Books on a shelf labelled Basingstoke and Deane Library of Local Stories, with spines on the books reading: historical, adventure, drama, romance, mystery and autobiography.

Illustrated books and bookcase including historical, adventure, drama, history and romance. Title along bookshelf Basingstoke and Deane library of local stories.

Create your own story in Basingstoke and Deane

“Every great trip has a story to tell and this English Tourism Week, we’re opening the Basingstoke and Deane library of local stories to help you discover yours.” Basingstoke and Deane offers a harmonious blend of vibrant town centres and the tranquillity of countryside on the doorstep with surrounding characterful rural villages like Whitchurch, Kingsclere, Overton and Oakley, each with their own story to tell. Step into our library of local stories and discover which genre you would like to explore to create your own story in Basingstoke and Deane:

Romance

Write your love story in Basingstoke and Deane. Whether it’s for a few hours, a whole day together, or a romantic weekend, there’s plenty to see and do in Basingstoke and Deane. Take a slow wander through peaceful countryside and along riverside paths, discover historic and hidden gems or share something new and exciting. The perfect backdrop to write your next chapter.

Explore a romance inspired visit →

Romance book end with a photograph of pyggy accommodation at Silchester Farm.

Adventure

Your next adventure starts here! If your next chapter is due some thrill‑filled fun, then there’s no shortage of action in Basingstoke and Deane. Whether you're looking to try big thrills and outdoor escapades or new experiences and adorable adventures - you'll find them all here.

Plan your next adventure →

A large Adventure bookend with a photo of two people outdoors on an electric scooter. They pose and smile for the camera.

Mystery

Whether you're exploring alone, with friends and family, uncover secrets and step into your own mystery story. If you’re drawn to tales of hidden histories, curious corners, or stories waiting to be pieced together, Basingstoke and Deane is the perfect setting for your next mystery‑filled adventure.

Create your own mystery story →

A photograph of Sandham Memorial Chapel, a brick red building. Illustration of a mystery bookend to the left hand side.

Historical

Walk through centuries of stories From grand houses to hidden gems, explore centuries of local history to create your own story in Basingstoke and Deane. Whether you’re a history lover, a curious explorer, or simply looking to visit somewhere new for a day out, you’ll find historical places that spark imagination and bring local heritage to life.

Plan your historical visit →

Vintage machinery within a Silk Mill museum. Colourful threads in a rainbow of colours line the loom. An illustration to the left hand side of a blue bookend with the word historical.

Drama

Take centre stage to create your own story in Basingstoke and Deane, where creativity comes alive on stage, on screen and out in the open.

Create your next drama inspired story →

The inside of the concert hall at The Anvil. Yellow illustrated bookend to the left with text - Drama

Where to stay

From luxury accommodation to sleeping under the stars, Basingstoke and Deane offers a wide range of accommodation to choose from including B&Bs, cottages and rural retreats to enjoy during your stay.

Oakley Hall Hotel is a country house hotel in the heart of the Hampshire countryside and covers all of life’s little luxuries. Their collection of 50 bedrooms includes two four poster suites, six executive bedrooms and a three-bedroom garden cottage, all of which offer stunning views of the 315 acres of grounds. Oakley Hall Hotel welcomes canine companions so you can enjoy your countryside stay with the whole family.
Did you know you can stay on the grounds of Highclere Castle? The Grotto Lodge and London Lodge are one of the best locations for country walks. The Grotto Lodge has two double bedrooms, while the London Lodge houses one double bedroom. Both lodges provide stunning views across north Hampshire.
Silchester Farm has a range of options for accommodation from pyggys that are perfect for two to a large farmhouse that can sleep up to 14.
Cedar Tree may be small but it has everything you could wish for a holiday for two. Set in the grounds of Peak House Farm, this delightful shepherds hut looks onto the North Wessex Downs and is only two miles away from the pretty country town of Whitchurch. If the shepherds hut isn’t to your taste, Peak House Farm also offers a bed and breakfast serving up a traditional farmhouse breakfast.
The Watership Down Inn nestles at the foot of the North Wessex Downs, overlooking the head waters of the Test Valley. The renowned Watership Down lies to the north of the B&B.

Click here for more inspiration of where to stay

Getting here and accessibility

Basingstoke benefits from a central location, just 50 minutes from London and 60 minutes from the south coast by car. We are well positioned along the M3 with transport links to the M4 and M25 and in close proximity to Reading, Newbury and Winchester. Basingstoke may be best known for its number of roundabouts, but rest assured the town and surrounding areas are well served by public transport and accessible by bicycle and on foot.

Follow the A34 off the M4 heading south and you'll pass Burghclere and down towards Whitchurch. You can join this road from the A303 and head north to enjoy these areas.

If you are travelling by train you'll find stations in Basingstoke town centre, Overton and Whitchurch.

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More inspiration

A bridge with Festival Place tower at the end. In the background is an office block and the car park

Festival Place from the bridge / Adrian Wroth-Photography

Explore

Let us take you on a journey to discover Basingstoke and Deane. If you are in need of some ideas to explore the area then look no further than our guides.

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