Celebrate the parks and green spaces that make Basingstoke and Deane bloom

Parks are more than just patches of grass and trees, they’re places where memories are made, from family picnics and dog walks to morning jogs and quiet moments to take a breath of fresh air. They support our wellbeing, offer a free space to unwind, and bring people together.  

Step outside and explore

Whether you’re a nature lover, a fitness enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful spot, there’s no better time to step outside and enjoy the beautiful parks and green spaces right here in Basingstoke and Deane. 

Did you know that over 33% of the land in Basingstoke and Deane is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty? That’s a lot of space to explore, relax, and enjoy! Find a park or open space near you. There are also over 150 play areas across the borough, perfect for families looking to combine fresh air with fun. Three local parks, Beggarwood Park, War Memorial and Eastrop Park have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag status from Keep Britain Tidy. A Green Flag award is an international quality mark for parks and green spaces that are being beautifully maintained, are clean and safe with good facilities for visitors. 

Local parks, bringing people together  

Our parks bring people together, hosting a wide variety of events, from live music to family fun days. Whether you're into extreme sports, outdoor theatre, vintage vehicles or a bit of a foodie, there’s lots happening. 

Throughout the summer, you’ll find events such as Basingstoke Festival, an annual celebration of outdoor arts pop-up over three weekends in Eastrop Park, War Memorial Park and other locations across Basingstoke and Deane. Love Basingstoke brings free, drop-in fun activities and workshops during the school summer holidays to parks across the borough. Enjoy chilled Sundays at Summer Bands in these town centre parks too in July, August and September. In the winter Let’s Glow lights up War Memorial Park with a dazzling display of light and wonder. 

Keep an eye on the Love Basingstoke what’s on pages to find out what’s on across the year. 

Alongside these larger events taking place, you’ll find regular events such as Basingstoke parkrun in War Memorial Park on Saturdays and Basingstoke Junior parkrun in Stratton Park on Sundays.  

Wellbeing in parks 

Lace up your shoes, grab a friend (or go solo!) and rediscover the green spaces near you for a walk, jog or summer workout. 

Outdoor gym equipment 
Many parks feature outdoor gym equipment including Chineham Park, King George V Playing Fields, Tewkesbury Close Open Space and White Ditch Playing Fields. See a full list here to plan your next workout. 

Walking inspiration 
A great way to stay active while exploring the borough, discover a new walk.  

Want a family-friendly walk with a chance to play along the way? Try one of these: 

• The Basing Trail: A scenic circular walk through several parks and historic sites. 
• The Whitchurch Mill Trail: A riverside route past historic mills with shorter options available. Alliston Way recreation ground is a great pit-stop for kids. 
• The Spinney, Rooksdown: A peaceful woodland walk with a play area and skate park en route. 

Local parks are happy places for our four-legged friends too! See our guide to dog-friendly walks in Basingstoke and Deane. 

Guided wellbeing walks 
Organised by Basingstoke Voluntary Action, these friendly group walks  take place across the borough and are open to everyone. They are fun, free, and supportive walks led by trained volunteers. 

Other sports in parks 
There are a wide range of participatory sports organisations in Basingstoke and Deane, which also use parks and green spaces for clubs and classes. Take a look here for ideas of new sports to try in Basingstoke and Deane. 

Picturesque picnic spots  
For a simple, free and enjoyable outing, pack a picnic and explore our beautiful green spaces with family and friends. It's a wonderful way for everyone to appreciate the outdoors. Here’s some ideas for local picturesque picnic spots to visit. 

Connect with nature and wildlife 
Our parks are also home to a rich variety of wildlife and natural beauty. You can: 

• Enjoy peaceful moments bird watching, butterfly spotting, or walking through wildflower meadows 
• Join local nature events to learn about plants, animals, and fungi 
• Find out about local conservation work-parties coming up near you from Natural Basingstoke 
• Enjoy a self-guided tree trail 
• Take part in national surveys like the Big Butterfly Count to help monitor biodiversity. 

These activities not only support conservation efforts but also offer a great way to unwind and reconnect with the natural world. 

Give back to green spaces and parks 

Love your local park, there are lots of ways to give back: 

Conservation groups 
There are many local conservation groups who have regular practical work parties, undertaking a wide variety of habitat management, wildlife surveying and park maintenance work.  
Find out more about local conservation groups here. 

Green space volunteering 
If you enjoy being outdoors in nature and want to keep fit, meet like-minded people and learn new skills, then green space and conservation volunteering could be for you.  
Find out more about green space volunteering. 

Love, respect and protect our parks and open spaces  

Here’s how you can help all year around: 

• Take your litter home or use the bins provided. Leaving no trace helps keep parks clean and safe for everyone. 
• Keep dogs under control and clean up after them, it’s respectful to other park users and protects local wildlife. 
• Be kind to fellow park-goers, whether it’s sharing space, keeping noise levels down or simply offering a smile, small actions make a big difference. 
• By following these simple steps, we can all play a part in making sure our parks remain beautiful, welcoming places for everyone to enjoy now and in the future. 

Whether you’re discovering a new trail, enjoying live music, or simply sitting under a tree with a good book, our parks are here for you. Let’s celebrate them all year round. 

July 2025