16 Best & Fun Things to Do in Basingstoke

Basingstoke is a picturesque town nestled in the heart of Hampshire, England. The city offers a lovely blend of heritage, culture, and scenic beauty. With its rich heritage, vibrant arts scene, and stunning surroundings, Basingstoke is a haven for visitors seeking an unforgettable experience.

Tourists flock to the city every year to experience its appealing features, therefore, making the city a year-round getaway.

Basingstoke is so fascinating with tons of things to do which might make you as a visitor prolong your vacation by two or more three days.

In this blog post, we’ll unveil the top captivating fun things to do in Basingstoke, ensuring you make the most of your visit and create lasting memories.

Things to do in Basingstoke

1 Explore Milestones Museum

Step into the past at Milestones Museum, an open-air living history museum that takes you on a journey through time. With its meticulously recreated streets and immersive exhibits, you can discover Basingstoke’s fascinating history and experience life as it was in the past.

Each building within Milestones is filled with exhibits showcasing different aspects of daily life throughout the years.

Hop aboard the vintage tram and take a ride through the streets of Milestones Museum. Experience the nostalgia as you travel in style, accompanied by the clanging of the bell and the rumble of the wheels. It’s a delightful way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a bygone era.

2 Wander Through the Historic Willis Museum

Located in the heart of Basingstoke, the Willis Museum houses an impressive collection of local artifacts and exhibits. Take a stroll through the museum’s galleries and uncover the stories that shaped the town’s heritage.

For those with a keen interest in local history, the Willis Museum acts as a valuable resource center. It houses an extensive collection of archives, documents, and reference materials that can be accessed for research purposes.

Whether you’re a student, a genealogist, or a history enthusiast, the museum’s research facilities can help uncover hidden gems about Basingstoke’s past.

3 Discover Jane Austen’s Roots

Visit the charming village of Steventon, just outside Basingstoke, where Jane Austen was born and spent the first 25 years of her life. Explore the Jane Austen Trail, which leads you through the places that influenced her writing and gain insights into the world of one of England’s most beloved authors.

4 Visit Eastrop Park

Escape the hustle and bustle of the town by spending a day at Eastrop Park. The Park is located southeast of the town center on the River Loddon, which is a tributary of the River Thames. With its serene lake, picturesque walking trails, and delightful wildlife, it’s the perfect place to relax, have a picnic, or enjoy a boat ride.

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5 Things to do in Basingstoke: Unwind at The Vyne

Step back in time to The Vyne, a magnificent Tudor mansion surrounded by breathtaking gardens and woodlands. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, The Vyne offers idyllic lakeside walks that allow visitors to soak in the peaceful ambiance and enjoy breathtaking views.

Meander along the tranquil waters, observe the local wildlife and appreciate the serene harmony between the mansion and its natural surroundings. Also, birdwatchers will particularly appreciate the opportunity to spot a variety of species within this picturesque setting.

Take a guided tour of the house, explore the extensive grounds, and appreciate the serene beauty of this National Trust property.

6 Enjoy a Performance at The Anvil

For a dose of culture, head to The Anvil, a world-class performing arts venue in Basingstoke. Catch a captivating play, a mesmerizing musical performance, or a thought-provoking art exhibition, showcasing local and international talent.

The venue offers a selection of dining options, including restaurants and bars, where you can savor delicious meals or enjoy a refreshing drink before the performance. It’s the perfect way to make your evening at The Anvil even more memorable.

7 Indulge in Retail Therapy at Festival Place

If shopping is your passion, Festival Place is a must-visit destination.  The Festival place contains more than 20 delectable restaurants, including BrewDog, Côte Brasserie, Las Iguanas, Ask Italian, Pizza Express, Wagamama, Pret, Five Guys, and Nando’s, as well as a 10-screen Vue multiplex theater.

With over 200 stores, a variety of dining options, and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to satisfy your retail cravings.

8 Things to do in Basingstoke: Visit the Basing House Ruins

Discover the remains of Basing House, a once-mighty Tudor palace that was destroyed during the English Civil War. Today, the ruins of Basing House serve as a popular historical attraction.

