Scroll down for more accommodation and visitor attractions in and around Basingstoke.
Accommodation and travel ideas in Basingstoke
Often mistaken for a new town, Basingstoke is an old market town expanded in the 1960s as part of a tripartite agreement between London County Council, Hampshire County Council and Basingstoke Borough Council. It was developed rapidly, along with Andover and Tadley, to accommodate part of the London 'overspill' as perceived under the Greater London Plan, 1944.
Basingstoke market was mentioned in the Domesday Book and Basingstoke remained a small market town until the 1950s. It still has a regular market, but is now bigger than Hampshire County Council's definition of a market town.
Historical places to visit in Basingstoke
A few miles north of Basingstoke is The Vyne, a 16th century country manor house, it was originally built as a Tudor power house and was visited several times by King Henry VIII. For 350 years it was the home of the Chute family and the decoration of the house reflects the different styles throughout the centuries. You can take a tour around the house, wander around the walled garden or see if any birds have been attracted to the wetland area and hide.
The Austen family had some associations with The Vyne. Jane Austen's brother, James, was the Vicar at Sherborne St John so became an acquaintance of the family. It is thought that when William Chute arrived at the Vyne in 1790 the ensuing gossip was used in the opening of Pride & Prejudice when discussion of 'a single man in possession of a good fortune' heralds the imminent arrival of Mr Bingley. Jane Austen also attended balls at The Vyne.
Historic bed and breakfasts (B&B's) and hotel accommodation in Basingstoke
The more historic hotels and bed and breakfasts will be towards the centre but there are a decent range of hotels throughout the city along with more rural hotels and B&Bs to stay at within easy reach of the city. Overall, there is a good range of bed and breakfast accommodation.
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Places to stay
Places to visit
Guided tours
