About 2 miles west of Basingstoke is the hill fort at Winklebury, locally known as Winklebury Camp or Winklebury Ring that dates back to the Iron Age. Visit the long barrow near Down Grange or drive down on the Roman Road and Kempshott Lane which mark the course of a Roman road that ran from Winchester to Silchester. One of the most significant attractions is the Basing House, which was once the country's largest private house and the palace of the powerful courtier William Paulet, Marquess of Winchester. The earthwork banks and ditches of an earlier medieval castle still dominate the ruins. If you have a keen interest in the town's history and culture then visit the famous Willis Museum which always offers something new to see with a regularly changing programme of special workshops, exhibitions, events, children games, and activities etc. The museum houses Sainsbury Gallery, Basingstoke Gallery, and the stunning Cafe Willis where you savor a wide range of coffees, specialty teas, locally made cakes and pastries. Easily accessible from holiday cottages Basingstoke and homes are many other places of interest including Milestone Museum, Sandham Memorial Chapel, Upton Grey Manor House Garden, and Wayfarers Walk. Besides exploring the historic heritage, you can enjoy a close rendezvous with exotic flora and fauna at Yateley Country Park or simply enjoy golfing at one of the excellent golf courses, located near your self catering accommodation in Basingstoke.

Basingstoke offers a wide variety of gastronomic establishments where you have a delightful dining experience. The best of the local British cuisines can be savored at the local cafes and eateries. When you feel too lazy to toss up a meal at your self catering accommodation in Basingstoke, you can drop in to one of the specialty cafes, which serve sumptuous cuisines from all over the world. Basingstoke's nightlife is split between the New Festival Square and the traditional hostelries located at towards the top of the town with a handful of local pubs outside the central area. You can listen to peppy music and dance your night away at the town's one of the four nightclubs-wo are in the town itself, one on the east side and one about 3 km out to the west.