Basingstoke Summer: Why You Need to Visit

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Basingstoke is a thriving, vibrant town nestled in the heart of Hampshire. And it knows how to bring the fun! Home to numerous family-friendly attractions, exceptional eateries and a stone’s throw from the capital, there are plenty of reasons why this often overlooked town needs your attention. 

With the summer holidays in full swing nationwide, it’s time you set your sights on a Basingstoke adventure this season! Whether you’re young, old or somewhere in-between, here are some of our favourite local events and attractions to get you inspired: 

A fantastic range of free events to enjoy

This summer, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council have done it again. Each Friday, they will be hosting a series of free events throughout August in the War Memorial Park and Top of the Town. Some highlights include: 

• Love Parks Week: At the tail end of this fantastic week (5th August), families can explore their wild side with various free activities and workshops. Hosted by the council’s Natural Environment Team, you’ll feel closer to nature by the end. 

• ‘Bees! The Colony’ by Artizani: Wander amongst the honey-perfumed Bee colony in this unmissable bee hive-inspired installation. Performances will run throughout the day: 11 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm and 3 pm. 

• Fusion Extreme BMX Jump Box show: Experience the world-class BMXing event on Friday 12th August. You can soak up all the action as you watch the pros perform breathtaking stunts: supermans, backflips, frontflips, tailwhips, 360s, 720s and more! You can even have a go yourself at one of the team-led BMX workshops.

Keep an eye out for Provision Events baseball, tennis and cricket simulator, Doubles’ table tennis and other exciting activities in Market Square. Once you’ve soaked up all the fun in the square, pop over to the free nine-hole pop-up mini golf course on London Street! 

Experience history like never before 

Butser Ancient Farm brings the past to life in the most authentic way possible. After decades of research, the remarkable team have constructed longhouses, roundhouses and more based on evidence from archaeological excavations. 

Inspired by ancient building techniques and ways of life, this is as close as you’ll get to the real deal. Think Stone Age, Romans, Saxons! 

But that’s not all. At Butser, they host a fantastic program of events throughout the year that are frankly unmissable. And this summer is no exception! Make sure you check out:

• Butser Summer Youth Project: Get stuck in with life at the farm and experience experimental archaeology, construction, farm work, team building and more

• Crazy Celts Day Camp: Send your kiddo on a time-travelling adventure! This action-packed day of fun is a Celtic experience they won’t forget!

• Romans in Residence: Butser IX Legion: Discover what life was like during Roman Britain and see the Butser IX Legion in action!

Uncover secrets and make your escape

You’re in for a rip-roaring adventure at Basingstoke’s top-rated escape room, Exciting Escapes. With sixty minutes on the clock, you and your team need to find clues, crack codes and solve puzzles before time runs out. 

Step back in time to 1896 and solve the mystery of The Disappearing Duchess. Uncover secrets in the art deco 1920s inspired Dark Deeds and Groceries. Or untangle a web of lies and deceit in the captivating 1950s based A Hidden Past. 

With seven unique games to choose from across two locations (a short walk apart), this is the live-action, fully immersive experience you’ve been waiting for! Come rain or shine, the marvellous team will help make your summer. 

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Play the detective, unleash your inner hero and beat the game at its own tricks! Do you have what it takes? 

You can walk Victorian cobbled streets

Milestones Living Museum of History is a rare treat. It’s a place brimming with curiosities and delights of the bygone age gone by. Vintage Vehicles, penny arcades, working Victorian pubs and more all await you in this gem of an attraction. 

Kids and grownups alike will be captivated by the immersive and engaging displays and the fantastic range of activities on offer all year round. 

This summer, Milestones is hosting ‘History Saves the World’ – an event that looks at our past to see how we can shape our future. 

See how the Victorians repaired, reused and recycled everything from homewares to clothing. Step forward to WWII and see how people grew their own food through the ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign and give it a go yourself! Then swing by Steam Lorry and see what Milestones are doing to power a greener future. 

With so many interactive family events with lots to discover, make and try, Milestones is a must-stop attraction! 

Lose yourself in a world-class performance 

The Anvil is one of Hampshire’s hottest entertainment venues. You can expect stand-up comedy, live music, theatre, pop, rock and jazz concerts, and panto and more to fuel your summer. 

Over the years, top-class performers ranging from Boy George, Bill Ocean, Sarah Millican and more have stood on The Anvil’s iconic stage. And this summer is no different. 

You can expect stellar comedy from Romesh Ranganathan, Jon Richardson and Nish Kumar. Travel through space with astronaut Tim Peake, and then head on over to the Haymarket and get stuck in with the folks at The Musication Station. 

Let your imagination run wild

The Vyne is a former Tudor palace where young adventurers can enjoy a number of family trails that weave through ancient woodlands. You can try your hand at den building, orienteering or geocaching in Morgaston Woods. Discover medieval fish ponds, Second World War munitions storage and spot rare wildlife from the purpose-built hide. 

Step into the house and follow in the footsteps of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn and find out what it was like for the former residents and workers of the house. Then, head to the chapel and soak in the Tudor atmosphere before venturing to the Saloon to learn more about The Vyne’s remarkable history. 

Basingstoke is the hottest place in Hampshire this summer! With so many spectacular places to visit, you’ll want to come back again and again to discover more.