Explore Basingstoke and Deane this autumn

As autumn arrives, Basingstoke and Deane offers plenty of ways to make the most of the season. From pumpkin patches, Halloween events and heritage attractions to crisp walks, cosy cafés and seasonal menus, there's experiences to suit every pace and interest across the borough.

Browse the guide to discover family-friendly attractions, historic sites, rural escapes and colourful trails, or head to our food and drink section for welcoming pubs, Sunday roasts and autumn-inspired dining.

Activities and experiences

Autumn adventures

From spooky after-dark adventures to cosy creative activities, these places are perfect for autumn adventures.

Decorated wagon surrounded by pumpkins and hay bales in an autumn-themed outdoor display.

4 Kingdoms Adventure Park

Celebrate the season at 4 Kingdoms with pumpkin picking, Halloween entertainment and spooky after-dark adventures. Wander through the pumpkin patch, enjoy trick or treat fun and experience Dinos in the Dark.

→

Young goats resting on straw in a farm pen.

Millers Ark Farm

Millers Ark

If you’re feeling down because the sky is looking a little grey, spend some time with the friendly animals at Millers Ark. Meet donkeys, piglets and goats, unwind with a quieter visit and relax in the café. With adult-only and family sessions, it’s a great choice whatever the weather.

→

Milestones Museum, courtesy of Hamphire Cultural Trust

Milestones Museum

Step inside Milestones Museum and leave the autumn showers behind. This fully indoor attraction offers plenty to explore, discover and enjoy, with immersive exhibits and family-friendly experiences rain or shine.

→

A mug of paintbrushes, a plate with different colours on.

Pots 2 Paint

Viables Craft Centre

Relax with a cosy indoor day out at Viables Craft Centre, with Halloween-themed miniature train rides (selected dates), independent shops, treats and gifts. Warm up in the Parlour Tea Rooms, then get creative at Pots2Paint, where visitors of all ages can paint personalised ceramics.

→

Activities and experiences

Beautiful places to visit

Take in nature’s changing palette at these beautiful places.

A three storey red building with a grey roof. In front is a lawn and the river.

Whitchurch Silk Mill, copyright: Joe Low

Whitchurch Silk Mill

Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Whitchurch Silk Mill. Watch the River Test flow by from the warmth of the café, savour seasonal menu favourites and see the afternoon sun illuminate the silk threads, creating a stunning display of colour.

→

A red building, double height in the middle and single storey either side..

Sandham Memorial Chapel, ©National Trust Images/James Dobson

Sandham Memorial Chapel

Visit Sandham Memorial Chapel before it closes for the winter and experience its historic murals alongside the colours of the season. Stroll through the gardens, take in the landscape towards Watership Down and discover heritage apple trees in the orchard.

→

The Vyne ©National Trust Images/John Miller

The Vyne

Experience The Vyne as the beauty of the changing season sweeps through the gardens. With the summer crowds gone, it’s an ideal time to reconnect with nature before warming up with a warming treat in the Brewhouse tea-room.

→

Beacon Hill is visable through a sea of green trees.

The view from Beacon Hill

Highclere Castle

Visit Highclere Caste as this time of year transforms the estate with a rich tapestry of seasonal shades. Wander through the grounds as the leaves change from green to gold and soak up the warm, welcoming atmosphere.

→

Trails and walks

Trails through autumn colour

Lace up your walking boots or chuck on your wellies and explore these trails.

Sheep grazing in a green field in front of a rural village, with autumn-coloured trees covering the hillside behind.

Whitchurch Mill Trail

Whitchurch Heritage Mill Trail

Explore the Whitchurch Heritage Mill Trail as autumn tones reflect in the waters of the River Test and hedgerows fill with blackberries. Look out for conkers and signs of the harvest season as you discover historic watermills, then head to nearby Ladle Hill Iron Age Fort, where the autumn breeze create ideal conditions for kite flying.

→

River Test in autumn, bordered by trees with golden and green leaves, with clear water and aquatic plants creating

River Test at Southington

Overton Jane Austen Trails

“Her pleasure in the walk must arise from the exercise and the day, from the view of the last smiles of the year upon the tawny leaves, and withered hedges,” wrote Jane Austen in Persuasion. Follow the Overton Jane Austen Trails through colourful Hampshire countryside and discover the landscapes that inspired one of England’s most beloved authors.

