Top things to do in Basingstoke and Deane this May Half Term
Looking for things to do with your children over May half-term?
It doesn’t feel long since we were wondering how we’d keep the kids entertained at Easter and now the May half-term holiday is upon us. It can be hard finding things locally that everyone wants to do, so in true Love Basingstoke style, we’ve scoured the internet to give you the go to list for what is on this May holiday. We’d love to hear what you get up to, so please make sure to tag us or use #LoveBasingstoke in your pics!
Get outside
It’s great to get outside and make the most of the longer days (and hopefully warmer weather!)
Head on over to 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park to enjoy the animal barn, electric and pedal go karts and tractor rides, along with indoor activities including soft play and laser tag.
Take a look at Baboon Adventures in Kingsclere. Kids over 12 years can drive the electric scooters themselves and those five and over can be a passenger. It’s a different way to see the countryside.
Swing by Knight’s Realm near Basingstoke Leisure Park for an epic crazy golf adventure with an 18-hole course to keep all the family entertained. Just don’t poke the dragon if you can’t take the heat! For a botanical-themed adventure golf course, head to Woodland Garden Adventure Golf at Capital Gardens in Sherfield-on-Loddon. Use LOCAL2026 for a discount.
For a lovely day out, National Trust-owned The Vyne is a fantastic location to explore all around the scenic grounds, a visit to the historic house, a walk along the river or a long woodland stroll. Over half-term “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”, will be at The Vyne. Get ready to swish, splash and squelch your way through the new sensory trail to find the bear.
Walks
As May is National Walking Month, here’s some ideas to make the most of the charming walks and trails on our doorstep this half-term too:
- The Family Fun Walk in Whitchurch is a great route, exploring the pretty historic town, aimed at families that enjoy walking. Print this walk and start at the entrance to the Gill Nethercott Centre. Along the way you’ll pass the Whitchurch Silk Mill, the Town Square and All Hallows Church. If you fancy a bite to eat or a coffee whilst you are there, then why not check out the Silk Mill Café or Kudos Coffee?
- The Story of Great Binfield, the giant of Basingstoke, will take you around a wonderful area of ancient woodland, a remnant of the extensive Forest of Eversley that lays between the A33 and Chineham shopping centre.
- To celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth, the Overton Jane Austen Trails were created to provide walking and cycle trails through the footpaths and bridleways of Overton, Steventon and the surrounding countryside.
- The new tree trail around Eastrop Park includes 16 points each with information about a different species of tree along with a raised brass plate for pencil rubbings. The entire trail is wheelchair and pushchair accessible. Eastrop Park also has a paddling pool and play park to extend your visit.
- Pamber Forest and Upper Inhams Copse Nature Reserve, a beautiful ancient woodland bursting with wildlife. From the tallest oak to the delicate primrose, the wildlife is ever-changing with the seasons.
- The Basingstoke Time Mystery is a self‑guided, story‑driven treasure trail that turns the town into a 5.7km puzzle, blending local history and clue‑solving for a relaxed, screen‑free outdoor adventure. It’s an engaging way for families, couples and friends to explore Basingstoke’s streets and green spaces at their own pace.
If the weather allows, why not pack a picnic, if you are looking for inspiration for your perfect picnic spot, check out our guide, Picturesque Picnics and discover some of the best outdoor areas in Basingstoke and Deane.
Indoor fun
For those who prefer an indoor adventure, several escape rooms, including Trapped in Fiction, Exciting Escapes and Escape Hunt, provide a thrilling challenge. For an adrenaline rush head to iFLY Indoor Skydiving. Catch the latest blockbuster at the Odeon or Vue cinemas or for a creative outlet, visit Pots 2 Paint at Viables Craft Centre. The Tavern gaming café is well worth a visit for those looking to pass the time with a board game or two.
May is Local and Community History Month which makes it a great time to explore local history. You could take a visit to Milestones Museum located at Basingstoke Leisure Park. Pay once and you get entry for a year. During the May half-term, become Sherlock Holmes and take part in an epic history mystery with treasure, suspects and puzzles around the museum. Another gem within the borough is Whitchurch Silk Mill. Here you can learn more about silk weaving. They are also running a Paper pots and paper flowers workshop on Thursday 28 May. Make sure you book in advance to secure a spot.
If your little one likes trains, then Happy Days train time will be at Kempshott Village Hall on Sunday 31 May. Expect a fun-filled session where the kids can freely play and interact with other children or personalise their own rail journey. Under eights can also enjoy imaginative role play at Pop Up Play Village.
Splash about at the Aquadrome, Basingstoke Sports Centre or Tadley Health and Fitness. Bowl a strike at Hollywood Bowl or skate across the ice at Planet Ice.
Hours of fun to be discovered in the town centre
Basingstoke town centre has lots to entertain the whole family. As well as shopping in Festival Place you can visit the Basingstoke Discovery Centre, where there are regular groups and activities held throughout the week. Children and adults can burn off some energy at Flip Out jumping on the trampolines, playing ninja tag or exciting laser quest and there is even a toddler soft play for the littlest ones. You’ll also find soft play at the Sports Centre and Superbowl. You can strike up some fun with a friendly game of bowling at Superbowl.
The Haymarket will play host to the Ministry of Science Live and Fireman Sam over the half term period.
At the Top of the Town you’ll find the Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery. Their current exhibition Bees! Hampshire’s Hive of History and Nature is on display until Sunday 28 June 2026. During half term you can also catch Nature's Tiny Miracle: An Exhibition By Great Binfields Primary School.
We’d love to hear what you get up to, so make sure to tag us or use the #LoveBasingstoke when posting your pics!
Please note the inclusion of any business within this listing should not be seen as an endorsement of their services. While the information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.
April 2026
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