Hidden gems and historic journeys: Heritage Open Days in Basingstoke and Deane

Explore the rich history in Basingstoke and Deane during Heritage Open Days. Make the most of guided tours, informative talks and heritage trails. Step back in time at Farleigh House, learn about the history of lacemaking and follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen.

Heritage Open Days take place in September and is England’s largest festival of history and culture. It's your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore on selected dates.

Make the most of special heritage events

The Vyne, National Trust – Summer of Play

Once an important Tudor palace, this atmospheric mansion has some illustrious connections, from Henry VIII to Jane Austen. Outside, acres of wildlife-rich gardens, meadows and woods create a wonderful space for relaxation and exploration, while the natural play space gives children freedom to let their imaginations take them on fantasy adventures. Sweeping lawns offer lakeside picnicking and a short stroll reveals a cosy bird hide overlooking the water meadows.

With music stations, giant Jenga, sack races and more, families can enjoy a Summer of Play at The Vyne, National Trust as part of Heritage Open Days.

Visit the The Vyne, National Trust
Saturday 12 September and Sunday 13 September from 10am to 5pm
Pre-booking not required

The Vyne, National Trust - The Golden Anniversary of The Basingstoke Lace Guild

In 2026, The Lace Guild, the UK's leading organisation dedicated to the preservation and the promotion of bobbin lacemaking, is marking its 50th anniversary year with a nationwide programme of live demonstrations hosted at many historic venues including The Vyne!

Visitors to The Vyne will have a rare opportunity to watch experienced lacemakers at work, learn about the history of lace in Britain, and discover how this intricate textile tradition which is now listed as an ‘endangered craft’ has shaped communities for more than four centuries.

Visitors will also be given the opportunity to have a go themselves and will have the chance to handle tools and materials. 

Explore the history of traditional lace-making
Saturday 12 September and Sunday 13 September from 10am to 5pm
Pre-booking not required

Farleigh House, Farleigh Wallop

Where Farleigh House stands today, a house has stood for almost a thousand years. It has been shaped by the rise and fall of kings, by wars and by a family’s work and traditions. The building and its surrounding land have travelled through the generations, either by marriage or inheritance, since the Domesday Book; it has never been bought or sold in recorded history.

Visitors will be able to tour parts of the house viewing many works of art, furniture and silverware, including portraits by Richard Livesay, George Stubbs, Sir James Thornhill, George Romney, Sir Francis Grant, Harry Hall, H B Chalon, John Hoskins, Sir Godfrey Kneller, Samuel Cooper, Sir Peter Lely, John Singer Sargent and G Beare.

Find out more about visiting Farleigh House
Friday 11 September at 10am and 12noon *Fully booked*
Sunday 13 September at 3pm and 5pm *Fully booked*
Pre-booking was required, now fully booked

Sandham Memorial Chapel

Home to an epic series of large-scale murals by the acclaimed artist Sir Stanley Spencer created to honour the ‘forgotten dead' of the First World War. Visitors can explore Stanley Spencer's paintings in the Chapel, spend time in the gardens, listen to poetry and join a three-mile walk around the village of Burghclere in Stanley's footsteps. There will be art sessions, a pop up tearoom, deep dives into the paintings and other activities to enjoy.

Visit Sandham Memorial Chapel
Saturday 19 from 11am to 3pm with an optional 3 mile walk starting at 12:30pm
Pre-booking required

Walks, talks and tours

Overton in Jane Austen's Time guided walk

A two-and-a-half-mile circular walking trail exploring Overton in Jane Austen’s time, following country lanes, streets and pavements.

Located just two-and-a-half miles from Jane Austen’s home in Steventon, Overton was described as a ‘neat little town’ in Jane Austen’s time. This corner of Hampshire was Jane’s home for her first 25 years. She wrote early versions of Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility and Northanger Abbey at Steventon.

Learn about everyday people working in the silk mill and trade at the inn on the busy London to Exeter coaching route. See where the apothecary and dressmaker lived and the site of the village workhouse. Learn about Austen family connections to Overton and where members of Jane Austen's family lived and worked in the village.

