Below the main leisure link on the left menu are a number of sub-menu items, these links include our extensive Games arcade with over 150 games for you to play online.  Many classic arcade games are included, Pacman and Space invaders among them.  Can you get on our high score table.  There is also links for television listings, lottery results and your horoscope.  We have links to the two multiscreen cinemas in Basingstoke, these show all the current screenings and allow you to book tickets online.  We also have extensive information on places to visit and things to do in the Basingstoke area.  Please remember that many events and activities are listed in the Basingstoke events section of this website.

Basingstoke has a great variety to offer, from historic houses to modern leisure centres.  There is something for everyone.  Below are a just a few examples of what Basingstoke has to offer.  If you need more information you can find many of these activities and places to visit listed in our business directory.  Alternatively you can contact or visit tourist information at the following location.

There is also a large amount of information held at the information centre next to the library in Festival Place.

Historic Houses and Buildings

Basingstoke has numerous historic buildings in it area. 

In Old Basing there are the ruins of Basing House.  This is famous for being destroyed during the civil war (1642 - 1646), after a long siege it fell to Oliver Cromwell in person.  It is a ten acre site and features the ruins of England’s largest Tudor residence, which was home to William Paulet. He was the 1^st Marquis of Winchester.  The site is internationally renowned, and the remains of various buildings, which continue to be excavated, provide a rich educational resource.

Further to the north is Calleva Atrebatum nowadays called Silchester.  This is on the Hampshire-Berkshire border and was the location for one of the largest Roman Towns in the country.  It has been extensively excavated and many finds are available in the museum in Reading.  However you can still see many signs of the roman town including the Roman Wall, much of which can be walked.

More complete buildings are available to visit these include The Vyne, originally built for a courtier of Henry VIII and now maintained and run by the National Trust.  This 400 year old house is set in 13 acres of attractive gardens with lakeside and woodland walks.  It offers a fascinating insight into the history of the country house with much to see, well worth a visit.

Stratfield Saye House, a property given by "a grateful nation" to the Duke of Wellington after he defeated Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of Waterloo, in Belgium, in 1815.  The house originally was built in 1630.  The house holds an amazing display of items including busts of Wellington and Napoleon and many paintings.

Highclere Castle, the home of The Earl and Countess of Carnarvon has many treasures, from many centuries and wonderful gardens.  The 5th Earl made his mark on history by discovering the Tomb of Tutankhamen with Carter in 1922, and there is an excellent exhibition in the cellar.  That is not all you will find here in the largest country house in Hampshire.  The house was built by the well known architect Sir Charles Barry, famous for building the Houses of Parliament.  It is said though he preferred Highclere Castle, the interiors and furnishing of this great house reflect the many generations who have lived here and therefore make it a wonderful place to visit.

Parks and Gardens

Basingstoke has over 30 superb parks and gardens.  The closest to the town centre is Eastrop Park, with its boating lake and paddling pool.   There is also the War Memorial Park where many local activities are held; including Balloons over Basingstoke (see our Photo Gallery section).  More information on these parks can be obtained from the Basingstoke and Deane website, or by clicking here.

There is also the little known Walled Garden at Down Grange this is the historic site of the large kitchen garden for the old Down Grange House and has some excellent events held throughout the year.  Further details of the walled garden can be obtained from our community directory, the council or the Walled Garden website

We also have many private gardens that open their gates for charity throughout the year.  We hope that many of these gardens that are open will have their details on our events section

Basingstoke Canal

The Basingstoke canal opened in 1789 and provided an important link with the River Thames. The canal originally started at the bottom of Wote Street in the centre of Basingstoke. It winds its way across North Hampshire and Surrey until it joins the River Wey at West Byfleet before this river reaches the River Thames at Weybridge.  It is now only navigable from North Warnborough.  The canal is very popular for a quiet stroll or cycle along the towpath.  You can enjoy fishing from its banks and the canal is well stocked with Pike, Carp, Tench and Bream.  You can take a boat on the canal, your own or if you haven’t got your own, you can join one of the public narrowboat trips.

Further details are available in our business directory for the Basingstoke Canal and also for other water activities

Museums

Basingstoke museums provide information on our past and how Basingstoke and Hampshire has developed from a sleepy farming area to the home of major industry. 

There is the Willis museum (formerly the Old Town Hall) in the town centre, which has different exhibitions on as well as the history of Basingstoke.  It is well recommended for people to get a good insight into the history of Basingstoke and how the town has developed.

In the Leisure Park is the award winning Milestones Museum, the living museum, with its streets showing the history of Hampshire and its historic vehicles.  This is one of the largest museums in Hampshire and its streets provide a fascinating insight into Hampshire life from the 19^th and 20^th centuries.  With people dressed and acting in period costumes this museum isn’t a static or sterile place it is living, active place that we provide much pleasure for young and old.  Click here to get more information on Milestones

Just outside Basingstoke is the small town of Whitchurch, this is the home of the awarding winning Whitchurch Silk Mill, this is a working museum producing fine quality silk in the traditional methods.  Whitchurch silk has been used by many costume dramas and has appeared on television. 

For more information on Museums in the Basingstoke area click here

Walks and Cycle routes.

Basingstoke has wonderful countryside that offers a variety of walks and cycle routes.  These range from a gentle stroll to an energetic hike.  The Willis Museum's bookshops have various books and maps that show different routes, as well as the local bookshops.
Information on bookshops can be found here in our Business Directory

Leisure and Sports Facilities

Basingstoke has a wide variety of sports and leisure facilities.  The 2 main facilities are located at the Leisure Park and the Town Centre. The town centre houses the main sports centre, where you can take part in many different sports including swimming, badminton, squash, fitness studio, and also many clubs and activities.  Please see our community directory or the main Sports Centre website for more information.

The leisure park houses many of the most popular activities in Basingstoke these include ten-pin bowling, swimming, ice-skating, bingo and the cinema.   

There are also various community centres and local sports centres in the smaller communities in the Basingstoke area including Tadley, Overton and Whitchurch.  These provide facilities like football, swimming, badminton and squash. 

Basingstoke also has a number of different health clubs and gyms which offer various sports facilities.  There are also a number of sports clubs, these include Basingstoke Rugby Club, Basingstoke Fotball Club, Basingstoke Bison Ice Hockey and Basingstoke Cricket Club, as well as clubs in the smaller areas around Basingstoke.  Details of your local club can be found in the Community Directory.

Hotels and Places to Stay.

Basingstoke has a great selection of Hotels and Guest houses to choose from.  These range from elegent 5 star hotels to simple guest houses and bed and breakfast.  There is somewhere to stay to suit all budgets and tastes. 
Information on Hotels and Places to stay can be found here in our Business Directory.

There is a lot more information on local tourism and things to do in our Business Directory