Hungerford

About

In the far west of West Berkshire, alongside the Kennet & Avon Canal and surrounded by beautiful countryside, the charming market town of Hungerford boasts impressive transport links for a town of its size. It is conveniently placed for access to the M4 motorway and is on the main train line from London Paddington to the West Country.

Hungerford is perhaps best known today as a centre for markets and antiques. The weekly charter market on the High Street is every Wednesday. The outdoor monthly Hungerford Food & Artisan Market runs April to October. There are many antique shops in town and antique & flea markets in the historic town hall during the year.

Hungerford High Street boasts a wide variety of independent shops and boutiques, where you can lose yourself for a delightful few hours. There’s also a range of warm and friendly pubs, cheery tea shops and restaurants with much to tempt you.

Tradition is the cornerstone of several events in Hungerford. Tutti Day, once a nationwide affair, takes place on the second Tuesday after Easter. Organised by The Town & Manor of Hungerford, Hungerford commoners are the only people in Britain still to don their costumes as part of the Hocktide celebrations. The Tuttimen follow the Orange Man to each residence in the town, climbing their ladders to present the ladies of each house with an orange, in return for a kiss. Gentlemen then offer up their penny to the Tuttimen as ‘rent’.

Hungerford Wharf is an attractive and popular area and is also home for The Rose of Hungerford trip boat. The Rose is a traditional canal boat which offers regular public trips as well as private charters along the Kennet and Avon Canal.  Owned by the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust and run entirely by volunteers, you can be sure of a relaxing and tranquil experience for all ages.  There is even an onboard galley serving hot and cold drinks and snacks. Dates, information and booking details are on the website at rose.katrust.org.uk.

The town is also home to the July Hungerford Summer Festival where local talents are showcased for an enraptured audience and a pre-Christmas must, the Hungerford Extravaganza. It’s impossible to escape the wonderful countryside. The town is surrounded by Hungerford Common, and Hungerford Marsh and Freeman's Marsh wildlife habitats.

Hungerford is in the heart of the wonderful walking territory of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Nearby landmarks include Combe Gibbet and England’s highest chalk hill, Walbury Hill, near Inkpen.