Hungerford offers different perspectives for planning a trip: local history, walks and countryside. The self-guided Historic Town Walks take you through the town; the “Above and Below Hungerford” walk turns your attention to the countryside around Hungerford. Markets and Hocktide also provide set dates to plan around. You can therefore tailor your focus to your own interests.
Countryside and Walks
Hungerford Common, also known as Common Port Down, covers 220 acres (89 hectares) of ancient common land east of Hungerford. It includes permanent pasture, mature trees, a canal and strip lynchets. The Common is suitable for picnics, dog walking and sporting activities; views and wildlife are also among the experiences available there. This landscape offers a variety of reasons to spend time outdoors.
Another countryside option is Freeman’s Marsh, which is easily accessible from the town centre. If you are looking for a walk with a specific approximate distance, you can follow the “Above and Below Hungerford” route: it covers about 7 miles (11 km) through the countryside around Hungerford. Along the way, geology, wildlife and human history are the main themes. The Historic Town Walks offer a different focus: these self-guided walks take you through Hungerford and explore the town’s history. The choice between the options therefore depends mainly on whether you want to explore local history or countryside themes.
Water and Fishing
The Fishery offers fly fishing on three fishing syndicates on the Rivers Kennet and Dun. It is private land and accessible only to registered Commoners with fishing rights and paying anglers. If fishing is part of your plans, be aware of this access restriction; conditions may change, so it is advisable to check before your visit.
Local History and Buildings
The Croft was the village green before the “new” town was laid out between 1180 and 1250. The site is permanently protected as a village green under the Commons Act 1965. The history of the site and its protected status therefore belong to two different chapters: its former role in the town and its current, permanent designation as a village green.
The Town Hall also tells the story of Hungerford’s architectural history. The two-storey brick and terracotta building has a clock tower, with the Corn Exchange behind it. The Town Hall is a Grade II listed building and was built by James Money in 1870. Those interested in architectural history will find specific details here about the materials, design and date of a single building.
The John O’Gaunt Inn dates back to the 13th century. It serves locally brewed ales, some of which are brewed in its own microbrewery. As the selection may change, check what is currently available before visiting.
Markets and Hocktide
The Charter Market and Indoor Market take place every Wednesday. If you would like to visit on a market day, check the latest schedule before travelling. The Hungerford Antiques and Collectors’ Fair takes place monthly on the second Sunday of the month; check its dates and opening details before you travel as well.
Another annual event is Hocktide, an important occasion in Hungerford. It takes place on the second Tuesday after Easter, so the date varies with Easter. For trip planning, it makes a difference whether you are visiting Hungerford for its walks and historic sites or specifically to experience a market or Hocktide: for the markets and the fair, the respective dates will help you choose the day of your visit.
Discover more destinations: Streatley, Easton, Theale, Bradfield, Reading, Pangbourne, Midgham, Chieveley
For the broader travel overview: Berkshire.
