The 9 Best Things to Do in Basingstoke, United Kingdom (UK)

Step inside the story of our social, retail and industrial heritage and imagine what life would have been like during the Victorian era and the 1930s as you explore the life size streets, buildings, shops and vehicles, all under one roof. Be inspired by wonderful collections from vehicles, toys, domestic appliances and lots more! See how our homes developed through decades from 1930 - 1970s with our authentic room-sets. Experience our 1940s sweet shop when you purchase an old penny for £1 to buy your 2oz ration of sweets in the sweet shop. Have fun in our vintage penny arcade. Dress up in Victorian costumes. Under 5s can also enjoy our play post office. Experience our working Edwardian pub where you can enjoy a pint and a Sandwich. Events such as LEGO and Father Christmas Grotto at selected times of the year.

The Anvil is one of Hampshire’s largest entertainment venues and offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages including stand-up comedy, theatre, ballet & opera, classical music, pop Concerts and pantomime. This year we’ve welcomed top class performers including Lee Evans, Boy George and Billy Ocean and also had the pleasure of hosting one-off events such as the last UK concert appearance of the great pianist Alfred Brendel.

Please note the rooftop walkway is now closed. As a £5.4m roof project draws to a close, young adventurers can enjoy a number of family trails through the grounds of this former Tudor palace. Amble past a six-hundred-year-old oak tree, tiptoe inside a 17th century summerhouse and stride across our north lawn. Out in Morgaston Woods, intrepid explorers can try their hand at den building, orienteering and geocaching. The ancient woodlands reveal traces of history if you know where to look. See if you can spot the remains of medieval fish ponds and a Second World War munitions storage site. For a chance to glimpse wetland wildlife, you visit the purpose-built bird hide. Inside the house, visitors of all ages can be transported back to 1535 when Henry VIII visited with Anne Boleyn. Head to the chapel to hear a Tudor mass soundscape or venture into the Saloon to discover a Victorian owner who replaced The Vyne’s roof from 1842.

Come and experience life on the Farm! Manydown Family Fun have four events running throughout the year Easter Lambing over Easter school holidays, May Half-Term Holidays, Summer Maize Maze, summer school holidays) and the Pumpkin carving Event over october half term. Through all our events you can come and enjoy the 'Field of Fun' which includes loads of adventure play, inflatables, farm animals, woodland walk, tractor and trailer ride, trampolines, sheep racing, crazy golf... and MUCH more! It's fun for all the family. All activities are included in your ticket. There is a popular on-site cafe, the 'Farmers' Retreat' with food for farmer's young and old. Entry prices please see our website

Visited by Henry VIII, besieged by Cromwell.... Unearth the amazing stories of Basing house, a nationally important historical site. This magnificent attraction dates from the Norman period, was the site of the largest private house in Tudor England and suffered at the hands of Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War. The visitor centre etnrance houses a gift shop and light refreshments. Look at our model of Basing House during the Tudor period, before its fall in 1645. Step inside the battled scarred Great Barn, dating from 1535 and experience the sights and sounds of the Civil War with our audio/ visual show. Download the Basing House audio tour for your smart phone or MP3 player via our website before you visit us. Free car parking can be found via postcode RG24 8AE with a pleasant short walk along the river Loddon to the Visitor Centre entrance.