Enjoy this Jane Austen-themed two-and-a-half-mile guided walk as part of Heritage Open Days
Saturday 12 September, starting at 11am
Pre-booking required

Overton to Steventon Jane Austen guided walk

A guided nine-mile circular walking trail from Overton to Steventon following in Jane Austen's footsteps. See historical churches, grand houses and coaching inns where everyday people prayed, worked and were in service during Jane Austen's time.

The trail follows the path of the River Test over to Ashe. Then on to Deane, where Jane’s father was rector, passing Deane House where Jane Austen danced and dined.

The trail then follows in the footsteps of Jane Austen to Steventon, passing the site of her former home at Steventon Rectory (demolished in 1823/4) and on to St Nicholas Church, where her father was also rector.

Enjoy this Jane Austen-themed nine-mile guided walk as part of Heritage Open Days
Saturday 12 September, starting at 10am
Pre-booking required

Overton in Jane Austen's time

Two talks by members of the Overton Jane Austen Trails Group on Overton as it was in Jane Austen's time. Looking at the population, homes, business and literacy levels. Then looking at the Church, travel, poverty, illness, crime and punishment.

12noon talk - Overton in Jane Austen's Time part one - Population, Homes, Business and Literacy

3.30pm talk - Overton in Jane Austen's Time part two - The Church, Travel, Poverty, Illness, Crime and Punishment, Military Service

Enjoy a talk as part of Heritage Open Days
Sunday 13 September, starting at 12noon and 3.30pm
Pre-booking not required

Everyday lives at a crossroads - two centuries of footsteps at Overton Community Centre

Displays, talks and guided tours of the Grade II Listed building, now Overton Community Centre. Explore its history over the last two centuries. The site transforms into an immersive heritage experience, including activities for children.  There will be guided tours around the building at various times throughout the day.

2pm talk - 'The Life of these walls; what we hear from everyday people'.

Explore Overton Community Centre as part of Heritage Open Days
Saturday 12 September from 10am to 5.30pm
Sunday 13 September from 11am to 5.30pm
Pre-booking required

A talk on Jane Austen's early Hampshire Life

Overton, Steventon and surrounding villages were the world Jane Austen knew for the first 25 years of her life, and inspiration for her novels. Enjoy a talk by members of the Overton Jane Austen Trails Group on Jane Austen's early life in north west Hampshire. Exploring the communities (including Overton) that shaped her.

Find out more about Jane Austen's early life in north west Hampshire
Saturday 12 September at 3.30pm
Pre-booking not required

Moon Roast roastery tour

Head on a fascinating journey of coffee from farm to shop with Moon Roast Coffee, a small batch speciality roastery with a rich family heritage based on Chilton Manor Farm, nestled in the Hampshire countryside. Watch a roast in process and gain an understanding of different brewing methods and much more. 

Enjoy a tour at Moon Roast Coffee
Friday 18 September from 10am to 11.30am
Pre-booking required

Exploring history and heritage after Heritage Open Days

There is more to Basingstoke and Deane than meets the eye. If you would like to delve into more history, then why not plan a visit to one of the following places, you might be surprised by what you discover!

Basing House
Unearth the amazing stories of Basing House, the nationally important ruins and grounds of the largest private house in Tudor England which suffered at the hands of Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War.

Highclere Castle
Step back in time at Highclere Castle, the iconic setting for award-winning period drama Downton Abbey, one of the finest Jacobethan homes still in existence. Highclere Castle hosts a variety of tours throughout the year to explore the castle and grounds. 

Holy Ghost Cemetery
Steeped in history, the Holy Ghost Cemetery is something of a hidden treasure in the town centre and the ruins are still visible to visitors today. The burial ground has been in use since 1208. Several well-known people, including Thomas Burberry, are buried here.

Milestones Museum
Immerse yourself in the past at Milestones, discover Hampshire’s heritage and experience 150 years of living history. Explore the museum’s streets, shops and buildings to discover how people used to live, buy a ration of sweets from the 1940s sweet shop and view the unique collection of vintage vehicles.

Whitchurch Silk Mill
This picturesque town is home to the UK’s oldest working silk mill and a gem of industrial heritage, located on the River Test.

Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery
Centrally located at the Top of the Town, in the Willis Museum you will discover Basingstoke and Deane’s past, from the rich archaeological heritage beneath our feet right up to the modern day. Throughout the year, there is a programme of touring exhibitions, as well as fun events, workshops and activities for all the family to enjoy.

Created August 2025, updated August 2026