Weekend in Basingstoke

A small museum covering local history, archaeology, and decorative arts, with a changing programme of temporary exhibitions.

Tip: The museum's 'History of Basingstoke' room has a brilliant audio guide narrated by local schoolchildren. Don't miss the free craft workshops on Saturday mornings.

A Norman-era church with a striking spire, medieval wall paintings, and a quiet graveyard in the town centre.

Tip: Look for the 13th-century effigy of a knight in the south aisle. The church is usually open for self-guided visits, but check for services.

Medieval parish church with a leaning spire, interesting stained glass, and a quiet graveyard. The interior has a peaceful atmosphere and regular free concerts. It's right in the centre, so easy to po

Tip: Climb the tower on the first Saturday of the month (small donation requested) for a panoramic view of Basingstoke. Best at dawn or late afternoon.

Local museum in the town centre covering Basingstoke's history from prehistoric times to the 20th century, with rotating art exhibitions upstairs.

Tip: The roof terrace gives a great view of the town's Victorian market square. Free temporary exhibitions change every six weeks.

A large public park with formal gardens, a lake, children's play area, and a skate park.

Tip: The bandstand hosts free live music on Sunday afternoons from June to August. Bring a blanket and picnic.

Medieval parish church with a Saxon stone carving, a 13th-century font, and a tranquil green churchyard in the town centre.

Tip: Look for the old stocks and whipping post outside the churchyard gate. The interior is simplest but the carving is genuinely old.

A medieval parish church in the centre with a 13th-century tower and Victorian stained glass. The war memorial chapel has carved names of local casualties from both world wars.

Tip: Look for the brass rubbing stall at the back — you can make a rubbing of the medieval knight effigy for 50p, and it makes a cheap souvenir. The church is usually quiet mid-morning on weekdays.

A 60-acre park with a large lake, play areas, skate park, and tennis courts. Good for a picnic or a walk with views of the town centre.

Tip: Feed the ducks from the designated area only, and avoid the playground on weekends when it gets crowded. Free parking behind the leisure centre.

A large public park with a lake, boating lake, playground, and sports facilities. The boating season runs from Easter to September, with rowboats and pedalos available for a small

Tip: Feed the ducks from the small shop at the boathouse — they sell approved duck food for 50p. Avoid bread, which harms them.

Large public park with a boating lake, tennis courts, skate park, and plenty of grass for picnics. Also has a well-kept rose garden.

Tip: The café by the lake does a decent £3.50 cream tea. Bring bread for the ducks, but skip the coarse white loaf – they prefer peas or oats.