Twixmas in Basingstoke and Deane

Looking for things to do during Twixmas, those all-important days between Christmas and New Years Eve then here’s some ideas to keep you busy!

Shopping
Was something missing from your Christmas list or are you just wanting to hit the sales? Festival Place, The Malls and some Top of the Town businesses will be open. Check their websites for opening hours. You will also find shops in Chineham Shopping Centre, Viables Craft Centre, Overton and Whitchurch (check individual store opening times).

Activities
In the town centre, head to the Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery to see the latest exhibition ‘We think the world of you’ by David Remfry. It features a series of portraits that reveal the connections between people and their canine companions. Inspired by the gallery exhibition, make your own dog themed planter from air dried clay on Thursday 28 December 2023. Entry to the museum is free but you’ll need to book a space in advance on the Hampshire Cultural Trust website for the workshop and it costs £3 per person. Also at the Willis Museum, see the display of Love Basingstoke community Christmas trees. The trees were lovingly made by local artist Junk Jodie and have been decorated by local schools and community groups. Enjoy free Christmas craft and board games and puzzles at Basingstoke Discovery Centre on Thursday 28 December and Friday 29 December at 10.30am, please note drop in craft sessions are on a first come first served basis due to limited resources.

A internal photograph of the Willis Museum, shows three white painted walls displaying pictures from the artist David Remfry R.A. The images are light, mainly pencil with a splash of blue, pink and brown.

Have some fun with family and friends at Exciting Escapes which is open between Christmas and New Year. Find clues, solve puzzles, and complete challenges to finish your mission in 60 minutes. Burn some energy at Flip Out which features trampolines, a laser quest arena, stunt zone, traverse wall, soft play and much more. Splash about in the swimming pool at Basingstoke Sports Centre or take in a film at Vue.

If you haven’t seen this year’s pantomime yet, there is still a chance to ‘hook’ tickets to The Anvil to head on a swashbuckling adventure in The Further Adventures of Peter Pan and the return of Captain Hook from Tuesday 26 to Sunday 31 December 2023.

Around the borough, there’s festive family fun at The Vyne, National Trust. Explore the gardens and the luxuriously decorated ground floor of the house. Families can follow heroes Clara and the Nutcracker as they defeat the villainous Mouse King on indoor and outdoor trails which runs before Christmas then from 26 December to 1 January 2024, open from 11am to 3pm.

View of the north front across the lake in early morning light at the Vyne, Hampshire. The Vyne is a warm red-bricked Tudor mansion built in the 16th century for Lord Sandys, Henry VIII's Lord Chamberlain, which later passed into the hands of the Chute family, who cared for the house and estate for over 300 years. It was remodelled to its present configuration in the mid-17th century.

The Vyne ©National Trust Images/John Miller

Relax and take your time to wander the beautifully decorated streets for Twixmas tidings at Milestones Museum from Wednesday 27 to Sunday 31 December 2023. Take part in the Twixmas trail and enjoy live music from Fiona Harrison too. Tickets to Twixmas are included in admission price.

Burn off some energy at Atmosphere Trampoline Park,. Jump sessions are available on Wednesday 27 to Saturday 30 December from 9.15am to 6pm and on New Years Eve from 9.15am to 4.30pm.

Get outside
After some extra time indoors, why not wrap up warm and head out to the great outdoors for some fresh air.

War Memorial Park, Eastrop Park and Glebe Gardens are all walkable from Basingstoke town centre. Take in some public art at the same time as stretching your legs with the Streets Alive trail or learn a bit more about the history of the town on the Basingstoke heritage town trail. You can find more inspiration for walks, bike rides and skateparks around the borough on the Love Basingstoke website.

War Memorial Park in Basingstoke pictured in winter. The ground is frosty, the sun is rising behind trees from the left hand side of the image. The bandstand is pictured to the right.

Eating out
Take a break from the cooking. Join Sandford Springs for a delicious three-course Boxing Day buffet lunch, pre-booking required. Treat yourself or loved ones to a special festive afternoon tea at Oakley Hall Hotel, with champagne tea and children’s tea options available until Saturday 6 January 2024. The Riverside Café is open at Whitchurch Silk Mill from 10.30am to 3pm on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 December. For more ideas, see our blog on festive food and drink in Basingstoke and Deane.

Visiting Basingstoke
If you are looking for a break between Christmas and New Year then Basingstoke Country Hotel has a fantastic Twixmas package that includes three nights' accommodation, dinner and breakfast. Another great alternative for a Christmas getaway is Audleys Wood Hotel. Settle in by a crackling log fire, or enjoy a warming hot chocolate and mince pie after a bracing walk in the fresh air. If you’re on the move this Christmas, enjoy a one night stay with breakfast at Village Hotel Basingstoke, it’s festive B&B breaks are bookable for stays between 20 December 2023 to 7 January 2024.

You’ll find plenty to do in Basingstoke and Deane during your stay, visit the Love Basingstoke website for more ideas on places eat, shop and explore.

December 2023

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