For the best in shopping, entertainment and leisure
If you are looking for a place to enjoy an evening of culture, spend a day shopping or explore the historical surroundings, Basingstoke may not be the first name that springs to mind. It may come as quite a surprise to find out just how much the town has to offer and how favourably it compares to some off its better known neighbours.
Dominating the heart of Basingstoke is Festival Place, Hampshire's regional shopping destination. Currently ranked in the top ten in the UK, Festival Place's 1.1 million square feet are home to 165 stores, 29 restaurants, bars and cafes, a ten screen Vue cinema, library, nightclub and sports centre.
If it's entertainment you're looking for, the Anvil, one of the South's leading venues for high quality live music, is host to a varied programme of classical, jazz, country, folk and popular music, as well as comedy.
You don't have to go far from the centre to visit the innovative Leisure Park with ice rink, leisure pool, cinema, museum, bowling and bingo. Just hop on one of the pink buses from outside the train station and you're there in a matter of minutes.
The area surrounding the town boasts historical treats including the ruins of Basing House, the impressive Highclere Castle and attractive National Trust properties The Vyne and Sandham Memorial Chapel.