This is a collaborative post
Tucked away in the heart of Hampshire, you’ll discover the ancient market town of Basingstoke. With a rich heritage dating as far back to Roman times and beyond, you’ll find a number of fascinating attractions and shopping experiences, all before making a stop at one of its renowned pavement cafés.
Whether you’re interested in the arts, like to wander around historical sites, or are a bit of an adventurer, you’ll find plenty of excuses to make a trip to this wonderful town.
Want to know more? We’ve compiled 8 reasons why Basingstoke should be on your radar.
Home to the Willis Museum & Sainsbury Gallery
Nestled right in the heart of “Old Basingstoke,” the Willis Museum & Sainsbury Gallery welcomes you to explore Basingstoke and Deane’s remarkable past, from its Neolithic roots right up to the modern day.
Built on the grounds of the original Mote Hall – where Jane Austen attended dances, the whole family can take part in a range of workshops, events and activities throughout the year.
Make sure you have a wander through the Sainsbury Gallery while you’re there to see fine art pieces and exhibitions to make your jaw drop.
You can make your escape!
Ever since the world’s first escape room opened its doors in Japan back in 2007, the concept has turned into a global phenomenon. You can play the detective, crack seemingly impossible puzzles, and uncover mysteries all within 60 minutes. The catch? You’re “locked” in a room with your team, until you beat the game or your time is up!
Exciting Escapes is home to Basingstoke’s own top rated escape room experience. Offering seven fully immersive, challenging and interactive unique stories to choose from, you can test your mettle and see if you have what it takes to make your escape.
From preventing the Cold War to uncovering an illicit gambling ring, you can journey through the decades all under one roof. Where will your next adventure take you?
A shopping experience like no other
If you fancy a spot of retail therapy, want to check out the latest Hollywood blockbuster, or fancy a bite to eat, Basingstoke’s vibrant shopping experience awaits you at Festival Palace. With over 140 big brand stores from H&M to Lush Cosmetics, Apple to Flying Tiger, you’ll find everything you need and more all under one roof.
Check out Festival Palace’s events calendar to make sure you don’t miss out on their exciting programme throughout the year including art installations, live action displays of all your favourite cartoon friends, music and more.
Take a step back in time
Milestones Museum is Hampshire’s renowned museum of living history. You can explore authentic cobbled streets, discover how people used to live, and sit in a replica Victorian schoolroom.
Your trip through Hampshire’s colourful past will take you as far back as the Victorian era before you make a whistle stop tour through the rise of the motor vehicle and have a go in the penny arcade. With a 1940s style sweet shop on site, the whole family will enjoy choosing from all the retro sweets available at the time.
Make sure to have a stop at the working pub, see the working print press in action and don’t forget to get suited and booted in the museum’s wonderful costume parlour! Catering for all ages, there really is something for everyone to enjoy ay Milestones.
Enjoy live music at the iconic Anvil
Not only is The Anvil shaped exactly by its namesake, but is one of Hampshire’s most iconic live music venues. Offering a wide range of entertainment including pop concerts, stand-up comedy, theatre, panto, ballet & opera and more, there is something for all tastes and ages to enjoy.
“A regional venue worth the journey” according to The Times, this notable concert hall has seen everyone from Boy George to Barbara Windsor, Lee Evans to Rufus Wainwright take to the stage over the years.
Check out The Anvil’s impressive events calendar to ensure your ticket for this season’s hottest performers.
Discover ancient woodland
The Vyne is one of those “must-see” attractions that should be on everyone’s bucket list! A former Tudor palace, adventurers young and old can explore the ancient woodland of Morgaston Woods, and amble past a six hundred year old oak tree on your travels.
Discover traces of history from the medieval fish ponds to the WWII munitions bunker. All before you try your hand at orienteering, have a glimpse of the rare wildlife species living in the wetlands or build your own den!
While there, you can step through the ages and follow in the steps of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn who visited the house in 1535. All before making your way down to the Tudor chapel and setting your eyes on the fascinating Victorian era Saloon.
You can take to the slopes
Whether you want to try out a new activity, have a taste for high-action sports or want to perfect your skiing skills, Basingstoke’s Ski Zone offers a whole range of sessions that cater for all abilities and ages.
The slope surface itself is made from an astro-turf carpet that replicates that all important authentic piste action, that is fully adjustable and can even revolve! With a fully qualified instructor on hand to offer helpful tips and guide you through your lesson, you’ll perfect your technique in no time!
Get lost in nature
If you fancy some fresh air and a chance to step away from the hubbub of daily life, take a stroll through Black Dam Ponds and the Crabtree Plantation. There you will discover rare wildlife as you walk by the stunning Nature Reserve, investigate water habitats and find a sense of tranquility as you wander through the woodland.
With vast open spaces to explore, a range of activity parks for children to enjoy and ample picnic opportunities, you can find your own slice of heaven in this scenic spot.
Basingstoke is a town bursting with a rich historical heritage that you can still see remnants of today. Whether you want to discover hidden secrets, take a stroll through time or let your hair down at a live music event, Basingstoke deserves to be on your radar!
Leave a Reply