About Hungerford
Hungerford is a small but bustling historic town in West Berkshire, only 3 miles from junction 14 of the M4 motorway. At the centre of the North Wessex downs it is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and is renowned for its many antique shops. Get a flavour of Hungerford (video) and take a minute to join the quest for the Hungerford Jewel!
Hungerford is an excellent place to come for shopping away from the big chains, able to offer a wide range of independent shops for the discerning buyer or browser. It is also a convenient base to explore the surrounding hamlets and countryside. There are many walking, cycling and riding routes that let you experience the tranquil beauty of the landscape.
On Bridge Street you will find sylish country clothing at Roxtons, gorgeous jewellery at Furr & Co, millinery at Jane Corbett and silverware at Styles Silver. Meander over the canal (cruises available from April until October) to find tucked under the bridge a good old-fashioned tea-shop called The Tutti Pole and a wonderful woman's clothes shop called Le Mistral.
The High Street boasts more shops such as The Kitchenmonger's, Sugar Mouse (where you will find every traditional sweet imaginable), Crown Needlework at Bossoms and The Creative Toy Den selling toys for children of all ages, and Peppermint Cream a shop that specialises in 'Vintage Chic' items.
After visiting The Hungerford Bookshop on the High Street, admire your purchases over a cup of coffee at Azuza next door then visit Gaia Wellbeing in the courtyard for some complementary therapies and treatments, or nip into Bailey Robinson to plan a tailor-made luxury holiday.
A few doors down discover a wealth of collectibles at The Emporium and at The Hungerford Arcade, its winding passages leading off into separate units crammed full of oddities and antiques. Over the road Below Stairs of Hungerford offers five themed showrooms of antiques and a courtyard.
If you feel like a rest why not pamper yourself at The Gentleman's Shop or Roberta on Charnham Street, before having a relaxing drink in one of the many traditional pubs in the town (we particularly like The Plume of Feathers or The Downgate that is perched right on the edge of Hungerford Common).
There are plenty of places to stay in Hungerford from hotels such as The Three Swans and the historic Bear Hotel (their breakfasts are wonderful!) to lovely B&Bs such as Wilton House or Canalside Cottage.
For further information including full details of shops, accommodation, where to eat and ‘What’s On’ in Hungerford go to www.hungerford.co.uk.
Hungerford: A Pictorial History by Hugh Pihlens is available from us to buy at £17.95. It is a superb selection of well-captioned old photographs providing a vivid visual impression of this ancient town and its people over one hundred years ago, and of its changing life and scenes since then.
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