At Basing House on Sunday 15 June, take along a picnic and enjoy the fascinating historic grounds with Dad or Grandad plus get involved with activities throughout the weekend. 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. Visitors can also walk through the stunning grounds and ruins, bring a picnic or grab an ice cream or coffee. A free app takes visitors around the site, providing information about the long and fascinating history of Basing House, once the largest private house in Tudor England.
Make this Father's Day one to remember
Father’s Day is around the corner and if you are looking for something special to treat your loved one, we have done the exploring so you can choose a gift or find something to do together over the weekend to create more 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
Why not try treat your dad at Miller & Carter Basingstoke. From Friday 13 to Sunday 15 June, indulge in a limited-edition steak cut – bone-in ribeye 18oz. There will also be a magnificent all-day à la carte menu – including sweet and smoky king prawns, the ultimate half-rack of barbecue ribs and limited-edition triple chocolate and caramel pie cookie.
Enjoy a lovely Father's Day meal at The Stag and Hounds Basingstoke, with their special Father's Day menu.
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.
Celebrate Father's Day at The Dragon Fly for a special weekend! Enjoy for a limited time: the big daddy burger - can your dad handle the challenge of this burger! Book your table now to secure your spot.
Things to do with the kids
Head over to Milestones Museum on Sunday 15 June, and celebrate Father's Day at their very own pub, The Baverstock Arms, which will host games and a singalong, or challenge Dad to some of the vintage arcade games. Fathers will be gifted a green ration card which can be exchanged for half a pint of locally brewed Longdog beer in The Baverstock Arms or sweets in the sweet shop.
At 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park, dads are in for a treat as they have access to free entry on Saturday and Sunday with a special yummy surprise waiting in the café – a free Yorkie chocolate bar! Please use code: DAD at the checkout when booking your tickets. The general admission ticket includes access to indoor and outdoor areas of the park.
Celebrate Father’s Day at Ewhurst Park on Sunday 15 June from 10am to 2pm! Spend quality time outdoors with your family learning exciting bushcraft skills guided by expert rangers. Start with a nature walk to discover local materials, then try your hand at knife and axe safety before building your very own den together. Vistors can take on the five-minute fire lighting challenge and enjoy a delicious lunch cooked over the fire, featuring nettle fritters, BBQ fare and toasted marshmallows — plus tasty edible plants gathered from the woods. Book your spot Ewhurst Park now.
If you are feeling sporty, why not get competitive and challenge him to an exciting round of mini golf at Knight's Realm or head to The Malls for some retail therapy and refreshments.
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.
A day to remember!
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 the classic comedy fan, join some of the Carry On stars at The Haymarket on Sunday 15 June at 2.30pm. Take a look back at one of Britians most iconic films packed full of stories and laughs! Book now to ensure they don't miss out!
For a memorable day out Oakley Hall has their delicious traditional afternoon tea. This perfect treat includes homemade cakes, artisan sandwiches, homemade miniature plain and fruit scones served with clotted cream and jam and choice of tea from an extensive selection, or a coffee or soft drink.
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. A short walk from iFLY, get competitive at Hollywood Bowl or enjoy a great film at ODEON cinema.
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.
Last updated: May 2025
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