Hungerford Town

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. It marks the end of the administrative year, and nowadays is also a day of great festivity. The Tutti-men are guided by the Orangeman to each house in the town with commoners' rights. In the past the Tutti-men collected a 'head-penny' from each commoner by way of a tip for keeping the peace during the past year. This custom lapsed many years ago, but the tradition of the Tutti-men asking for a kiss from the lady of the house has not lapsed, and one can often see them climbing ladders to achieve their kiss and present an orange in return."

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.

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.

Crofton Pumping Station (near Great Bedwyn) is one of the most significant industrial heritage sites in the UK and houses two historic beam engines. The 1812 Boulton and Watt Steam Engine is the oldest working beam engine in the world that is in its original location and working order.

Littlecote Roman Villa (located in the grounds of Littlecote House Hotel, Hungerford) has one of the finest Roman mosaic floors on display in the whole country – the Orpheus mosaic. It is the largest exposed Roman villa in Britain and one of the best-preserved Roman villas above ground in Britain.

Set in in the middle of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Wilton Windmill is Wiltshire’s only working windmill. Its location in the unspoilt landscape of rolling chalk downland, forests, woods and dales is within walking distance of the Kennet & Avon Canal, Wilton Water and Crofton Beam Engines.