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 best known today for its antique shops and fairs that adorn the town centre. Hungerford town centre 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 to tempt you.

Just outside of Hungerford town centre Cobbs Farm Shop and Kitchen offer homegrown and local seasonal produce, award-winning English Sparkling Wine, a well-stocked delicatessen, a traditional butchery, Sarah Styles Florist, pop-up family-run fish monger, and a play barn and sand pit for the kids. Relax for a homemade, locally-sourced breakfast, lunch, or Sunday roast with indoor and outdoor dining options.    

• More things to do in Berkshire

Tutti Day

Tradition is the cornerstone of several events in Hungerford. Tutti Day, once a nationwide affair, takes place on every second Tuesday after Easter. Hungerford residents 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’.

The town is also home to the July Hungerford and District Community Arts Festival (HADCAF) where local talents are showcased for an enraptured audience and a pre-Christmas must, the Victorian Extravaganza.

Hungerford Food Festival

Hungerford’s annual Food Festival celebration in the Town Hall and High Street promises a full day of local foodie fun with over 40 stalls, sizzling street food, live cooking demonstrations, Cook-Off competition, pumpkin challenge, apple identification quiz and lots more.

 

• Other events in Berkshire

It’s impossible to escape the wonderful countryside as the town is surrounded by open common land and not far from England’s highest chalk hill, Walbury Hill, near Inkpen.

For more places to visit near Hungerford and tourist information, take a look at the 'What's Nearby' listings below.