Father’s Day is fast approaching and you may be wondering how to treat your nearest and dearest.  Don’t fear, we’ve done the leg work for you so you can sit back, relax and choose a gift or find something to do together over the weekend to make him feel special.   

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

Love online shopping and want to support local? Why don’t you check out The Borough Basket – Basingstoke and Deane’s online marketplace. You can choose from gift baskets with homemade products, sustainable homeware, homemade cakes and afternoon teas delivered at your doorstep. If you are not sure 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. 

For a foodie gift, take a look at The Homemade Brownie Company. These delicious treats are delivered to the door. Or perhaps a sauce from Plot 34A Chillis. 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 ties Whitchurch Silk Mill have for sale. Made in Hampshire using Whitchurch Silk that has been wound, warped and woven at the Mill. 

Yummy things to eat and drink 

Join the Holiday Inn for a mouth-watering BBQ! A perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day. One free pint of beer for all dads. 

Visit Miller and Carter to celebrate dad with their decadent à la carte menu on Sunday 18 June at Miller and Carter Basingstoke. They will also have a limited-edition Cornish salt-aged long bone tomahawk, available only from Thursday 15 to Monday 19 June. 

You can enjoy a Father’s Day 3 course set meal at The Stag and Hounds, Harvester on either Saturday 7 or Sunday 18 June. 

Barton’s Mill want to make it a day to remember! They have a carefully created Sunday menu, Father's Day drinks and a chance for a dad to win a hamper on the day of their visit. 

To enjoy a feast at home take a look at the Father's Day deluxe graze box which includes a selection of cheeses, fruits and homemade goods. It comes with a bottle of red wine and a card. Get in touch with Catering by Natalie Ellis to order.

Things to do with the kids  

Head over to Milestones Museum on 17 or 18 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. 

Visit Basing House on Father's Day weekend for some outdoor fun. Take along a picnic and enjoy the fascinating historic grounds with dad or grandad, plus you’ll find activities throughout the weekend. 

Challenge him to a round of mini golf at Knights Realm or head to The Malls to have a go on their giant piano. 

Dads go free (with a paying person) on Father`s Day weekend and receive a free Yorkie bar at 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park. 

World Party will be at Eastrop Park on 17 June. Suitable for the whole family, celebrate the incredible diversity of our wonderful town and surrounding areas.  Expect music, dance, kids’ rides, Henna, face-painting, free workshops and a whole lot more.  

For a free family fun day including food and drink, games stalls, dog show and much much more head to Bark in the Park at Popley Fields Community Centre on Saturday 17 June. 

Or without the kids…! 

Located in Laverstock is Bombay Sapphire Distillery where you can find out about its history with a host to guide you on a Discovery Experience. Gorilla Spirits in the village of Upton Grey offers experiences to get behind the scenes and peek into the world of spirits-making. Or learn the ins and outs of brewing beer on a tour of Andwell Brewery.  

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 2023