38 Things to Do in Basingstoke 123

Basingstoke has a reputation for being a concrete jungle but you may be surprised to discover the town has a rich history dating back to Roman times as well as equally all the attractions you’d expect from a thriving modern town. The charming old architecture is fused with a plethora of restaurants and leisure activities that provide something for everyone. 

Here, we’ve rounded up the best things to do in Basingstoke from cultural highlights to romantic date ideas for two to free adventures that you can enjoy without even denting your bank account. 

Test your mental skills with an escape room

A far cry from your uninspired escape room, Escape Hunt’s Blackbeard’s Treasure Escape Game offers 60 minutes of totally immersive, adrenaline-fuelled fun. The captain of your ship has been killed and with the boat sinking, your only option is to jump ship and take all the treasure in the chest. But disaster strikes when the door is jammed and the clock is ticking - work together to solve mind-bending puzzles and escape the room before your time is up.

Catch a performance at the Anvil

Opened in 1994, the 1400-seater Anvil auditorium is said to have some of the best acoustics in Europe. A major performing arts space, the diverse programme calendar features everything from opera to classical music to stand-up comedians. The largest performing arts organisation in Hampshire, the Anvil exists to empower people of all ages to celebrate and embrace their own creativity.

Visit Hampshire’s museum of living history

Hampshire’s living history museum Milestones is on a mission to bring the past to the present. Across a network of cobbled streets, vintage shops and classic vehicles, the museum housed inside a hangar-like construction showcases Hampshire and Basingstoke in the 19th and mid 20th century. There’s even a replica Victorian pub and school room as well as plenty of live actors in period costumes throughout the site to bring the history to life.  

Browse the shops at Festival Place

Shopaholics don’t fret! Basingstoke has all your shopping desires under one roof at Festival Place. Home to more than 160 big name stores, whether it’s technology, entertainment, fashion or food you’re after, there’s a shop to match your interests. The venue even hosts a series of events for brilliant family days out throughout the year including Christmas markets and food festivals in summer.  

Step into Wonderland with an Escape Room 

Tumble down the Rabbit hole and immerse yourselves in Basingstoke’s very own Alice in Puzzleland escape room. Your task? Save the Mad Hatter from the Queen of Hearts without losing your head. You’ll have 60 minutes to complete a series of unique and challenging puzzles if the Mad Hatter has any chance of being saved. 

Hit the hills at Skizone

Conveniently located in Basingstoke Leisure Park, Skizone provides this Hampshire area with a year-round place for snow sports. Their revolving slope is a safe and highly effective way to learn to ski or brush up on your skills. With a team of experienced instructors on hand, guests can develop from beginner to recreational skier or snowboarder and beyond, ready to hit the alps in person. 

Reach new heights with iFly VR

Basingstoke has thrills on a grand scale with a state-of-the-art virtual reality skydive courtesy of iFly. With two flights per person, you’ll don your specialised VR headset stepping onboard your virtual plane and descending 12,000 feet as you take in fantastic views of a location of your choice. In reality, you’ll be suspended in mid-air by a 120mph stream of air in a flight chamber offering the closest experience to skydiving. 

Bounce around at Flip Out 

Basingstoke’s biggest and best indoor adventure park, Flip Out is the ultimate entertainment perfect for rainy days. Challenge yourself to greater leaps and bounds as you bounce off the walls and fly to new heights. With various packages on offer including unlimited flipping, 60 minute and 120 minute sessions and Flip n Feast combinations, there’s a session waiting for you. 

Delve into the history of The Vyne

Just north of town, the 17th-century family house The Vyne will make you feel like royalty. Stepping over the threshold, you can marvel at jewel-like Tudor stained glass windows, an Ancient Ring said to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings and displays of Stanley Spencer’s sketches. Surrounded by scenic landscape, you can also explore the sprawling gardens and purpose-built bird hide. 

Uncover the ruins of Basing House

One of Tudor England’s largest and richest palaces, Basing House has a multitude of amazing stories to unearth including the long-list of people the house has played host to such as Queen Mary I and Elizabeth I. Explore the ruins and imagine what the house would’ve looked like, visit the battle-scarred Great Barn and learn all about its history in the museum. If the weather is glorious, be sure to stop by the Jacobean walled garden to soak up its haven of tranquility. 

Get the family together for a sky-high adventure

Basingstoke has an ample amount of fun family days out, most notably iFly who offer 10 flights to be shared between a group of up to five. A wind tunnel sends a powerful blast upwards, giving you the closest sensation to freefall without having to jump out of a plane. With clear tunnel walls, you can be sure to snap some great souvenir pics of your Basingstoke adventure for the family photo album.  

Be fascinated by the exhibits at the Willis Museum

Housed in what was once Basingstoke’s Town Hall, the Willis Museum tracks the town’s past from the rich archaeological heritage right up to modern day. Fronted by a bronze statue of Jane Austen, highlights include stunning exhibitions in The Sainsbury Gallery, the world’s oldest wedding cake and even a hair from the mane of the 1st Duke of Wellington’s horse at Waterloo, Copenhagen. 

