You don’t have to know Basingstoke like the back of your hand to take advantage of the fun and interesting things it has on offer. There are loads of things you can do for fun, but only if you know where to look. We’ve done the hard work for you and tracked down the very best things for you to do, so all you need to do is show up!
Skizone
Feeling the need for a little adrenaline? One option is to visit Skizone, Basingstoke’s indoor ski and snowboard slope. Using a fully adjustable astroturf carpet, Skizone is a suitable experience for all ages and abilities.
Unlike conventional slopes, the revolving carpet means that you don’t have to worry about repeatedly taking long trips back to the top. This results in more time on the slope and no wasted time. If you’re new to skiing, this is an excellent way to learn thanks to the fully qualified instructors able to help you correct your technique while you’re still on the slope.
Milestones Museum
Ever wanted to immerse yourself in living history? Taking a trip down to the Milestones Museum is a brilliant way to do it. Here you can fully explore how people used to live. Whether you’re buying sweets from the authentically designed 1940’s sweet shop, visiting the Victorian classroom, or even spending time in the working pub, you’re bound to learn something about times long passed.
There’s plenty of family-friendly events that run throughout the year too, so if you’re looking for something that will entertain the little ones, Milestones has got you covered.
Exciting Escapes
Looking for a group activity that doubles as a mental challenge? Then Exciting Escapes could be the option for you. Escape rooms are tremendous fun for your whole team and offer a wide range of mysteries for you to solve. It’s also a fantastic way to improve your teamwork and hone several other skills.
That’s not all though, with loads of different rooms to choose from you can visit again and again, trying to tackle a new room each time.
Bombay Sapphire Distillery
Just outside of Basingstoke, you’ll find the new Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery. Located in a former Georgian paper mill, this 18th-century building known as Laverstoke Mill is a beautiful and interesting place to visit.
A must for anyone interested in the production of gin, the tour shows you around the grounds and gorgeous greenhouses where they grow the botanicals needed to flavour the gin.
The Anvil
If the arts are more your thing, then feel free to check out The Anvil. Opened in 1994, this performing arts centre is able to seat 1,400 people in its auditorium and has hosted acts like Gary Numan, Sarah Millican, and the Russian State Symphony Orchestra.
Praised for having one of the best acoustics in Europe, The Anvil often hosts a range of artists, including opera singers, dancers, musicals, and even stand-up comedians.
Basingstoke Leisure Park
Sharing the same locale as Skizone and Milestones Museum, the rest of the complex has a lot to offer. The Aquadrome is brilliant for some water-based fun and includes 3 slides, as well as a lagoon area for children. You can also find an indoor skydiving spot by the name of iFLY, an ice skating rink aptly named Planet Ice, and the Basingstoke Golf Centre.
Ultimately, you could easily spend all day in the leisure centre and still not run out of things to do, so if you’re looking for a day full of fun and adventure you’ll have to check out the Basingstoke Leisure Park.
The Vyne
Head north from Basingstoke town and you’ll come across this beautiful 16th-century mansion. Extended during the 17th and 18th century, The Vyne is an exceptional piece of historical architecture. Exploring the house, you’ll find tapestries, paintings and majolica tiles that date back five hundred years. You can even see the Ring of Silvianus, rumoured to have inspired Tolkien’s One Ring.
Fans of nature and wildlife can enjoy their time in the grounds, whether exploring the shadowed woodlands, or the wetland areas which redshanks and swans call home.
Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery
As you approach the Willis Museum, the first thing you may notice is the statue of Jane Austen, unveiled in 2017, on the 200th anniversary of her death. Inside, you’ll find an assortment of quirky items, such as a preserved Victorian wedding cake, pottery fragments, and even some 18th-century tin-glazed delftware.
Onto the Sainsbury Gallery, you’ll come across a rotating exhibition of various art forms. Whether its paintings or pop culture, fashion or photography, you won’t know for sure what’s inside unless you take a look.
Basing House
While on first glimpse it may seem like just another ruin, Basing House actually used to be one of the richest palaces in Tudor England. Originally constructed for William Paulet, (the royal treasurer for Edward VI, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth I,) it was destroyed by a fire in a siege during the English Civil War. Afterwards, many bricks were taken and used to build local homes, but what is left standing is an impressive marker in the long history of England.
These are just some of the amazing things you can do in Basingstoke. If you’re new to the area, or simply here for the day, why not check out some of the amazing things it has to offer. You will not regret it!