Including family fun and day out ideas
Basingstoke in Hampshire is in the North of the county. It’s packed full of history and is a great place to visit as a family.
Basingstoke has everything for all ages including museums, water parks, country parks, and castles. There is so much to do in and around the town of Basingstoke.
Have a look at our post here on things to do in Basingstoke that will keep you amused all day long!
We’ve included as many free days out in Basingstoke as we can so that you can keep the kids entertained.
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Free days out in Basingstoke
If you are struggling to find things to do with kids in Basingstoke then this is the post for you. We’ve packed it full of free things that the whole family can do together. Please note that some of these places may have parking charges but are free to enter.
Country Parks in Basingstoke
If your family like to hike or even cycle around then here are some local treks that are great for all ages. Most are free but some do charge for parking or for any extra activities they may have onsite. Make sure you have a look at our full list of country parks in Hampshire here.
Wellington Country Park
Wellington Country Park is a 350 acres site that you can enjoy. There is an outdoor center that is chargeable but the rest of the country park is free to explore and have fun around.
Binfields Woodland Park
This woodland is great for the whole family. Walk through the trees and see how many bugs you can spot.
Yateley Common Country Park
Mostly flat, Yateley Common Country Park is the perfect place to fish with the kids or bird watch while enjoying a family picnic.
Bring the bikes as the ground is mostly flat. They have free parking within an easy walk of the park.
Bassetts Mead Country Park
Bassetts Mead Country Park offers free parking and is a great circular walk. It takes you along the riverfront which is great for spotting fish and other water creatures.
Explore the fields and long grass for the local wildlife too.
Walled Garden
These gardens are about 2 acres with a great pond and stunning flowers. There’s so much history here and it’s a great place for the kids to explore.
Basing Wood
Explore the local wood and see how much wildlife you can spot. We’ve seen deer and rabbits through the trees on a quiet day.
It has a great play area and loads of different walks so you never get bored!
Old Down Woodland Park
This is a huge green space that can see found on foot from Firecrest Road. It has a small car park next to the community building with a small playground.
Walk one of the smaller paths to enjoy the local wildlife. Bring the buggy or bikes as the route is mostly flat.
Family walks in Basingstoke
If your family love walks or playing in the tall grass then these walks through Basingstoke are for you. Make sure you check out our full list of walks in Hampshire post here.
Russell Howard Park
If you are looking for somewhere buggy friendly then Russell Howard Park is for you. It’s perfect for scooters or bikes on a nice day and a great place to do circuits.
Basingstoke Canal
The canal is a lovely 32-mile work that starts in Hampshire and stops in Surrey. The canal passes through rolling fields and beautiful cottages.
It’s the perfect play to explore or relax with a great view of the boats that are passing by. There is a picnic area, playground, and a tearoom on site.
There’s loads of parking and it’s a great place for the whole family.
The War Memorial Park
This is a lovely big park that has loads of mature trees and different walks to explore. You can relax throughout the park, enjoy the bandstand.
Get the kids to bring their bikes or scooters as there is a skate park to enjoy too.
Crabtree Plantation
This used to be part of the Hackwood Estate. The woodland is full of lovely trees and there are loads of different footpaths you can take to explore.
Why not visit to explore the local wildlife? See how many butterflies you can spot and how many off the beaten paths you can find.
Basingstoke Common
Basingstoke Common is a huge area that is great for spotting the local horses. It’s a lovely picturesque location and a great place for the kids to run around.
There is a playground close by and loads of different walks for the whole family.
Watership Down
With free parking and great cycle paths, Watership Down is full of ancient history and rolling hillsides. Take the kids for a picnic and a runaround. This is a great day out for the whole family.
Silchester Roman Walls
This is a great quiet attraction that you only know about if you’ve found it. The car park is little but all the trails are clearly marked and great for all ages.
The amphitheater is a short walk from the car park and is a real sight to see. The paths can be rocky though so make sure that everyone has good shoes on.
Black Dam Ponds
These ponds are a great place to spot wildlife like ducks and fishes. There are plenty of places to have a picnic. Go for a lovely walk through the trees or around the ponds to fully explore the local area.
Hatch Warren Park
This is a great place for the whole family. Enjoy the local playground and the local fields. The local community normally runs loads of local events so make sure you check out their website too.
Sherfield Park
Sherfield Park has a huge football pitch for the kids and has a great space for the whole family to relax in.
Eastrop Park
This has a great boating lake, tree trail, and children’s play area. The field is a great place to meet friends and family. It’s really close to the train station and to Festival Place where you can grab food for the whole family too.
Alice Holt Forest
This is a family favorite of ours. There are different walking trails depending on the terrain. You can bring your bikes and dogs on leads.
There’s a great playground and why not see how many of the Gruffalo sculptures you can spot too?
Millfield Nature Reserve
This is a lovely place to spot wildlife and go for a great muddy walk.
Popley Community Park
This has two playgrounds and loads of places to have a picnic. There is plenty of parking and a field to enjoy the nice weather.
Hoddington Park
Hoddington Park is a huge mansion that has sweeping fields and gardens.
Down Grange Meadow
This beautiful site is made up of lovely fields and wildlife. Visit with your wellies and enjoy a long walk through these sweeping hills.
Beggarwood Park
This is a big open space that includes a big playground, outdoor gym and a number of footpaths to explore.
Free museums in Basingstoke
If it’s a rainy day or you want a family day out with a difference then try one of these Basingstoke museums. Have a look at our free list of museums throughout Hampshire here.
Willis Museum
Open all year round, this is a local working museum with galleries on local archaeology and natural science. Learn more about Basingstoke and the history around you through the ages.
Whitchurch Silk Mill
This is a great place for the whole family to learn how silk was made through the ages. They offer walk-in tickets or annual passes for the whole family.
Related Posts:
- The Definitive Guide To Days Out in Hampshire
- The Best Free Things to do in Portsmouth
- 51 Free Days Out in Hampshire For Families
Basing House
There is so much to do at Basing House. Discover and explore the ruins and visit the gardens and gatehouse. It’s great for a picnic spot or an explore on a Winter’s day.
Curtis Museum
Open all year, Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, the Curtis Museum houses a collection by Dr William Curtis and his associates in the local Mechanics Institute.
The museum covers 100 million years of history and displays include prehistoric tools, Roman pottery reconstruction, Saxon burials, the Battle of Alton 1643, and the notorious tale of Sweet Fanny Adams.
Laura x
If you enjoyed this post and would like some more ideas on things to do in Hampshire then head over to the Things To Do section here on Things To Do In Hampshire With Kids where you’ll find over 50 day out ideas in Hampshire that the whole family will enjoy. You could also pop over and follow our Facebook page here or our Hampshire days out Pinterest boards for lots more ideas on what you can do as a family in Hampshire; Days Out For The Kids in Hampshire and Cheap and Free Days Out in Hampshire.
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