Basingstoke campsites

Situated in the north east of Hampshire, Basingstoke has grown into a fast paced town that thrives on good entertainment. From indoor skydiving to great museums, this is a town that can hit the spot for a variety of visitor interests.

Originally a market town, the centre of Basingstoke maintains a time capsule appearance, but as you move outwards modern activities and entertainment offer all you could wish for.

Milestones Museum of Living History is a chance to step back in time, with a range of fascinating displays, a 1940s sweet shop where kids can try the old favourites, historic cobbled streets and vintage vehicles.

The Willis Museum delves even further into local history with displays such as the oldest wedding cake in the world, and it’s a great choice for drizzly days.

For action seekers, there’s Airkix indoor skydiving, indoor skiing and snowboarding to get the adrenaline going. Afterwards get some more traditional exercise in Millfield Nature Reserve and nearby Wellington Country Park.

Love to shop? Basingstoke has two world class shopping centres, Festival Place and Broad Street Mall, with all the biggest brands across several floors and shoppers will happily spend hours there.

When the sun sets a variety of theatre shows come into their element at the Anvil, or you might like to plan a night on the town. Start at the Sun Inn for great gastropub grub and then burn it off by chuckling at the Comedy Club. Round the evening off with some delicious cocktails at one of the hip bars crowded on London Street.

Heading a little further out of town, just down the canal from Basingstoke, is Galleon Marine where narrowboats, kayaks, rowing boats and canoes can be hired for fun on the water.

The Vyne, an intriguing National Trust property is full of hidden gems, from its Tudor house, to secret picnic areas in the gardens and a rooftop walkway.

Basing House allows history lovers to set foot on the remains of what was once a significant Tudor palace and castle.  Re-enactments are often held on the stone remains themselves, to show how the house played a critical part in an English Civil War battle.

Families will want to reserve a day for Manydown Family Fun, which has enticing play area for kids and the chance to ride in tractors cuddle the animals till their heart’s content.

In addition, for those willing to travel further out, Marwell Zoo is situated around half an hour by car from the town, perfect for a day trip.

After a while in the town’s urban haven, head back to the countryside for a refreshing change and wander through the Surrey Hills AONB, less than an hour by car from Basingstoke.