Basingstoke Travel Guide
Get ready to enjoy Basingstoke with our comprehensive travel guide. Find things to do, places to stay, food and drink recommendations, hiking and biking routes, and much more.
- Introduction to Basingstoke
- List of Places to Visit in Basingstoke
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Basingstoke
- Best Things to Do in Basingstoke: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Basingstoke
- Food and Drink Scene of Basingstoke
- Where to Stay in Basingstoke: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Basingstoke: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Basingstoke
- Best Time to Visit Basingstoke
- Do’s and Don’ts of Basingstoke
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Basingstoke: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Basingstoke
- Where to Go Next from Basingstoke: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Basingstoke
Basingstoke, located in the county of Hampshire, is a beautiful town in South East England. It has a long history dating back to the Roman period, and that has helped shape its identity. It is a town that has recently undergone significant modernization, and now offers visitors a blend of rich history, excellent dining experiences, shopping, and entertainment, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking an authentic British experience. In this guide, we will highlight all the popular places to visit, things to do, and offer insider tips to help you make the most of your time in Basingstoke.
List of Places to Visit in Basingstoke
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums, Galleries, and Historical Places
- Willis Museum
- Basing House
- Milestones Museum
- The Vyne
- Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre
- Jane Austen’s House Museum
Natural Attractions of Basingstoke: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Basingstoke Canal
- Manydown Family Fun
- The War Memorial Park
- Odiham Castle
- Wellington Country Park
Hiking/Biking Routes of Basingstoke
- The Wayfarer’s Walk
- The Basingstoke Canal Towpath
- The Southwood Woodland Trail
- Basingstoke Green Loop
Best Things to Do in Basingstoke: Activities and Tours
- Festival Place Shopping Centre
- The Anvil Theatre
- Vue Cinema
- Basingstoke Sports Centre
- Planet Ice
Week-Long Itinerary for Basingstoke
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Visit Willis Museum and Basing House |
| Day 2 | Take a hike along the Wayfarer’s Walk or the Basingstoke Canal |
| Day 3 | Visit the Vyne and Jane Austen’s House Museum |
| Day 4 | Go shopping at Festival Place and watch a movie at Vue Cinema |
| Day 5 | Spend a day at Wellington Country Park or Odiham Castle |
| Day 6 | Spend the day at the Milestones Museum and Silchester Amphitheatre |
| Day 7 | End your trip with a show at the Anvil Theatre |
Food and Drink Scene of Basingstoke
Must-Try Dishes
- Balti House Chicken Tikka Masala
- Farmer Giles Sausage and Mash
- The Royal Oak’s Fish and Chips
- Basmati Bhavan Baingan Bharta
Local Beverages
- Hampshire Beer
- Hambledon Vineyard English Sparkling Wine
- Loddon Brewery’s Hocus Pocus Cider
Where to Stay in Basingstoke: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- The Red Lion Hotel
- Crowne Plaza Basingstoke
- The Basingstoke Hotel
- Apollo Hotel
What to Buy in Basingstoke: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Hampshire Jam and Chutney
- English Tea Co.’s Classic English Tea
- Basingstoke Souvenir Magnet
Local Culture and Customs of Basingstoke
- Greeting people with a “good morning” or “good afternoon” is common courtesy.
- Always say “please” and “thank you” when making requests or receiving things.
- Tipping is expected in restaurants.
Best Time to Visit Basingstoke
The best time to visit Basingstoke is during the summer months, between June and August. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and most tourist attractions are open. Additionally, there are many events and festivals held during this time, offering visitors many things to do and enjoy.
Do’s and Don’ts of Basingstoke
Do:
- Always carry cash, as some places may not accept credit or debit cards.
- Try the local food and drink.
- Take a guided tour of Basingstoke.
Don’t:
- Litter on the streets or in tourist places like parks and museums.
- Insult or mock the local culture and customs.
Safety and Health
Safety in Basingstoke
Generally, Basingstoke is a safe town for travelers. However, it’s always best to take common sense precautions like:
- Avoiding unlit streets at night
- Not carrying valuables in open view
Health in Basingstoke
Hospitals in Basingstoke have excellent facilities with well-trained staff. Travelers should carry personal medications when visiting Basingstoke.
Getting to Basingstoke: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Basingstoke
- Heathrow Airport - 56 km
- Southampton Airport - 48 km
Bus Stations Near Basingstoke
- Basingstoke Bus Station
- Festival Place Bus Station
Other Options
- Train
- Taxi
How to Get Around in Basingstoke
- Bus
- Train
- Taxi
Where to Go Next from Basingstoke: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Winchester
- Southampton
- Reading
- London
Conclusion
We hope this guide has inspired you to explore Basingstoke. From its rich history and cultural events, to its natural beauty, excellent dining, and shopping, Basingstoke has something for everyone. Don’t forget to take advantage of all the outdoor adventures, scenic views, and hiking and biking trails that this beautiful town has to offer. Happy travels!
