Brackley is close to the A43 road, which now bypasses the town, linking it to Towcester and Northampton to the east and the M40 motorway to the west. The A422 links it to Banbury. Brackley once had two railway stations, one on the Great Central main line to London, and another on a LNWR branch line from Banbury to Bletchley. Both lines were closed by the Beeching Axe in the 1950s and 60s.
Notable buildings in the town include Magdalen College School, founded by Magdalen College for its pupils to escape the great plague affecting Oxford in the 15th century. St James's church stands next to the original college buildings and is still in use today, making it the oldest building in Great Britain in continual use by a school. There was once a Castle at the western end of town, but no visible evidence of it remains. Brackley Castle was to be where King John and the barons signed Magna Carta, but this eventually occurred at Runnymede. St Peter's church at the eastern end of the town boasts an impressive 11th century Norman doorway. In the centre of town the market is held every Friday morning in the market square. Further up the high street is a large town park owned by the National Trust.
Brackley is close to the Silverstone racing track, and has some industry related to Formula One racing, notably British American Racing which is based in the town. On the east outskirts of the town is Bronnley, suppliers of hand-made soaps to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. Their products are bestowed with Royal Honors for Excellence.