7 Exciting Activities in Basingstoke

Mini Adventurers and Big Explorers: 7 Exciting Activities in Basingstoke

Basingstoke is one of Hampshire’s worst kept secrets. With its rich heritage, historical appeal and fantastic range of activities on offer, this vibrant town needs to be on your radar. 

Abandoned by the Romans, loved by Jane Austen and home to some of the most exciting and memorable activities in Hampshire, Basingstoke has a lot to offer. From discovering secrets from the Tudors at Basing House to making your escape at Exciting Escapes, mini adventurers and big explorers will want to come back again and again. 

Here we’ve rounded up 7 of our favourite exciting activities for the whole family to enjoy:

• Race against the clock at Exciting Escapes

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to uncover dark government secrets, decode spy intelligence or journey back to the Cold War? Well, now you can in one of the county’s most unique, fully immersive live escape room experiences. 

Exciting Escapes is Basingstoke’s most ingenious escape room. Offering seven authentic and thrilling games to choose from, you and your team can step through the decades as you race against the clock to make your escape. The catch? You will need to use all your senses, imagination and put your detective skills to the test. 

You can battle it out in one of their outstanding Big Brother meets Crystal Maze rooms or take on one of their exhilarating challenges with your family, friends, date or work colleagues! 

Do you have what it takes to make it out on time? Let’s find out!

• Party like an Elizabethan at Basing House

Basing House and Visitor Centre is one of Hampshire’s most important surviving historical sites. Dating back to the Norman period, the house has seen over 1,000 years of stories unfold within its grounds. During the Tudor age, it was one of the biggest private houses in the country before suffering at the hands of Cromwell during the Civil War. 

Today, you can wander through its decadent halls, discover untold stories from the people who lived there and experience the sights and sounds of the Civil War. Kids and grownups alike love the fun and interactive displays and stepping into the battle-scarred Great Barn. 

After you’ve had your fill of the estate or need a sit down after all that exploring, make your way to the Bothy Café or enjoy a picnic within the grounds. 

• Walk cobbled Victorian streets at Milestones

Step back through time to the Victorian age and walk the cobbled streets of Milestones Museum. Within this museum of living history walls, you will encounter houses, shops, a pub and a village green, all lovingly recreated from the era and inhabited by a range of fun costumed characters! 

What’s more, you can get decked out in all your finery in the amazing dressing up tent to don your bonnet, cap and bonnet to get fully in character. Then, take a wander through the vintage vehicles on display and make your way down to the Winchester Chesil railway station. With the penny arcade, traditional 1940s style sweet shop and fun activities on offer, make sure you capture the moment as you make your way through the decades. 

Make sure you check out the seasonal and special events on offer throughout the year to get everyone involved in the adventure! 

• Experience fantasy and legend at The Vyne

Get swept up in the magic, fantasy and legends on offer at The Vyne. There you will discover ancient woodlands, adventurous walks and trails, and rare treasures on display within the decadent Tudor and former 17th century home. 

While you explore the big outdoors, little explorers can let their imaginations run wild in The Hidden Realm play area. They can climb the wooden fort, control the water supply from the stream to the sandpit, crawl through tunnels and slide down slopes to their heart’s delight. 

From creating dams to becoming a pirate for the afternoon, it’s worth bringing along a spare set of clothes for your tiny adventurers!

• Get crafty at Pots to Doodle Do

Tucked away in the heart of Basingstoke, kids and grownups alike can enjoy getting crafty at Pots to Doodle Do Pottery Painting Studio. You can let your imaginations run wild, create your own masterpiece and unleash your inner Picasso in this fun, relaxed atmosphere. 

The studio’s friendly team are on hand to offer helpful tips and offer advice on the best techniques to achieve your vision! Plus, you never need to worry about your kiddo’s getting covered from head to toe in paint as it easily washes out. 

No artistic ability is required. Just pick your pottery piece, choose from the wonderful array of colours on offer and get painting! 

• Have an adventure at Fun House

If demon drop slides, ball pits, zip wires, swings, rope nets, and snake tube slides sound like your idea of fun, then you’re in for a treat! Fun House Basingstoke is home to four thrilling floors of adventure play equipment that will keep the kids entertained for hours! 

There’s even a mini-adventure zone for the under 4s to get a slice of all action with their own roadway play area, ball pit, soft play and adventure play frame. 

If you want to take your adventures to the next level, why not go head to head with all the family in the fully interactive Laser Storm game? Lightweight, completely harmless and offering adrenaline-pumping fun, you’ll be talking about this experience for years to come. 

Keep an eye out for the fun seasonal events on offer throughout the year. There’s also an inclusive, fully supported play environment on every 2nd Saturday of the month for children with special needs and their families to enjoy. 

• Soar through the air at iFly Indoor Skydiving

If you’ve ever wanted to be a real-life space pilot or feel how limitless flying through the air can be, nows your chance! iFly Indoor Skydiving is home to a high-tech, super-fast wind tunnel that allows you to safely dip, dive and dodge to your heart’s delight. 

Supported by the highly trained iFly team, little ones from 4 years and over can take flight. Perfect for all abilities and those who want to take to the skies without the risks, this is one family day out you simply can’t miss!

There you have it. 7 exciting activities for all your mini adventurers and big explorers to enjoy! Which will you experience first?

Further reading: The Full List of Country Parks in Hampshire

Guest Article.