Getting enough quality family time is hard to come by these days. With the average UK working week peaking at around 40 hours, it’s easy to see how parents struggle to keep the whole clan entertained each weekend. Throw in the tumultuous past 18 months, and we all need to take a breather, relax and reconnect with our loved ones.
Welcome to Basingstoke. An exciting, vibrant town is full of all the adventure and family experiences you could possibly want. Whether you want to take a stroll through the cobbled streets of an era gone by, grab a bite to eat from some of the best eateries around or discover unique family adventures, it’s all here waiting to be found!
To make your life easier, we’ve rounded up the best activities to do in Basingstoke for the whole family to enjoy:
Come and visit us!
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to uncover “A Royal Scandal” or stop a criminal scheme before it gains traction? Or the dark deeds that went on back on Basingstoke’s streets in the height of the roaring 1920s? Well, now you can find out for yourself in one of our exhilarating games!
Bringing the whole gang together, you and your family can take on our mastermind Games Master and see if you can crack the case all within 60 minutes. Through a series of puzzles, codes and interactive props, you get to play detective, all while putting all of your logic, creativity and imagination to the test.
What’s more, you can raid our costume cupboard or come dressed up to get the full immersive experience. One thing’s for sure; this is an experience you are unlikely to forget that will want you coming back again and again!
All your entertainment
One of Basingstoke’s worst kept secrets is the hubbub of music and cultural activity going on behind the scenes. That’s where our favourite music venues come in, from the landmark titan The Anvil to the historical Haymarket Theatre.
Whether you want to support local performers or catch one of the latest comedy gigs doing the circuit, such as Sarah Millican or Jimmy Carr, then you’ll find that and more in the heart of Basingstoke’s centre.
Then there’s a whole host of activities and events throughout the year to put in your diary, including an extensive Winter pantomime season and several family-friendly showcases such as Julia Donaldson’s the Stick Man.
Getting crafty on the weekends
We love getting creative, and not far from our Basingstoke base, you’ll find the Ceramics Cafe. There you can do your best impression of The Great Pottery Throw Down and learn what it takes to create and fire your own project.
Whether you make your next family heirloom, let the kids do some painting as you get acquainted with the kiln or want to just try something new, you’ll be surprised at the range of activities on offer at this innovative joint!
It’s worth noting that the cafe is only open on Saturdays, so make sure you pre-book! Spaces fill up quickly.
Make a splash!
What better way to see the summer months in than popping into Basingstoke’s iconic Aquadrome. With a range of activities and events throughout the year for the novice swimmer to family-friendly hijinks, there’s a reason why this place has become the local’s favourite over the years.
Everyone from the water baby to the action-adventurer can get their fill of all the water-based fun on offer. You’ll find a variety of flumes, rapids and a splash pool, as well as the main pool to make sure the whole family has a day to remember.
There is also a broad range of lessons available for children and adults alike. So if you need to build your confidence in the water or want to improve your fitness levels, it’s worth checking out.
Turn back the clock
Basingstoke’s very own living history museum Milestones brings history to life in a way like no other. You can explore authentic cobbled streets, sit in a Victorian classroom, see a working printing press in action, and buy a pack of 1940s style rationed sweets. You can see why we like it so much!
While there you can get suited and booted from their Victorian dress-up box, before having a wander through their classic collection of vintage vehicles and sneaking a peek at the Winchester Chesil railway station. Then pop into the penny arcade, and round the day off with a pint at the working pub. Cheers!
Discover Odiham Treasure Hunt Trail
Code cracking, clue busting and teamwork are all things that we love and celebrate here at Exciting Escapes – it comes with the territory after all. In the moments where the whole family needs to embrace the outdoors, Odiham Treasure Hunt Trail is the place to be.
With your trusty treasure map in hand, you will uncover several clues dotted about the town’s statues, signposts and monuments. But make sure you keep your eyes peeled, some are hidden remarkably well in plain sight!
Within the epic tour, you will discover local sights, including the ancient Odiham Castle and the renowned “Bury!” The trail takes about two hours, so perfect for weekend afternoons and school holiday fun.
Time to play
Basingstoke is a hotspot for family fun. You will find The Hidden Realm fantasy playland at The Vyne, a world of soft play at PlayDays and Funhouse and can get your bounce on at the local trampoline park.
Whether your kids want to slide down grassy banks, explore wooden forts or crawl through tunnels and sand, this little town of ours is worth the journey.
Are you ready to make lasting memories and enjoy quality time with the whole family? Well, what are you waiting for? You’ll find the best adventures here in Basingstoke. Let’s play!