Places to Feed the Ducks around Basingstoke

Bartons Mill is a traditional rustic English pub in a converted mill, on the River Loddon in the heart of charming Old Basing.

The pub has its own lake that’s home to ducks, swans and geese – and even, reportedly, otters. From its large covered outdoor seating area you can enjoy a cuppa or have a bite to eat while listening to the mallards quacking as they paddle about in the water.

You might even see the graceful swans gliding by too – when we visited there were several cygnets, cruising comfortably close to their mums.

From the pub’s riverside patio and garden, you can cross the bridge and take a picturesque walk along the river bank.

A level, gravelled riverside path leads you right through to the ruins of Basing House, via the grand old Grade 1 listed Tudor Tithe Barn and Stables, so allow extra time to become absorbed in the rich history that surrounds this area.

As if all this wasn’t enough, the Mill Field Local Nature Reserve is right behind Barton’s Mill.  There’s a lovely play area for the kids and loads more level walking paths to explore.

Spoilt for choice!

Bartons Mill is off Bartons Lane, Old Basing, Basingstoke RG24 8AE

Conveniently situated in the centre of Basingstoke, Eastrop Park has beautiful gardens, a padding pool, a large boating lake, and a good sized balancing pond which is home to dozens of dabbling ducks sharing their water with model boat enthusiasts

Sit on one of the surrounding benches and listen to the ducks squabbling over food while you admire the wonderfully detailed model boats being skilfully controlled by their owner enthusiasts.

If you like model boats, bring your binoculars… or just go and chat to the owners!

There is a lovely level walk right around the park, which will take you past a dipping platform where you can observe wildlife living in, under and around the banks of the River Loddon.

There is a seasonal café next to the boating lake, selling light refreshments and ice cream.

Opposite the café is a large play area for the kids.

Eastrop Park can be found off Eastrop Way, Basingstoke RG21 4QE

Whitchurch Silk Mill is the oldest working silk mill in England, and still uses its 19th century machinery to produce silk cloths and garments. This gem of industrial heritage is situated on the River Test, creating a beautiful riverside venue in the heart of Hampshire’s smallest town, Whitchurch.

So, get all your ducks in a row and visit the Silk Mill and adjacent ponds. If the weather turns fowl, take a tour of the mill or just retreat to the mill’s Riverside Cafe, which is accessible and overlooks the picturesque duck pond; carers get free entry to the mill but no entry fee is required just to get to the café.  Here you can order a hot or cold drink, a light lunch or a range of yummy cakes.

And they sell duck food! No wise quacks!  There is a duck feeding area with several benches and tables to sit at.  After you’ve had a cuppa and fed the very tame ducks, why not walk up to the bridge and look down on the many trout swimming in the river below.

Moving on from the mill, there is path that runs down the side of the Gill Nethercott Centre and leads to a small viewing platform just a short way along the stream.

Whitchurch Silk Mill can be found at 28 Winchester Street, Whitchurch RG28 7AL,