Things to Do

Basingstoke is a great location to explore Hampshire. The county offers visitors miles of idyllic countryside to explore, stretching from the South Downs National Park in the east to the New Forest National Park in the west and the North Wessex Downs in the north of the county. A large number of parks and open spaces can be found in the centre of Basingstoke, such as Eastrop Park, recognised for the past 10 years as one of England and Wales’ best green spaces with a Green Flag award. The River Loddon runs through the park, which also features a boating lake, tree trail and children’s play area, as well as a paddling pool, crazy golf course and wildlife area pond. Visit the Willis Museum to discover the history of Basingstoke and a must-see is the award-winning Milestones, Hampshire’s Living History Museum.

Fernbank Hotel is ideally situated near the centre of Basingstoke and for shopaholics Festival Place is a pleasant few minutes’ walk away and with over 200 stores Festival Place is the ultimate shopping destination.

In addition to year-round activities, Basingstoke benefits from a series of public events including the Transport Festival in May, which features all manner of vintage and classic vehicles from traction engines to motorbikes, the Kite Festival in June and Basingstoke Live, a music festival held in July.  The Mayor’s Fireworks Fiesta in November is a ticketed event, the proceeds of which go to selected charities each year.  Hampshire’s OctoberFest is a celebration of the county’s finest beer and food producers held at Basingstoke Sports and Social Club in Fairfields Road, near the hotel.

When it comes to things to do, the county and surrounds of Hampshire offers a wealth of attractions and events for all the family to discover in its many historic towns, houses, castles, gardens, museums, walks and leisure attractions. Find out more...