Sustainable travel tips for Basingstoke and Deane

Eco-friendly tips for visiting our borough

Planning a trip to Basingstoke and Deane? We're excited to welcome you. Our borough is home to beautiful Hampshire countryside, heritage sites and a vibrant town centre, and by travelling responsibly, you help keep these places thriving for visitors. Here are some simple, practical ways to enjoy a sustainable visit to Basingstoke and Deane.

Bring your own essentials

Making small swaps is an easy way to reduce waste while exploring the borough.

Reusable water bottles

Refill your bottle and cut down on single use plastic.

In Basingstoke town centre, head to Festival Place's Hydration Station.

In Whitchurch, a new water bottle filling station can be found in Bell Street car park.

Exploring further afield? Use the Refill App to find the nearest water refill point.

Need a reusable water bottle? Shops like Typo in Festival Place stock plenty of options.

Reusable coffee cups

Independent cafes including Willows Coffee House at the Top of the Town and Kudos Coffee in Whitchurch are happy to fill your reusable cup. A reusable coffee cup keeps your drink hotter for longer, ideal for a warm drink before exploring heritage sites or enjoying one of our scenic walks.

Reusable shopping bags

Ideal for browsing shops across the borough. Find stylish, durable bags at places like Overton Gallery or in the gift shops of our local attractions.

Lunchboxes for days out

If you're packing a picnic for a walk or park visit, a lunchbox is a great alternative to clingfilm or foil.

Sustainable travel in Basingstoke and Deane

Travelling sustainably is easy thanks to excellent transport links and scenic routes.

Arrive by train

Basingstoke is well connected to London, Reading, Winchester and Southampton, making it simple to plan a car-free visit. You will also find train stations in Whitchurch, Bramley and Overton.

Walking routes

Explore parks, heritage sites and nature reserves on foot. Popular walking areas include:

Cycling

The borough offers a network of cycle paths and secure bike parking. Enjoy scenic rides to towns and villages such as Overton, Whitchurch and Kingsclere.

Electric vehicle parking

If you're traveling by EV, you'll find charging points across Basingstoke and the surrounding areas.

Support local businesses

Independent shops, cafés and makers are a big part of what makes Basingstoke and Deane special.

Explore local favourites across the borough, from artisan gifts to handmade produce.

Just outside Basingstoke town centre, Viables Craft Centre offers independent shops in converted farm buildings, with sweet treats, home stores, gifts, jewellery, pottery painting and workshops.

The Top of the Town in Basingstoke town centre is another great spot for supporting local. It's a hub for independent restaurants, cafés and bars, and home to unique shops such as The Gaming Den and Church Street Models.

If you don't get chance to shop during your visit, you can continue supporting local through The Borough Basket, our online marketplace for independent businesses.

Vegan and vegetarian food

Looking for vegan food in Basingstoke and Deane? Many cafés, pubs and restaurants across the borough offer delicious plant-based and vegetarian dishes. For ideas on where to eat during your visit, explore our guide to vegan eateries in Basingstoke and Deane.

Respect our countryside

Our landscapes are one of the best reasons to visit Basingstoke and Deane. Help us protect them by following The Countryside Code.

Respect everyone: be considerate of people who live, work and explore the countryside by following signs, keeping to marked paths and leaving gates, property and access points as you find them.
Protect the environment: leave no trace by taking litter home, keeping dogs under control, avoiding fires unless permitted and caring for nature without causing disturbance.
Enjoy the outdoors: plan your route, check local conditions and make the most of your visit by enjoying the outdoors safely and creating lasting memories.

More sustainable inspiration

Local groups such as Sustainable Overton and Sustainable Silchester share practical tips, community projects and eco-friendly ideas you can explore during your visit.