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.