→

The Basing Trail

Basing Trail

Discover the Basing Trail, a waymarked circular walk linking Basingstoke with the picturesque village of Old Basing. As the leaves begin to turn, explore Basingstoke Common, Eastrop Park and Crabtree Plantation, before uncovering the fascinating history of Basing House, where ruins and earthworks tell the story of its historic siege of 1642.

→

Trails and walks

Great outdoor walks

Enjoy peaceful woodlands, countryside views and spot wildlife.

Basing Woods

Basing Wood

Explore Basing Wood, where three walking trails weave through expansive woodland and nature’s changing colours. Wander beneath a canopy of golden leaves, you might be lucky enough to spot wildlife, including deer and rabbits, and make the most of crisp autumn days with woodland adventures and muddy puddles.

→

Beacon Hill

Climb Beacon Hill, an impressive Iron Age hillfort where a short and steep, but rewarding, walk leads to sweeping views across the North Wessex Downs. On clear days, look out for Highclere Castle in the distance and discover the fascinating history of the fifth Earl of Carnarvon, buried at the summit.

→

Two people walking along a narrow countryside path through long grass, with a small dog walking beside them. One person carries a shoulder bag, and both wear outdoor clothing and walking boots.

The Story of Great Binfield

Discover the Story of Great Binfield, a circular walk-through ancient woodland rich where fungi thrive beneath pine and deciduous trees. Keep an eye out for great spotted woodpeckers and goldcrests among the branches and you may spot a roe deer as you wander through this peaceful corner of the borough.

→

Food and drink

Autumn dining and seasonal sips

Tuck into memorable food and drink experiences, comforting flavours and local produce.

Autumn brings a beautiful change across Silchester Farm, with warm colours, autumn-inspired menus and a charming atmosphere. It’s a wonderful time for hearty dining, countryside walks and enjoying the rustic charm of the barns as the evenings draw in.

Make the most golden evenings with a visit to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery. Sip a gin cocktail at the Mill Bar as the sun sets over the Hampshire countryside, soaking up the seasonal atmosphere.

Celebrate the flavours of autumn at The Glasshouse Restaurant at Oakley Hall Hotel, where comforting Hampshire ingredients and countryside views take centre stage. Tuck into rich flavours, relax with a traditional afternoon tea and watch the gardens turn golden from the comfort of this award-winning destination.

Outdoor seating beside a narrow canal between red-brick buildings, with trees reflected in the water and sunlight filtering through the surrounding greenery.

Bombay Sapphire Distillery

Pumpkin spice season

Discover where to find pumpkin spice and other autumnal favourites this season.

The iconic pumpkin spice has returned to Starbucks, with locations across Basingstoke including Festival Place, Houndmills, Village Hotel and Sainsbury's Kempshott.

If pumpkin spice isn't your thing, Costa's Maple Hazel latte combines roasted hazelnut flavour with maple sauce for a cosy autumn treat. You'll find Costa at locations including The Malls, Festival Place and Basingstoke Leisure Park.

Many independent cafés often introduce their own autumn specials too. Keep an eye out for local favourites including Willows, The Tavern and The Coffee Barn in the town centre, where seasonal treats may also be available.

If pumpkin spice is your autumn go-to, don't stop at coffee. Alchemy Bar & Lounge's new autumn and winter menu, launching on Thursday 1 October, includes a pumpkin-spiced carajillo, gingerbread martini and indulgent boozy chai lattes.

Sunday roasts and cosy pubs

As the days become cooler, there’s nothing quite like settling in for a traditional Sunday roast.

The Fox in North Waltham pairs countryside views, low-beamed ceilings and a roaring fire with traditional roasts and local favourite Izzie’s cheese souffle.

Queens College Arms in Tadley is a characterful 16th-century pub known for generous Sunday lunches with all the trimmings.

Set beside a lake and river, Barton’s Mill offers classic roast dinners with creative twists, while The Beach Arms in Oakley serves its popular carvery alongside burgers and pizzas.

For a traditional pub lunch, head to The Queen Inn in Dummer or Hoddington Arms in Upton Grey, both offering hearty roasts in charming countryside settings.

Other local favourites include The Swan in Sherbourne St John, The Dragonfly and The Sun Inn in Dummer, each serving Sunday menus.

For a more luxurious experience, try The Fairview Restaurant and Bar at Sandford Springs. You can also enjoy Sunday lunch at Test Valley Golf Club or Palm Brasserie, where menus celebrate local produce and the changing seasons.