UK winters can range from blustery gales to freezing cold rain and the odd spell of heavy snowfall. But that doesn’t mean you need to batter down the hatches and avoid going out altogether! If the vibrant town of Basingstoke isn’t on your radar already, it’s time you made your way to the south of England and discovered what this beautiful, adventure-packed town has to offer!
Whether you want to soak up the town’s history or rich cultural heritage, relax in one of the charming pubs or make your escape in one of Britain’s top-rated Escape Rooms, you won’t go home disappointed.
Set in an ideal location only an hour away from the capital, here’s why you should visit Basingstoke this winter:
Experience a Victorian Christmas
Basingstoke is home to the enchanting 17th-century stately home The Vyne. During the festive season, the house and estate is decked out in all the finery fitting the Victorian age. From Christmas trees dripping with decadent beads, candles, glass baubles, angelic cherubs and charming cornucopias, party like royalty this winter.
Blow away the cobwebs with a bracing woodland walk, get lost in the charming gardens, and have a frolicking adventure on one of the fun trails with the whole family. After, pop into the beautiful Brewhouse tea room for a warm up and have a browse in the shop for any last-minute Christmas gifts.
Experience The Vyne like never before on an exclusive candlelit tour and get all the winter feels ahead of the festive season.
Race against the clock at Exciting Escapes
One of the best ways to battle the chill this winter is to step back in time and race against the clock in Basingstoke’s top-rated Escape Room, Exciting Escapes. Whether you want to immerse yourself in Cold War-era espionage, prevent a royal scandal or uncover an illicit gambling ring in the heart of 1920s Basingstoke, this is an experience like no other!
With seven unique, live-action escape rooms to choose from, you and your team can take on mind-bending puzzles, crack codes and solve mysteries like the detectives you were born to be. Have a rummage in the dress-up wardrobe and don your best Sherlock impression – the heat is on! Have you got what it takes to make your escape?
Explore festive cobbled streets
Milestones Museum is well known for its decadent homage to the Victorian age and beyond. From luxurious vintage vehicles to its working printing press and pub, the 1940s retro sweet shop, to sitting in an authentic Victorian schoolroom, you can discover secrets from Hampshire’s past from the comfort of the present.
Then, the winter festivities begin! Milestones transform into a magical, festive delight. Children can help Father Christmas track down his lost reindeer on the fun Reindeer Spotter Trail around the museum and grounds, while grownups can divulge in a glass of warming mulled wine.
Worried about what to do between Christmas and New Year? Well, look no further. Milestones is home to Twixmas – an event full of magic, entertainment and, of course, the New Year trail!
Wonderful festive shopping experiences
If you’re a fan of Christmas Fayres, then look no further. Basingstoke’s majestic Tudor Barn at Basing House is transformed into a wonderfully festive shopping experience on the last weekend in November. With more than 25 stalls offering inspiring gift ideas, locally made crafts, produce and more, you will find unique presents for all under one roof.
Make the most of the weekend, enjoy the beautiful Nativity scene made complete with animals from Mill Cottage Farm, and then sit back and relax as the Marquees of Winchester Regiment perform a captivating re-enactment of the English Civil War.
Festive season at The Anvil
The Anvil is well known for housing some of the best live acts in the region. During the winter months, you can sit back, relax and enjoy all the frivolity, laughs and be enchanted by the host of performances on offer.
This Christmas, you can be spellbound by legendary keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman as he embarks on his festive foray, The Not Quite As Grumpy As Last Xmas Tour. Or if you prefer the classic, all family event pantomime, then get ready for the Joe McFadden led Beauty & The Beast. In this tale as old as time, you can expect larger than life characters, catchy songs, sumptuous sets and plenty of festive fun this December.
Get a taste of 19th-century industry
A short train ride out of Basingstoke, you’ll discover the beautiful heritage attraction, Whitchurch Silk Mill. Established in 1800 on Frog Island, the Mill’s roots go all the way back to the 1tth century, and to this day, it is the oldest silk mill in the country.
Inside, you will find 19th-century looms powered by an impressive 1.68m breastshot still functioning after the Mill first opened its doors for business 220 years ago.
If that’s not enough to spark your interest, during the winter season, the Mill hosts a fabulous Christmas Fair on the first weekend of December with a diverse range of stalls within the Mill grounds.
Later on, in January, you can see the Mill like never before in the stunning visual display during the Winter Lights Festival.
Discover the towns rich history
Now that you’ve fully embraced the festivities on offer during the winter months, grab your scarves and your hot chocolate and have a wander around the towns historical streets and surroundings.
First stop, have a stroll through the War Memorial Park and follow the beautiful tree trail to discover historic hornbeams, larch, oak, plane, ash and more. Before the space was purchased by public subscription after WWI, it was the grounds to the Georgian estate, Goldings.
After your visit to the Silk Mill, work your way down to the chalk hill that inspired Richard Adams’ literary classic Watership Down. Set in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you can spot the Iron Age fort and see the signs of human occupation from 2,500 years etched into the surrounding hills.
Then, make your way to King John’s remarkable 13th century Odiham Castle where the French besieged the fortress for two weeks during the First Barons’ War in 1216, and the 14th century King David II of Scotland was imprisoned for 11 years before his return to the border.
Planning a trip to the South of England this winter? Make sure you check out the vibrant town of Basingstoke!
