Father’s Day is fast approaching and you may be wondering how to show your special person how loved they are. 

We’ve done the exploring so you can sit back, relax, choose a gift or find something to do together over the weekend to add to those precious memories.   

Gift inspiration from The Borough Basket – save time, shop online 

If you love to shop online and want to support local businesses, then check out  The Borough Basket – Basingstoke and Deane’s online directory. You can choose from gift baskets with homemade products, sustainable homeware, homemade cakes and afternoon teas delivered at your doorstep.

If you are unsure what to buy here’s a little inspiration:  

If your Dad is a gardener then take a look at A Basket of Bees. They have a selection of soaps but the Gardener's Hand Soap is one of their most popular. It has a eucalyptus aroma and has high antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties.

Or perhaps something for the garden? Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants, is a small independent nursery based in the village of Freefolk near Whitchurch. They regularly hold gardening shows and talks, giving fantastic experiences for keen gardeners, such as Rosy Hardy’s talk on late Summer flowering perennials on Wednesday 17 July, with tea, coffee and biscuits included. Gift a lovely day out or give the thoughtful present of becoming a member of the Royal Horticultural Society and get event tickets at reduced price. Check out Hardy's website for numerous days out and fun experiences to purchase or attend for free.  

For a foodie gift, take a look at The Homemade Brownie Company. These delicious treats are delivered to the door. Locally based Longdog Brewery has packs of beers or you can buy a tour of their facilities. 

For a special gift take a look at the beautiful ties Whitchurch Silk Mill has for sale. Made in Hampshire using Whitchurch Silk that has been wound, warped and woven at the historic Mill. 

Yummy things to eat and drink 

Visit Miller and Carter to celebrate dad with their decadent Father's Day à la carte menu on Sunday 16 June. They will also have a limited-edition Cornish salt-aged long bone tomahawk, available only from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 June. 

You can enjoy a Father’s Day three-course set meal at The Stag and Hounds, Harvester on either Saturday 7 or Sunday 16 June. 

Bartons Mill want to make it a day to remember! They have a carefully created Sunday menu and Father's Day drinks. Plus, if you book before Saturday 7 June, your dad or father figure could win a hamper on the day containing treats such as a scarf, a centenary glass and a bottle of Old Timer. One person will be chosen and presented the hamper on the day!

Treat him to a delicious pizza at The Beach Arms handmade and stone baked to order. Or a Stonehouse gift card gives dad instant access to his favourite foods and drinks whenever he wants. Plus you get yours sent by post, there are a range of greeting cards which come with a personal message.

Things to do with the kids  

Head over to Milestones Museum on Saturday 15 or Sunday 16 June and celebrate Father's Day with a free half pint or ration of sweets for dad or grandad (included with their admission)! Explore the museum’s cobbled streets and browse the collection of historic Hampshire vehicles, then pop to the 1940s sweet shop or Edwardian pub to claim dad's free treat. 

At 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park, dads go free (with a paying person) on Father`s Day weekend and they will also receive a free chocolate Yorkie bar! 

Get competitive and challenge him to a round of mini golf at Knights Realm or head to The Malls for some retail therapy. 

Or without the kids…! 

Located in Laverstoke is Bombay Sapphire Distillery where you can find out about its history with a host to guide you on a Discovery Experience. Plus, if you are looking for a special gift, Bombay Sapphire has options from their Father’s Day collection such as their quirky gin and tonic socks, for all the gin-lovers out there. They also have gifts to purchase from their Father's Day collection; Premier Cru Murcian Lemon Gin, the Cru Tuscan Juniper Gin and the Sunset Gin Negroni Cocktail Kit to make your own drinks from the comfort of home.

Or learn the ins and outs of brewing beer on a tour of Andwell Brewery.  

A day to remember!

Basing House has a Father's Day weekend running this year, so be sure to head down take a picnic along and enjoy the scenery of this historic site. Come face-to-face with living history as the English Civil War Society host a meet-and-greet, tap your toes along to live music and enjoy delicious burgers and snacks from Berro, as well as beers from Longdog Brewery.

For an exciting new experience why not treat dad or grandad to an archery experience with The Overton Black Arrows. and purchase one of the AGB Beginners courses to learn the sport of archery.

For a memorable day out Oakley Hall has unique gift packages of a clay pigeon shooting experience, with various packages including tuition, lunch, supper, or coffee in Oakley Hall’s beautiful lounge area. Suitable for beginners, experts and those over 12 years old.

Why not head down to the Leisure Park for an incredible indoor skydiving experience at iFLY and with their high definition cameras capturing your flying experience, you’ll have memories to look back on forever. 

Explore the countryside 

There are plenty of places to take in the beautiful scenery of the borough. Take a look at our guide to walks in and around Basingstoke or take a picnic and enjoy one of the many open spaces or parks in the borough. 

Please note the inclusion of any business within this listing should not be seen as an endorsement of their services. Whilst 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. 

Have we left anything out? Please email us on hello@basingstoke.co.uk. 

May 2024