Description
The Merchant's House is a beautifully preserved 17th-century silk merchant's home located on the High Street in Marlborough. It is one of the best things to do with kids in Marlborough for families interested in a historical museum category experience that feels like stepping back into 1653. You can explore grand rooms filled with rare wall paintings and discover how a wealthy family lived during the time of the English Civil War.
Planning a visit is easy and supports a local heritage trust. Prices start from £11.00 for Self-Guided. Because the museum is located right in the town centre, it is a convenient stop for families exploring the wider Wiltshire area.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that offers a genuine glimpse into the past, this is it. It provides a quiet, educational day out where children can learn about old-fashioned craftsmanship and household chores from the 1600s. The house is famous for its unique decorative features that you simply won't see in modern buildings.
Detailed Inventory
- Wall Painting Gallery: A room specifically showing the unique "striped" and floral wall patterns.
- The Silk Room: Displays explaining the silk trade and how Marlborough became a hub for textiles.
- The Panelled Dining Room: A formal room where the Bayly family would have hosted guests.
- Conservation Workshop: An area where volunteers work on restoring 17th-century items.
- The Study: A quiet space where the merchant would have kept his accounts and records.
- Historical Herb Collection: Specific plants like lavender, rosemary, and hyssop found in the garden.
- Lead-Lined Windows: Traditional 17th-century windows that provide a distorted view of the High Street.
- The Great Bed: A replica or period-style bed showing how people slept in the 1600s.
- 17th Century Tapestries: Hand-woven fabrics used for warmth and decoration.
- The On-site Gift Shop: A shop selling local Marlborough honey, historical books, and unique toys.
Beyond the Main Attraction
- Marlborough High Street: One of the widest High Streets in the UK, perfect for a family walk and browsing local shops.
- Savernake Forest: A short drive away, offering ancient trees and plenty of space for kids to explore the woods.
- Avebury Stone Circle: Located about 6 miles away, this is a world-famous Neolithic site where you can walk among the stones.
- Marlborough College: A famous school with impressive architecture located at the end of the High Street.
New for 2026: Conservation Live 2026: Throughout the 2026 season, the museum will feature live demonstrations of tapestry and wood conservation on select weekends.
8.64 miles