Have a spa day at Hampshire Court Hotel

If all the excitement of touring Basingstoke gets too much, take a break to chill out and indulge in some serious pamper time at the 4* Hampshire Court Hotel & Spa. Featuring two stunning pools, a sauna and steam room, there’s a myriad of leisure facilities to help you sink into relaxation. Plus with seven treatment rooms on offer, you can cater to your body’s needs with a facial, massage, Elemis ritual or more.

Embark on a gin-infused journey of discovery

Take a deep dive into Britain’s favourite tipple of gin at Basingstoke’s award-winning Gorilla Spirits. Learn the art of distillation from the experts, going on a behind-the-scenes tour with plenty of G&T tasting along the way before creating your own bespoke gin using a copper pot still. With a finished bottle to take home as a souvenir of your trip, this is a great spirit-infused adventure for gin enthusiasts. 

Watch a game of ice-hockey

The Basingstoke Bison are the town’s ice hockey club, who currently compete in the NIHL National League. With their home arena Planet Ice Silverdome located in the Basingstoke Leisure Park, it’s definitely worth timing your visit with one of their home games. The atmosphere during a match is truly electric and it’s highly entertaining, whether you’ve never been to an ice hockey game before or you’re dedicated fans of the sport.

Things to do on a date

Looking to head on a couples getaway or day trip? Basingstoke is brimming with unique and romantic things to do on a date. Here are a few of our favourite ideas from the action-packed to the flavour-filled. 

Indulge in a sparkling afternoon tea 

Add a little class to your date in Basingstoke with a sparkling afternoon tea at the 18th century Georgian manor Oakley Hall Country House Hotel. Surrounded by 315 landscaped acres, take your seats in the two-AA Rosette Glasshouse restaurant as you enjoy a fresh and homemade selection of sweet and savoury treats. Pair your fantastic food with a glass of Champagne each as well as tea or coffee as you make the most of some quality time together.

Take a ceramics class together

One for the crafty couple. Encouraging individual expression, The Ceramics Café is here to help you create something that is uniquely yours. Starting with a plain blank shape, you can each paint on your design using ceramic paints and it’ll be fired in the kiln for you. The end result is something that can take pride of place in your own home, serving as a memory of your wonderful trip to Basingstoke together. 

Go for a traditional cinema date at Odeon 

When it comes to date ideas, you really can’t go wrong with the cinema. With 10 screens of film magic, all screening stunning RealD 3D, Odeon Basingstoke is the perfect place for your movie night. Treat yourself to a superior comfort experience with premier seats, stock up on cinema snacks and catch the movie you’ve been talking about seeing for weeks. 

Go bowling at Hollywood Bowl 

If a bit of friendly competition is more up your dating alley, then Basingstoke’s Hollywood Bowl has it covered. There’s 26 top-quality lanes awaiting alongside fantastic food and drink deals in the on-site American-style diner and atmospheric bar. Once you’ve finished bowling, why not keep the competition going in the exciting amusement area?  

Hit a hole-in-one of a date at Basingstoke Golf Centre

Basingstoke Golf Centre is not your run-of-the-mill golf course. Overlooking excellent landscaping and scenic surroundings, the 9-hole miniature golfing course has large greens and simple but adult standard holes to challenge players. If a regular game of golf is more your speed, there’s even a driving range and putting green the two of you can go all out on. 

Cook a romantic dinner with ingredients from the Basingstoke Market

If there’s nothing you like more than cooking up a feast together, make sure you visit the Basingstoke Market. With a wide array of stalls on offer, you can find locally produced fruit and vegetables, meats, cheese, fresh seafood and so much more. There’s also artisan bakery stalls with decadent cakes and crêpes if you want to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Spend a night at the Oakley Hall Hotel

Couples’ nights away don’t get much better than the accommodation offered at Oakley Hall Hotel. From crisp Egyptian cotton linens to beautiful views to oversized bathtubs, all of the 50 bedrooms have a touch of luxury. With various packages on offer including those with dinner and breakfast, the hard choice will be deciding which to go for. 

Hire a rowboat down Galleon Marine 

The best and most romantic way to explore Basingstoke Canal, Galleon Marine offers rowboats, kayaks and open canoes that can be rented by the hour. The canal is one of the most user friendly in the UK and features plenty of moorings and pubs along the way. The Galleon Marine site even has a picnic garden and small kiosk to purchase refreshments ahead of your nautical adventure together. 

Go on a Hidden Britain Tour

For the more curious-minded couples, the Hidden Britain Tours will allow you to learn new things whilst spending quality time with each other. Themes vary from Jane Austen’s Dancing Years to Downton Abbey and Watership Down to Hidden Hampshire. Led by friendly and knowledgeable guides, this ticks all the boxes for a fantastic day out together. 

