Basingstoke

Basingstoke and Deane

Type:Towns & Villages

Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 7LJ
Basingstoke

About

Basingstoke is not, as is commonly thought, a “new town” - in fact it's an expanded market town with origins that can be traced right back to the Iron Age.

With a rich history and in an excellent location, Basingstoke and Deane offers the perfect blend of a vibrant town and scenic countryside. The town offers a great shopping experience with plenty to explore and is surrounded by characterful rural villages like Whitchurch and Overton, each with their own story to tell.

Places to visit

Basingstoke has a rich variety of cultural and heritage attractions. In the surrounding areas you’ll find the backdrop to Downton Abbey at Highclere Castle, the home of Bombay Sapphire, the UKs oldest working silk mill, Watership Down made famous in Richard Adam’s book of the same name and not forgetting the birthplace of Jane Austen.

Other towns and villages near Basingstoke make this area of north Hampshire ideal for a relaxing short break

Overton (7 miles)

Alton (9 miles)

Fleet (10 miles)

Chawton (10 miles)

 

Things to do in Basingstoke

As for tourist attractions, Basingstoke is well-stocked with shops, restaurants and bars. The Festival Place Shopping Centre is the focal point for most shopaholics, with over 200 stores and 31 different restaurants.

Visit the remains and wander the gardens of Basing House – at one stage the largest private house in England. Today you can see the earthworks of a medieval castle, which predates the house.

See ancient artefacts and modern artwork in the Willis Museum on Market Place.

Visit The Vyne, a 16th-century house and a treasure trove of history - during her lifetime, the acclaimed author Jane Austen often attended dances at the house.

Step back in time at the Milestones Museum, a living history museum made up of a network of streets that recreate the Victorian era and 1930's Hampshire.

Basingstoke Leisure Park is located just outside of Basingstoke town centre and offers a great day out for all the family. You can get your adrenaline fix at iFly Indoor Skydiving, glide along the ice, play a game of bowls, splash about at the Aquadrome, catch a film and lots more.

Find out what's on in Basingstoke this weekend with our guide to events in Hampshire.

Book Tickets

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Basingstoke is about 50 miles south west of London, is easily accessible via the major motorway networks of the M25, M3 and M4 and is well served by public transport.

What's Nearby

  1. Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery

    Discover Basingstoke and Deane’s past, from the rich archaeological heritage beneath our…

    0.17 miles away
  2. Hidden Britain Tours

    Hidden Britain Tours offer three full-day, Hampshire tours, the most popular of which is…

    0.18 miles away
  3. War Memorial Park

    The War Memorial Park is an historic Georgian park which is within walking distance of…

    0.3 miles away
  1. Eastrop Park

    Located just a short walk from Basingstoke town centre, this popular park includes a…

    0.42 miles away
  2. Crabtree Plantation

    This was originally part of the Hackwood Estate. Evidence of the historical significance…

    1.01 miles away
  3. Milestones Museum

    From cobbled streets to a seaside pier, teddy bears, vintage vehicles, an operating pub,…

    1.07 miles away
  4. Basingstoke Leisure Park

    Whether you are looking to spend the day or a quick time out, Basingstoke Leisure Park is…

    1.29 miles away
  5. iFLY

    iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Basingstoke is the perfect destination for a day out with the…

    1.4 miles away
  6. Basing House

    Discover the many stories of Basing House, a nationally important historical site. This…

    1.56 miles away
  7. Manydown Family Fun

    Manydown Family Fun is an amazing day out for all the family! The attraction is open…

    2.68 miles away
  8. The Vyne

    he Vyne is a warm red-bricked Tudor mansion built in the 16th century for Lord Sandys,…

    2.82 miles away
  9. Andwell Brewing Company

    Andwell Brewing Company brewed its first pint in October 2008. Since then, Andwell’s has…

    3.17 miles away
  10. Stratfield Saye House

    Home of the Dukes of Wellington since 1817. Unique collection of paintings, furniture and…

    5.52 miles away
  11. Odiham Castle

    Known locally as ‘King John’s Castle’, Odiham Castle is located within a tranquil site…

    5.67 miles away
  12. Bartley Heath Pottery

    Pottery handmade and decorated stoneware by Lesley and Michael Dixon. Commemorative ware…

    5.71 miles away
  13. Padworth Common

    Wonderful countryside sites, both hosting a wide varierty of plants and animals and…

    7.98 miles away
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