Hungerford - A Quintessentially English Market and Antiques Town

Hungerford is perhaps best known today as a centre for antique shops and fairs. The town is also home to other unique 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 every year on the second Tuesday after Easter (see video below).

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. We are conveniently placed for access to the M4 motorway and on the main train line from London Paddington to the West Country. We are also 8 miles west of Newbury, 9 miles east of Marlborough, and 27 miles northeast of Salisbury.

For places to stay in and around Hungerford, please visit TripAdvisor and AirBnB

HISTORIC HUNGERFORD & NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Hungerford is a historic market town in Berkshire. Retaining many traditional buildings in the town centre, we are also within striking distance of several important historical places.

Visit the Hungerford Virtual Museum for a brief history of Hungerford, its people, places and town walks.

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HUNGERFORD TOWN HALL

Directly in Hungerford town centre

Take a photo of our Town Hall, located directly in the town centre. From here you can stroll down the High Street enjoying the many independent antique shops, have afternoon tea or go for a walk along the Canal.

HUNGERFORD TRADITIONS

The Bellman

The Bellman is one of the ancient offices of the Town and Manor of Hungerford. The Bellman can sometimes be seen around town wearing a black silk gold laced hat, carrying his bell or beadles pole. His many duties include delivering messages and leading parades.

HUNGERFORD WHARF

The Kennet & Avon Canal

Take a stroll around the scenic Hungerford Wharf to explore a part of the Kennet & Avon Canal, or relax and take in the stunning scenery on a boat trip on The Rose of Hungerford.

WILTON WINDMILL

North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Set in in the middle of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Wilton Windmill is Wiltshire’s only working windmill – book a tour or purchase some of their wholemeal, stone-ground flour. (Photo by David White).

HIGHCLERE CASTLE

The real Downton Abbey experience

Go behind the scenes of the real Downton Abbey at Highclere Castle, home of the Earl and Countess Carnarvon.

PLEASURE AND LEISURE

GET ACTIVE

Hungerford is is an area of outstanding natural beauty, surrounded by beautiful walks.

Ride on horseback in the beautiful countryside of Hungerford or book a professional lesson at one of the nearby riding schools.

Sky's The Limit! Share the thrill of soaring over England’s beautiful downland by gliding or hot air ballooning.

If you love fishing The Fishery at the Town and Manor of Hungerford place great emphasis on traditional fly fishing on three fishery syndicates on the River Kennet and River Dun.

IMMERSED IN ANTIQUES

Hungerford boasts a quintessentially English High Street full of independently owned shops. We are world renowned as an antiques centre. You will find over 400 dealers and many different outlets. There is also the award winning Antiques and Collectables arcade.

Over 95% of Hungerford’s shops are independent, from high end fashion boutiques, to books, lingerie and homeware shops. Garden art is well represented here as are jewellers and stores selling items for country pursuits.

EAT AND ENJOY

Our restaurants, bars and coffee shops offer a rich diversity of food and drink. Choose from a traditional full English breakfast, a pub lunch, cream teas or a special dinner. Hungerford offers something for everyone. (Photo from Eliane of Hungerford)