There is more than meets the eye

If after exploring Basingstoke you are looking for more, then we’ve put together the best of the rest in Hampshire and beyond.  We suggest you plan ahead and book before you travel to help you enjoy your visit safely.

A wonderful day out can be had in nearby Winchester. Steeped in history, this city offers plenty to see and do. Visit the famous cathedral where Jane Austen is buried, King Arthur’s Round Table or enjoy a spot of shopping.

The great outdoors

There is no greater place to explore the outdoors than the New Forest.  With the wild ponies, woodlands, clifftop walks and water sports there is plenty to entertain. Stretching from Winchester to Chichester, The South Downs National Park offers plenty of hiking and cycling opportunities. Or if you fancy staying a little closer to Basingstoke, Wellington Country Park, Dinton Pastures and Alice Holt Forest offer lots to keep the kids entertained.

By the sea

If you love the smell of the beach and the fresh sea air you can be at the coast in about an hour. There are some lovely beaches and coastal walks to visit. For fantastic views, the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth is a must.  Beaches that can be reached in around an hour include Lepe Country Park, Boscombe, Calshot, Southsea, Milford-on-Sea (pictured, courtesy of Visit Hampshire) and Lee-On-Solent.  See Basingstoke Gazette’s “best beaches to visit near Basingstoke“.

Keep the kids entertained

Marwell Zoo, Finkley Down Farm and Bird World are great for kids and thrill seekers won’t be disappointed with the theme parks within reach. Legoland, Thorpe Park and Paulton’s Park are all under 40 miles from Junction 6 of the M3.  For some aerial action try Go Ape at Alice Holt or Swinley Forest. If you are a car enthusiast you won’t be disappointed with a day out at Beaulieu.

Historic trips

Steeped in history Winchester, Windsor, Southampton and Portsmouth have so much to explore, alongside museums to visit. In Wiltshire, find the World Heritage site and one of the most internationally famous prehistoric monuments: 5000 year old Stonehenge is certainly worth a visit.

A short drive from Basingstoke, the market town of Alton is full of history and has many modern places to shop and eat out. There is the opportunity to visit The Curtis Museum  or take a ride on the Watercress Line Steam Railway, which even has a special Thomas the Tank Engine train for little ones! In Selborne, there is the opportunity to explore the scenic 18^th century gardens and house of world-famous author Gilbert White at the The Gilbert White Museum and Oates Collections. Nearby Chawton village, is the home of the Jane Austen museum where visitors can explore inside the same walls in which she lived.

For sports fans

If you have a sports fan in the family then cricket at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton or horse racing at nearby Newbury Racecourse will keep them happy.

The hubbub of the capital

The bright lights of London can be accessed in 45 minutes by train. Here you will find museums of all kinds, whatever your interests, as well as enjoying a stroll along the river to take in the sites or enjoying a West End show.