Surrounded by beautiful Hampshire countryside and in reaching distance of the capital, Basingstoke has plenty going in its favour. But don’t let these attributes overshadow this vibrant town’s own assets, with all manner of activities on offer here for families, couples, and groups of friends alike. From National Trust estates and the North Wessex Downs, to indoor skydiving and excellent eateries, there are so many things to do near Basingstoke.
So, whether you live local or are stopping in Hampshire’s largest town for a few days, here are some of the top ways to spend your time in the area. And don’t forget, you can get to Basingstoke by train from across the South Western Railway network, including stations like London Waterloo.
Best things to do for couples in Basingstoke
Take to the sky at iFLY Basingstoke Indoor Skydiving
Basingstoke Leisure Park, Euskirchen Way, Basingstoke RG22 6PG
If you’re all about thrills, a session at iFly Basingstoke should be high on the agenda. One of only three centres of its kind in the UK, you’ll get the chance to put gravity to the test thanks to a technologically-advanced wind chamber that suspends visitors meters in mid-air. With the help of a dedicated instructor, you’ll finally get to experience the sensation of flight.
Price: ££
How to get there: the centre is around 30 minutes’ walk from Basingstoke train station, but you could always hop on the number 8 bus directly out front as you arrive. It’ll take you pretty much door to door in less than 10 minutes.
After gravity-defying thrills, a wander at The Vyne is a wonderful way to come back down to earth. This National Trust estate is home to a 16th century Tudor mansion, remodelled in the 17th century to include one of the very first porticos seen in England.
Across the house there are examples of incredible craftsmanship, while you’ll explore the stories of some of its most distinguished guests; Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Jane Austen included. Afterwards, the 13 acres of meadows, woodlands and ponds are the perfect place to get a little lost.
Price: £
How to get there: The Vyne is set alone among uninterrupted countryside, so unless you’re happy walking along the edge of a rural road for an hour, you’ll be best getting a taxi from outside Basingstoke train station. The journey takes around 10 minutes.
All that exploring should have worked up an appetite. Once evening rolls around, get yourselves down to The Olive House – easily one of the town’s most popular food spots.
A rustic front and beam-clad, brick-walled interior gives little away about the menu, so the selection of colourful, fresh Turkish and Mediterranean dishes should come as a pleasant surprise. Take your pick from delicious dips and mezes to start, before picking something from the grill for main, including plenty of veggie options. All in all, this is Basingstoke’s dining scene at its best.
Price: ££
How to get there: the Olive House is right at the heart of town, within eight minutes’ walk of the station.
Best things to do with friends in Basingstoke
Get your skates on at Planet Ice Basingstoke
Planet Ice Arena, Basingstoke Leisure Park, Basingstoke RG22 6PG
Whether you’re a total novice or practically a pro on two blades, there are few things more entertaining than ice skating. A great activity for friend groups of all sizes, Planet Ice Basingstoke’s hockey pitch sized rink is the perfect place to let loose. With skate hire included in the ticket price, sessions run daily and even classes for the beginners, you’ll be gliding around in no time. Just remember to bring some warm clothes!
Price: £
How to get there: as with all the other Basingstoke Leisure Park attractions, you’ll save yourself half an hour’s walk by taking the number 8 bus from outside the train station.
If you’re heading out in the evening with friends, Gabardine Bar is just the place for a tipple or two. Step inside and you’ll immediately feel at home in the arty and casual interior – a suitable match for the colourful cocktails on offer. Those preferring something less sweet can pick from quality wines and local craft beers. Plus, you might even catch a spot of live music if you’re lucky.
Price: ££
How to get there: this cocktail spot is on the town centre’s busy London Street, around 10 minutes’ stroll from the train station.
Best things to do for families in Basingstoke
Be immersed at Milestones Museum
Basingstoke Leisure Park, Churchill Way West, Basingstoke RG22 6PG
Travel back in time with a trip to the Milestones Museum. This exciting family attraction is Hampshire’s dedicated museum of living history, bursting with opportunities for kids to interact with the past. Don’t let the futuristic exterior fool you – once you step inside, the life-size recreation of a Victorian high street will whisk you to an era long since gone. Have a browse around the vintage shops, hop aboard the heritage vehicles, take a stroll along the pier and put some pennies in the arcade machines. An afternoon at Milestones is sure to spark young imaginations.
Price: ££
How to get there: you can walk the distance from the town centre in around half an hour, but the number 8 bus will take you direct from the station to Basingstoke Leisure Park.
Coined as Basingstoke’s biggest and best indoor adventure park, Flip Out is the perfect place to let out some pent-up energy. This indoor play area features a laser quest arena, soft play area and over 50 trampolines-- and the best part is, all ages are welcome. Even better, you can enjoy 22% off family entry when booking train tickets direct with us thanks to SWR Rewards.
Price range: ££
How to get there: Flip Out is conveniently located in the middle of Basingstoke town centre, just a five-minute walk from the train station.
Practice your putt at Knights Realm Adventure Golf
Basingstoke Golf Centre, West Ham Leisure Park, Worting Rd, Basingstoke RG22 6PG
For fun things to do in Basingstoke with kids, it doesn’t get much better than this. At this 18-hole family friendly golf course, you’ll embark on a quest of castles and dragons. Battling it out with one another, you’ll take turns to tackle quirky, medieval-themed obstacles in pursuit of that lucrative hole in one. But with boulders, ponds and sandpits standing in your way, don’t expect victory to come easy! Great for groups and with club and ball hire included, it’s a couple of hours’ entertainment that all ages can enjoy.
Price: £
How to get there: walking to Knights Realm from the station takes 40 minutes, so you’d be best getting the number 8 bus. It parks up by the station doors and gets you to the gates of the golf course in a little over 10 minutes.
Step into history at Basing House
Basing House, The St, Old Basing, Basingstoke RG24 7BH
Whoever said learning can’t be fun? At Basing House, kids’ imaginations will go wild as they explore the estate of the largest private house in Tudor England. The sprawling grounds feature landscaped gardens, pretty meadows, woodlands, and plenty of places to stop for refreshments. The interactive visitor centre and its insightful exhibits help to bring the story of Basing House to life, and don’t forget to call by the Great Barn. Its outside walls still bear the battle scars of the 17th century English Civil War.
Price: £
How to get there: as Basing House is on the outskirts of town, you’ll want to get the bus. Walk on over to Basingstoke bus station and take the 656. After around 25 minutes, hop off outside The Crown pub. The house is then just a minute down the road.
Tuck into a pub lunch at Bartons Mill
Bartons Mill, Bartons Lane, Old Basing, Basingstoke RG24 8AE
What family outing is complete without a hearty pub lunch? The charming Bartons Mill couldn’t be a better pick for it, set in a converted mill on the outskirts of town. The menu’s all about pub classics done well, with delicious sandwiches at lunch and rustic favourites come dinnertime. Once food’s finished, kids can wander down to the bottom of the beer garden and feed the swans and ducks on the lake. And with dogs welcome, you can bring your four-legged friends along too.
Price: ££
How to get there: From Basingstoke bus station, take the number 14 bus and ride for around six minutes. Hop off at the Saxon Way stop and follow the trail through the trees to reach the pub.
Heading into Basingstoke for work or a fun weekend? Leave the car at home and hop aboard South Western Railway’s network instead. We have lots of ticket types to ensure you can get the right train ticket for your trip, including cheaper options when you travel off-peak. Don’t forget, you could save even more if you’re eligible for Railcards and discounts or travelling in a group.
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