Race each other go-karting 

A heart-racing go-karting adventure can provide the perfect romantic activity to do together. Put a 270cc GT5 kart through its paces as you speed around tight corners and test their limits on two 50 metre straights. With Arrive and Drive sessions as well as endurance and team races available, Absolutely Karting has it all. 

Enjoy a romantic meal out together

Take your meal out together up a notch by dining at Basingstoke’s Michelin starred Hoddington Arms. Family-run, this wonderfully atmospheric former barn has plenty of rustic character to match your expertly created pub dishes that are packed full of flavour. Another popular choice with the town’s residents is The Gamekeepers. Expect a warm and welcome ambience with a selection of fresh and delicious food. 

Toast to your evening with a cocktail night at Duck & Tipple

In the heart of Basingstoke, Duck & Tipple are the perfect hosts for your cocktail night. With a huge array of options that will satisfy the hunger, make sure to leave room for a boozy cocktail or two. The drinks menu features equally classic cocktails like Pornstar and Espresso Martinis as well as premium cocktails like a Ducking Good Time and a Tipple. If you’re there during the day, there’s also an extensive selection of coffees to relish.  

Laugh the time away together with a comedy night

Looking for a date that will stand out from the crowd? That’s where Apollo Hotel’s comedy night comes in. Offering the best stand-up comedy in Basingstoke, the hotel’s Laughter-House is a regular sell-out event. The shows tend to start at 8pm with top comedy acts from around the UK with a talented MC to keep things running smoothly. 

Mix, shake and blend your way to the perfect date 

My Cocktail Masterclass has been keeping couples entertained with their engaging cocktail masterclasses. Your dedicated bartender is there to answer any questions and help you learn how to make your favourite cocktails, whether it be Martinis or Cosmopolitans. The end result is a new set of skills that you can use to wow your loved ones on multiple occasions.  

Start the day right with a bottomless brunch at Las Iguanas 

Offering a slice of Latin life, you can start the day in style at Las Iguanas with a brunch featuring sizzling Latin American dishes like nachos, breakfast burritos and enchiladas. With 90 minutes slots available every day, you can go bottomless and enjoy unlimited prosecco, corona or even cocktails. 

Free adventures

The best thing about Basingstoke is you don’t have to spend a large amount of money to keep everyone entertained. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite free things to do that are definitely worth checking out while you’re in town. 

• Picnic in the award-winning Eastrop Park. Multi Green Flag award-winning, Eastrop Park is not your average park. With the River Loddon flowing through its centre, Eastrop is home to a boating lake, tree trail, children’s play area and paddling pool. In the summer months, there’s even a crazy golf course. 
• Meander the paths of Crabtree Plantation. A vast area, Crabtree Plantation’s former status is still evident at the grand Neoclassic gateway The Bolton Arch, once serving as the entrance to the park. A myriad of oak, sycamore, ash and horse chestnut woodland, a network of paths lead to an array of natural discoveries. 
•  Immerse yourself in nature at The War Memorial Park. A historic Georgian park, The War Memorial Park has a myriad of garden features including a bandstand, play area, sports pitches and tennis courts. The park also hosts multiple events throughout the year such as a funfair. 
• Spot the wildlife at Black Dam Ponds. An idyllic place to while away an afternoon, Black Dam Ponds offers a slice of traditional English countryside and walking paths for families. Bring along some bread to feed the ducks and see how many swans you can spot swimming along. 

• Discover Basingstoke’s Heritage Trial. Once an important coaching staging post, Basingstoke’s London Street is now pedestrianised. You can pick up a leaflet in the Town Hall and learn all about Basingstoke in Tudor England. While you wander through the streets, keep an eye out for Heritage Information boards highlighting points of historical interest nearby.  
• Paddle in a stream at Piggy Dam in Old Basing. If the weather is set to be glorious you’ll want to make a beeline for Piggy Dam. A popular location for paddling, the dam in Old Basing even has a rope swing across the stream. 
• Build a den. Fun for both big and little kids alike, the Vyne Woods is the perfect place to make your own fun. Build a den using the vast open spaces or simply play in dens previously created by other visitors. 
• Channel your inner motorhead. One of the town’s most popular events, the Festival of Transport takes place annually in the War Memorial Park. The free day out stars hundreds of vehicles ranging from classic to vintage to fire engines and military trucks. 

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a licence to canoe on Basingstoke Canal?

Yes, anyone wishing to use the canal will need a licence issued by the Basingstoke Canal Authority. The prices vary depending on the size of your boat but can cover a day, week or annual timeframe. Members of British Canoeing are allowed to use the Basingstoke Canal but must be able to present their membership card on request. 

What is Basingstoke famous for?

Basingstoke has become an important economic centre in the UK housing the headquarters of many famous brands like Motorola and De La Rue. The town is also well-known for its array of attractions including The Willis Museum and shopping scene.