Nestled in the county of Hampshire and actually its largest town, Basingstoke has a surprising, exciting amount to offer to those who might otherwise assume it’s a just convenient stop on London’s commuter belt.
A vibrant town, brimming with culture, art and history, Basingstoke offers a fine blend of fast-paced fun and scenic countryside, and is ideal for folk looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London or Southampton in search of an enjoyable day out.
Don’t be fooled by the town’s somewhat lowkey appearance. Whether it’s a whole family affair, a catch up with friends or even a solo journey, there really is something for everyone to enjoy in Doughnut City (named so because of its abundance of roundabouts). With that in mind and if you’re keen to explore further, here are 8 unmissable sights and attractions in Basingstoke.
MILESTONES MUSEUM
Take a step back in time at Hampshire’s famous museum of living history, Milestones. Here, you can discover how people lived in the early to mid 20th century by walking along the tangle of cobbled Victorian streets, shops and buildings in this totally immersive experience. You can even scoop up a 1940s style ration of sweets before swinging by the penny arcade. What fun!
Home to over 200’000 objects made in Hampshire, any visit to Milestones isn’t complete without grabbing your slate board and chalk at the replica Victorian schoolroom. Make sure you take a look at the working printing press after you’ve reclaimed your modern-day sensibilities.
Throughout the year, the museum holds a wide variety of events and exhibitions for the whole family to enjoy. From enjoying a pint at the working pub, the Baverstock Arms, to a play space for under-fives, interactive displays and costumed characters, there is something here for everyone to enjoy.
ODIHAM CASTLE (KNOWN LOCALLY AS KING JOHN’S CASTLE)
One for all the history fanatics, Odiham Castle, a royal residence and former hunting lodge, has seen everything from the signing of the Magna Carta to a French siege involving the de Montforts. Here, an uprising was masterminded and the castle once even held a Scottish King in prison! Phew.
Sitting next to Basingstoke canal and instantly recognisable for its unique octagonal keep, Odiham’s set of flint ruins is the only one of its kind in the whole of the British Isles. The site is currently being restored under Hampshire County and the Heritage Lottery Fund, but it’s open daily, regardless, from 9am to 5pm.
So, grab a picnic, explore the ground’s ancient walkways and imagine castle life back in the day.
EXCITING ESCAPES
Have you got what it takes to beat the clock, unlock the mystery and solve the case? If the answer is yes, then Exciting Escapes is what you are looking for. Ideal for keeping friends and family entertained all afternoon should it be a rainy day in the town (it does see a few), this Basingstoke escape room boasts seven immersive games to choose from.
Whether you journey back in time to the Cold War or you’d rather rescue a Disappearing Duchess, you’ll discover plenty of secrets about the past and things about yourself you never knew, too. If you fancy yourself a detective, love to play puzzles or get a thrill from the chase, get yourself booked in today.
FESTIVAL PLACE SHOPPING CENTRE
Sometimes a spot of retail therapy is not only what the doctor ordered, it’s even what they demanded. Fortunately, Basingstoke’s one-stop premier shopping experience can be found all under one roof at the well-appointed Festival Place Shopping Centre.
Explore over 160 big name brand stores, have a bounce at the Flip Out trampoline park or sit back and relax as you watch one of the newest blockbusters at the Vue’s 10-screen multiplex cinema…the choice is yours.
A home for food, technology, entertainment and fashion, Festival Place is super convenient if you’re keen to get all of your shopping and entertainment done without having to trek further afield.
Make sure you check out their exciting events calendar to ensure you don’t miss out on their renowned art installations, workshops, fashion showcases and student takeover fun.
SKIZONE
If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly indoor activity, then check out Skizone. You can learn from the pros how to take on challenging pistes from beginner level and beyond on the fully adjustable and revolving ski slopes.
Suitable for all ages, Skizone offers a wide range of packages to help you perfect your technique. Right now, it’s opening hours are somewhat reduced; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10am to 3pm, Mondays and Fridays are between 2pm and 8pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays you can ski from 10am to 6pm.
Do check back for updated opening hours as coronavirus restrictions lift.
CRABTREE PLANTATION AND BLACK DAM PONDS NATURE RESERVE
An oasis of calm and a haven for local wildlife, Crabtree Plantation and Black Dam Ponds Nature Reserve are some of Basingstoke’s most enchanting beauty spots. Nestled in Basingstoke Common and just a half hour’s walk from the station, you can explore luscious woodland, vast stretches of green space and if you’re lucky, spot a kingfisher as you take a stroll through the parks.
Whether you want to recharge in the fresh air, enjoy a family picnic or wander through nature, there’s something for everyone at this tranquil, local spot.
Alternatively, you can tackle the town’s Basing Trail; a 7 mile circular walk that takes in the Crabtree Plantation and Black Dam Ponds Nature Reserve as well as several other scenic sites.
WILLIS MUSEUM AND SAINSBURY GALLERY
Tucked away in the town centre, you will discover unique artefacts from Basingstoke and Deane’s (a small village and part of the same borough council) past at the iconic Willis Museum. The impressive early Victorian building you see today was once the Town Hall and is named after the local antiquarian, clockmaker and former Mayor George Willis.
With its own fascinating past, including its connection to the original Mote Hall where Jane Austen regularly attended dances (there’s a statue of the famous writer outside), the museum is a fine example of the vast heritage found across the UK and away from the major urban centres.
Right now and until July 18th, the adjacent Sainsbury Gallery is hosting an exhibition of iconic artist Henri Matisse’s work with scissors and paper, featuring 35 pieces of lithography and cut-outs. Booking ahead is essential, as it is for simply attending the museum and gallery right now, due to COVID restrictions.
Do check the venue’s opening hours before visiting. Though subject to change, currently the museum and gallery is only open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, between 10am and 4pm.
THE VYNE
The Vyne is so synonymous with Basingstoke that it would be rude not to see it while you’re visiting the town. A ten minute drive north of Basingstoke (or a half hour’s bus journey), in this gorgeous 16th Century Tudor estate and country house you can see incredible stained glass windows and ornate wood carvings, as well as Murano glass and silk wall hangings.
The Vyne has previously played host to Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Jane Austen and others…will you join them?
While exploring the surrounding Morgaston Woods, which encompass a massive 452 hectares, you can try your hand at den building, geocaching and even test your orienteering skills.
Within the ancient woodlands, you can see the traces of history come to life if you know where to look. Try and spot the WWII munitions storage site or the remains of the medieval fishing ponds before visiting the purpose-built bird hide.
Come rain or shine, The Vyne’s jam-packed events calendar and remarkable history and grounds is an unmissable day out.
Whether you want to step back in time or have an action-packed adventure, Basingstoke is a bright, vibrant town where history and modern-day collide. With a range of unmissable, memorable experiences on offer, you’ll want to come back again and again!