Hungerford Tourist Information

Hungerford, a small historic market town, stands on the River Dun in the Kennet Valley.

The westernmost town in Berkshire, Hungerford lies close to the Wiltshire border and within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Hungerford dates from Saxon times and much of the town has remained unchanged for centuries.

Many of the town's medieval timber-framed buildings have Georgian facades that are worth a look.  Hungerford was once a coaching stop on the Old Bath Road (A4) and several coaching inns can still be seen.

Other important transport routes passing through the town are the Kennet and Avon Canal and the West of England Main Line railway, and junction 14 on the M5 motorway is just 5 minutes away.

Because of its good transport links with Newbury, Reading and London, Hungerford has developed as a dormitory town.

Known for its antique shops, Hungerford also has a range of small independent shops and eating places and many welcoming pubs.

The sleepy Berkshire town is now known as the site of one of the worst peacetime atrocities in UK history. In 1987 Michael Ryan, an unemployed local labourer, shot and killed 16 people including his mother and injured 15 others. He then shot fatally shot himself.

Hungerford is surrounded by open common land, rich in flora and fauna.  The town is also a good spot from which to explore the Berkshire Downs and the canals whether by foor or on a boat trip.

The waterfront between Hungerford Bridge and the Lock is very attractive, with trips along the Kennet and Avon Canal to Dunmill Lock aboard the traditionally painted motorised barge 'Rose of Hungerford'.