A Visitor's Introduction to Basingstoke, Hampshire

Why is Basingstoke Worth a Visit?

Basingstoke is worth visiting for its combination of modern attractions, rich history, and beautiful surroundings. The town is home to the popular Festival Place, one of the largest shopping centres in the region, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. History lovers can explore nearby historic sites such as Basing House, a once-grand Tudor mansion, and The Vyne, a stunning Tudor country house. Basingstoke also offers plenty of green spaces, including Eastrop Park and the nearby North Wessex Downs, providing a peaceful escape from urban life.

With its excellent transport links to London and the surrounding Hampshire countryside, Basingstoke is an ideal base for exploring the region’s cultural and natural attractions.

Basingstoke Highlights: Things to See and Do in Basingstoke

1. Festival Place
Festival Place is the heart of Basingstoke’s town centre and one of the top shopping and entertainment destinations in Hampshire. With over 200 shops, including high-street brands, boutiques, and independent stores, it’s a shopper’s paradise. The centre also offers a wide range of dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants, and features a cinema and health club. Festival Place is the perfect spot for a day of retail therapy, followed by a meal or movie.

2. Milestones Museum
Milestones Museum is a unique, interactive museum that brings the history of Hampshire to life. Visitors can explore recreated streets from the Victorian era through to the 1930s, complete with period shops, vehicles, and everyday objects. The museum’s exhibits include vintage vehicles, old-fashioned sweet shops, and traditional pub settings. With costumed characters, hands-on displays, and plenty of activities for children, Milestones offers a fun and educational experience for all ages.

3. Basing House
Just a short drive from the town centre, Basing House is a fascinating historical site with a rich Tudor past. Once one of the largest private houses in England, Basing House was the residence of the powerful Marquis of Winchester. During the English Civil War, it was besieged and eventually destroyed by Cromwell’s forces. Today, visitors can explore the ruins, discover the surviving buildings, and learn about its history through interactive exhibits. The site also features beautiful gardens and offers stunning views over the surrounding countryside.

4. The Vyne
Located just outside Basingstoke, The Vyne is a National Trust property and one of the best-preserved Tudor houses in the region. Originally built for Lord Sandys, Henry VIII’s Lord Chamberlain, The Vyne boasts impressive architecture, a beautiful chapel, and fine paintings. Visitors can explore the house and its stunning grounds, including woodlands, gardens, and lakes. The Vyne is also home to a fascinating collection of artefacts, including Roman mosaics and Tudor portraits, offering a glimpse into centuries of English history.

5. Eastrop Park
For those looking to enjoy nature within Basingstoke, Eastrop Park is a lovely green space located close to the town centre. The park features a boating lake, play areas for children, and peaceful riverside walks along the River Loddon. It’s a great spot for a family picnic, a leisurely stroll, or a boat ride on the lake during the warmer months. Eastrop Park also hosts occasional events and concerts, adding to its vibrant atmosphere.

6. Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery
Willis Museum, housed in a historic Georgian building, offers a fascinating look at Basingstoke’s history, from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum showcases everything from archaeological finds to Victorian artefacts and local industry displays, including Basingstoke’s famous Thornycroft trucks. The Sainsbury Gallery, part of the museum, hosts rotating exhibitions of contemporary art, photography, and crafts, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. Entry is free, making it a perfect cultural stop for visitors.

7. Jane Austen’s House Museum
Located in the nearby village of Chawton, Jane Austen’s House Museum is a must-visit for literary fans. This charming cottage was the home of the famous author for the last eight years of her life, and it’s where she wrote or revised many of her best-loved novels, including Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. Visitors can explore the rooms where Austen lived, view her personal belongings, and wander through the pretty cottage garden. The museum provides a fascinating insight into her life and work, set in a picturesque village setting.

