaches” along the banks of the river allowing easy access to the water.
By public transport
The nearest train station is Bedwyn, though you are more likely to arrive into Wiltshire via Swindon, which is on the London to Bristol main line.
From Swindon you can get the X5 bus which runs between Swindon and Salisbury (get off at St Martins in Marlborough) or the 80s bus (get off at North View Place), both of which are a 10 minute walk to the reserve.
By bike
If you’re cycling around the Marlborough area then the boardwalk at the Stonebridge Wild River Reserve allows you to navigate around the area with ease.
There are also trails that hug the River Kennet heading west out of Marlborough which can be accessed by Grantham Close (passing by Treacle Bolly) that run parallel to the main A4 road. Keep following the path west along the Kennet and there are plenty of potential wild swimming spots along the way.
What else is nearby Marlborough?
Marlborough offers plenty in the manner of independent shops and cafes along its grand high street. Nearby, Savernake Forest is more than worth a visit and there plenty of spots along the River Kennet such as by the village of Axford that offer great wild swimming opportunities.
There’s also another wild swimming spot on the River Kennet in the nearby village of Axford, which we’d thoroughly recommend you checking out.