Winter walks in Basingstoke and Deane

Discover our top winter walks to enjoy this festive season in Basingstoke and Deane. Make the most of the crisp fresh air before heading to a nearby pub, café or restaurant or back home to warm up!

Walking boots or wellies and cosy layers at the ready as here’s our top picks:

Morgaston Woods, The Vyne National Trust

Wander through crisp leaves on this lovely circular route around Morgaston Woods. During this walk you will uncover forgotten traces of history including the remains of a medieval fishpond. The route follows paths through the beautiful ancient woodland and one section runs alongside Wey Brook which feeds the Vyne Estate lakes and is home to an array of wetland birds. The grounds can get very muddy in wet weather so definitely one to wear boots and if you’re taking the dog – don’t forget a towel!

>> Discover the Woodland Walk at The Vyne

Refuel at The Vyne with a steaming hot chocolate, coffee or something a little stronger in the cosy Brewhouse tea-room.

Nearby The Swan offers hearty pub food and a cosy interior.

Please note that normal admission charges apply to visit the house and gardens at The Vyne; admission is free for National Trust members.

Pictured: The Vyne NT, credit John Miller

Jane Austen Trails

The Overton Jane Austen trails look beautiful in the winter sun. Choose from one of three walking trails which take you by foot along the lanes, footpaths and bridleways of Overton, Steventon and the surrounding countryside. Following in the footsteps of Jane Austen, this corner of Hampshire was Jane’s home for her first 25 years and where she wrote early versions of Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility and Northanger Abbey.

All the Overton Jane Austen trails begin at the information board located in the centre of Overton, outside Overton Community Centre and Library.

>> Explore the Jane Austen walking routes

Looking to warm up after? The White Hart is a beautiful 16th century listed former coaching Inn or close by the Overton Gallery is a cosy tearoom with an open fire.

Pictured: The grounds of Deane House, 

Pamber Forest

A beautiful ancient woodland bursting with wildlife. From the tallest oak to the delicate primrose, the wildlife is ever-changing with the seasons. There are numerous surfaced paths around the forest. Some paths can be muddy and unsuitable for pushchairs, especially in winter.

>> Discover Pamber Forest and Upper Inhams Copse Nature Reserve

To recharge after the walk, the Cavella Arms, Pelican Inn and The Plough are close by.

Crabtree Plantation

Crabtree Plantation is a wonderful wooded and open parkland that was once part of the historic Hackwood Estate. Crabtree retains its heritage through features like the Bolton Arch. The site includes mixed woodland, oak, horse chestnut, sycamore and ash and is interlaced with informal footpaths, perfect for exploring all year around. Enjoy a great view of crisp winter skies at the top of the hill.

>> Explore a self-guided walk that takes you around Crabtree Plantation, Black Dam and the War Memorial Park.

Crabtree Plantation is close to the village of Old Basing where you will find many options for a pit stop including artisan bakery and coffee shop The Street Bakehouse, cosy village gastropub The Crown and riverside pub Bartons Mill.

If you’re looking for more ideas to enjoy the season, then see what other festive events are taking place. Want to make a weekend of it? Basingstoke and Deane offers a wide range of accommodation for a winter getaway, see our stay-over guides for all the inspiration you need.

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.  

October 2025