8. North Wessex Downs AONB
A short drive from Basingstoke, the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers some of the most beautiful countryside in southern England. With rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and picturesque villages, it’s the perfect place for hiking, cycling, or a scenic drive. Popular walking routes include trails around Watership Down, famously depicted in Richard Adams’ novel, as well as walks through Highclere Castle, the real-life setting for Downton Abbey. The North Wessex Downs is an ideal day trip for those looking to escape into nature.

9. Bombay Sapphire Distillery
For those who enjoy a tipple, a visit to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery in nearby Laverstoke Mill is a unique experience. Set in a beautiful historic mill, this world-renowned gin distillery offers guided tours where you can learn about the distillation process, explore the botanical glasshouses, and even create your own cocktail in the bar. It’s a fascinating and immersive way to discover how one of the world’s favourite gins is made, and a perfect afternoon for gin enthusiasts.

10. The Anvil Theatre
The Anvil Theatre is Basingstoke’s premier venue for live performances, hosting a wide range of concerts, plays, comedy shows, and ballet performances throughout the year. Known for its excellent acoustics, The Anvil attracts world-class performers and has a reputation for showcasing both classical and contemporary music. Whether you’re in the mood for a symphony, stand-up comedy, or a family-friendly show, The Anvil offers top-notch entertainment in the heart of Basingstoke.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There:
Basingstoke is well-connected by road and rail, making it easy to reach from London and other major cities. The town lies just off the M3 motorway, with regular train services running from London Waterloo to Basingstoke Station (around 45 minutes). Trains also run frequently to Winchester, Southampton, and Reading, making it a convenient base for exploring the wider Hampshire area. Local buses serve nearby towns and villages.

Parking:
There are numerous parking options in Basingstoke, particularly around the town centre. Festival Place Car Park is centrally located, with ample spaces and easy access to the shops and restaurants. Other car parks include The Malls Car Park and Albert Yard Car Park. Street parking is available, but it can be more limited in busy areas.

Dining:
Basingstoke has a diverse dining scene, with options ranging from casual eateries to fine dining. For traditional pub fare, The Queens Arms is a popular local spot offering hearty British classics. Gabardine Bar serves modern European cuisine in a stylish setting, while The Lime Leaf offers authentic Thai food. For those with a sweet tooth, The Parlour Tea Room is a lovely spot for afternoon tea, complete with homemade cakes and scones. If you’re dining at Festival Place, you’ll find a wide range of restaurants, including Italian, Japanese, and American cuisine.

Shopping:
Shopping in Basingstoke is centred around Festival Place, where you’ll find a variety of high-street brands, independent boutiques, and department stores. The Malls Shopping Centre offers additional retail options, while Top of the Town features more unique and independent shops. For fresh local produce, visit the Basingstoke Market, held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, where you can pick up everything from fresh vegetables to handmade crafts.

When to Visit:
Basingstoke is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild, and the surrounding countryside is in full bloom. This is the ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities in places like Eastrop Park and the North Wessex Downs. Autumn is also beautiful in the surrounding rural areas, with the changing colours making it perfect for walking. Winter offers a quieter experience, with the town’s theatres and shopping centres providing plenty of indoor entertainment.

Local Events:
Basingstoke hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from arts festivals to community celebrations. The Basingstoke Festival, held annually in the summer, features live performances, art exhibitions, and cultural events. Christmas Lights Switch-On in November marks the start of the festive season, with markets, entertainment, and lights illuminating the town centre. The Anvil Theatre also hosts numerous events, including Christmas pantomimes, classical concerts, and comedy nights.

Exploring Beyond Basingstoke:
Basingstoke’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring the wider region. Nearby towns like Winchester, with its historic cathedral and charming streets, and Reading, with its riverside shopping and dining, are just a short train ride away. Stonehenge and the New Forest National Park are also easily accessible for day trips. The South Downs National Park, offering beautiful walking trails and scenic drives, is within reach, as is the picturesque town of Stockbridge, known for its fishing and boutique shops.