10 Best Things To Do In Basingstoke, England

1. Live like a lord at The Vyne

A Lord’s home built in the 16th century, this country escape will make you feel like royalty. With a Tudor chapel, stained glass, surrounding woodland walkways, and impressive restoration projects, this home will enchant you. Tickets are around 10 GBP (12.80 USD) per adult.

The Vyne

Address: Vyne Rd, Sherborne St John, Basingstoke RG24 9HL, UK

Website: The Vyne

2. Enjoy a walk in Eastrop Park

Looking for adventure? Take a tour of Eastrop Park housing such fun as a boating lake, tree trail, trim trail, children’s area, and paddling pool. You can even walk down to the balancing pond, where wildlife is present for photographing. Especially during the summer, this park hosts a myriad of events for you to explore.

Eastrop Park

Address: Eastrop Ln, Basingstoke RG21, UK

Website: Eastrop Park

3. Archaeology and beyond at the Willis Museum

Want to explore the archaeology of the area, with exhibits on the past and present of Basingstoke? Even better – want to do it for free? Look no further than the Willis Museum, a Hampshire Cultural Trust site with all the history of the area professionally curated. Not a history buff? The art exhibits on print-making and historic artists should further entice you.

Willis Museum

Address: Market Place RG21 7QD Basingstoke

Website: Willis Museum

4. Meander the paths of Crabtree Plantation

Originally part of a larger estate, the historical significance of this site is still evident to the eye. Stop by the Bolton Arch, the original entrance to Crabtree. Follow the path to explore a range of formal and informal footpaths lined with oak, chestnut, sycamore, and ash trees. Even better – come to chase the butterflies that frequent this plantation.

Crabtree Plantation

Address: Basingstoke RG24 7HB, UK

Website: Crabtree Plantation

5. Spot the swans at Black Dam Ponds

Meander by the ponds after your stroll in Crabtree Plantation. Bring some stale bread to feed the ducks, and enjoy the traditional English countryside. With sensible walking paths for families and peaceful surroundings, it’s the ideal way to have a leisurely afternoon.

Black Dam Ponds

Address: Black Dam Way, Basingstoke RG21 3QR, England

Website: Black Dam Ponds

6. Enjoy a day of history at the Milestones Museum

Want to time travel without all the fuss? Hop into the Milestones Museum – a replica of a historic past. With streets to wander, a 1940s sweet shop to taste-test, pints to drink, and other adventures, this is the perfect place for a visit. You can see the way we used to live almost 100 years ago, and realize how much our lives have changed.

Milestones Museum

Address: Leisure Park, Churchill Way West RG22 6PG Basingstoke

Website: Milestones Museum

7. View battle reenactments at Basing House

The ruins of the largest private house in Tudor England are ready for your visit – just swing by Basing House to explore the past. The home was left in a perilous condition at the hands of Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War, but with careful restoration can now tell its story. Visitors in particular love the 17th-century battle reenactments and the exhibits are engaging for everyone of all ages.

Basing House

Address: Barton’s Lane RG24 8AE Basingstoke

Website: Basing House

8. Explore the enormity of Wellington Country Park

There is all kinds of fun to be had at this self-proclaimed enormous park. From the splash zone, the animal farm, the kid’s areas, and the camping areas, making a decision might be trickier than you think. If you’re around during the holidays, this enchanted forest has events for Halloween, Christmas, Easter, and many other special days.

Wellington Country Park

Address: Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road, Riseley, Berkshire, RG7 1SP

Website: Wellington Country Park

9. See what's on at Anvil Arts

Not an outdoors person? Not to worry. Basingstoke is keen to show you its cultural and artistic background as well. Anvil Arts has performances of all kind: choir, orchestra, plays, musicals, kids’ shows, comedians, and more. Nestled into the corner of a quaint street, Anvil Arts is ready to show its stuff, especially during festival seasons where they might parade their finest performers around upfront.

Anvil Arts

Address: The Anvil Trust Ltd, Churchill Way, Basingstoke, RG21 7QR.

Website: Anvil Arts

10. Let your kids explore Manydown Family Fun

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Manydown Family Fun will provide you with a jam-packed afternoon of frolicking with animals, enjoying the sunshine, and exploring the British countryside. The list of things to do is endless including a sheep racing track, tractor trailer rides, animal handling, woodland walk, farmyard animals, inflatable fun, adventure play, trampolines, bale mountain, human rabbit warren, jumping pillow, and the farmers’ retreat cafe. With little furry friends to snuggle and joyous things to explore, why not take off an afternoon at Manydown Family Fun?

Manydown Family Fun

Address: Scrapps Hill Farm, 550 Worting Rd, Basingstoke RG23 8PU, UK

Website: Manydown Family Fun

A place for all ages: Basingstoke will immerse you in culture and whimsy

With historic sites to visit, family-friendly parks and spaces, and museums rich with British history, how could Basingstoke not be on your list for the next cultural destination to visit? Whether you’re traveling with your family, yourself or your friends, there’s so much to discover in this country town of England.