Visitors can explore the remains of the once-grand Tudor palace, including the great barn, kitchen, and other sections of the building. The site offers a glimpse into the past and provides historical information through exhibits and displays.

9 Experience the Thrills of Indoor Skydiving

Have you ever dreamed of flying like a superhero? at the iFLY, your dream will come to reality as you experience the feeling of freefall as you float on a smooth cushion of air.

There’s no parachute, no jumping, nothing attaching you to planet Earth, and you can learn to fly your body in a safe environment. 
Air will be thrusted up through the tunnel allowing you to hover.  The air feels the same as jumping out of a plane and being in freefall. Enjoy the sensation of freefalling in a safe and controlled environment.

iFly should be on your list of things to do in Basingstoke as it is one of the unforgettable experiences that will never be forgotten so quickly in Basingstoke.

10 Embark on a Canal Boat Cruise

The Basingstoke Canal Society is a registered charity that owns two passenger boats providing pleasure trips on the Basingstoke Canal.

Cruise along the Basingstoke Canal and soak in the tranquility of the surrounding countryside. Enjoy the picturesque scenery, spot wildlife, and relax as you glide through the peaceful waters.

11 Attend a Performance at The Haymarket

Immerse yourself in the local arts scene by catching a show at The Haymarket, Basingstoke’s premier theater. From captivating plays to hilarious comedy acts, The Haymarket offers a diverse program of entertainment.

The venue hosts a diverse range of performances throughout the year, featuring both local talent and national/international acts.

The Haymarket is known for its diverse programming, which includes a variety of genres such as drama, music, dance, and family-friendly performances. It has also hosted touring productions of popular shows and musicals.

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12 Watch a game of Ice-hockey

The Basingstoke Bison are the town’s ice hockey club, which currently competes in the NIHL National League.

With their home arena Planet Ice Silverdome located in the Basingstoke Leisure Park, it’s definitely worth timing your visit with one of their home games.

The atmosphere during a match is truly electric and it’s highly entertaining, whether you’ve never been to an ice hockey game before or you’re dedicated fans of the sport.

13 Ceramics Cafe Basingstoke

The Ceramics Cafe in Basingstoke is a creative and recreational venue where visitors can enjoy painting their own pottery. It provides a unique and interactive experience for people of all ages to unleash their artistic side and create personalized ceramic pieces.

At the Ceramics Cafe, visitors can choose from a wide selection of unpainted pottery items such as mugs, plates, figurines, and more.

The cafe is a great place to visit for a fun outing with family, and friends, or even for creative solo activity. It’s a popular choice for birthday parties, team-building events, or simply to spend a relaxing and enjoyable time expressing your creativity.

14 Things to do in Basingstoke: Visit Basingstoke Golf Centre

One of the best thrilling things to do in Basingstoke for golf lovers is to visit Basingstoke Golf Center. The Golf Centre offers a 9 holes miniature golfing course with excellent landscaping and scenic surroundings, every bit the proper game in miniature.

The course is designed to cater to both beginners and experienced golfers, with a variety of holes that require different strategies and skills. Additionally, there is a driving range where golfers can practice their swings and work on their technique.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced player aiming to refine your skills, the golf center can provide tailored instruction to help you improve your game.

15 Things to do in Basingstoke: Visit Basingstoke Aquadrome

The Basingstoke Aquadrome is the most highly suggested place to take your kids to Basingstoke if you’re looking for places for them to have fun.

Every child will be captivated by the abundance of watersports activities at the Basingstoke Aquadrome, which range from a water splash to a pool and park. Children will also be surprised as they get to interact with other amusing and compatible children.

16 Heaven’s Kitchen Alton

On our last list of fun things to do in Basingstoke is to sample delicious meals at Heaven’s Kitchen Alton. Located at 13-15 Normandy St, Alton.

The restaurant is dedicated to providing exceptional, locally sourced food and quality service using quality regional ingredients to deliver exciting and delicious menus with perfectly paired drinks.

Heaven’s Kitchen Alton should be your first choice if you’re looking for the best place in Basingstoke to sample a wide selection of locally sourced cuisine.

Best Time to Visit Basingstoke

According to travelers, the best and busiest month for tourist visits in Basingstoke, United Kingdom is July, followed by September and August.