Places to Visit Around Basingstoke
Whether it’s outings for the whole family or just the two of you, your elderly friend or loved one will really appreciate being included in your plans.
What’s more, they will gain a lot more benefit from the exercise, mental stimulation and social interaction than you might realise as it will help to keep them physically and mentally active.
We actively look for and review ideas and places in the area that could be of interest for older people. If you don’t see anything of interest below, why not take a look at some of our other blogs, such as Exercise and Wellness Activities for the Elderly, Historic Outings in North Hampshire, or Ideas for Craft Activities Around Basingstoke.
Boswells
Looking for a friendly, accessible spot to relax in the heart of Basingstoke? Boswells in Festival Place would be a fantastic choice! With a bright, airy, clean space, no steps or access difficulties and a warm welcome, it’s perfect for catching up with friends, enjoying a quiet coffee, or treating yourself to a delicious meal.
We met with manager Olga and barista Georgia, who introduced us to their menu. From all-day breakfasts and light lunches to afternoon tea and tasty snacks, everything is freshly prepared to order. Great coffee, teas, smoothies and more are available all day.
Boswells Basingstoke is located in Festival Place Shopping Centre, Basingstoke RG21 7LN, tel 01256 353 958.
Laura Fisher's Parlour Teabarn
We had the great pleasure of visiting Laura Fisher’s Parlour Teabarn at Scrapps Hill Farm and meeting Laura, Issie and the fabulous team. Set in beautiful surroundings out in the countryside, this charming venue is completely accessible, spotlessly clean and full of thoughtful details wherever you look.
The parlour is a family run traditional English tearoom, specialising in freshly baked treats, light lunches and afternoon tea, all served with a special personal touch. It is located inside a beautiful old milking parlour, giving you a unique and quirky atmosphere in which to enjoy their delicious cakes.
The venue is also home to Laura Fisher Homeware, so you can supplement your refreshments with a browse through their collection of beautifully crafted English homeware, gifts and fragrances. If you are looking for a unique afternoon’s activity for yourself and your elderly friend why not book an experience in their fragrance lab and immerse yourselves in candle making?
The Parlour Teabarn can be found at Scrapps Hill Farm, 550 Worting Road, Basingstoke RG23 8PU, telephone 01256 280327. They are open 10.30am to 4pm, Wednesdays to Saturdays.
The Street Bakeshop Coffeeshop, Lychpit
You may have seen our review of The Street Bakeshop in Old Basing – well, they have now opened a new branch at The Courtyard in Lychpit, tucked away behind the Tesco Express, and it’s well worth a visit.
Owner Tim has repeated his prize-winning formula to create a lovely coffeeshop in this community location, selling artisan breads, hot meat sandwiches and a fantastic range of their own cakes. Got a little celebration coming up? – you can even buy cakes from their online shop.
When you drive into the Tesco carpark, head right up to the top where you will find some disabled parking spaces and an easy, gentle slope giving access to The Courtyard. They have seating both inside and outside, so don’t let the weather delay your trip! We found everything to be clean and well laid out, with level flooring and an accessible toilet.
Grab a tea, coffee or hot chocolate and let the amazing selection of cakes inspire your taste buds! Alternatively get a sandwich or collect some freshly baked bread to take home. The lovely ladies behind the counter were very welcoming, making the experience even better.
The Coffeeshop is open 8am to 3pm seven days a week and can be found at The Courtyard East Barn, Great Binfields Road, Lychpit, Basingstoke RG24 8TF, telephone 01256 818 896.
Weekend Charm at Street Croft Farm
Located near Herriard, Street Croft Farm is a small friendly family farm with a shop, a café and a lovely children’s play area, and the opportunity to see and interact with the animals.
The range of animals includes pigs, goats, donkeys, chickens and geese. In the café, staples include a delicious selection of toasted sandwiches, pastries, cakes and drinks, but they also run a range of special events such as their Tales and Ales evening and Feast on the Farm.
Priding themselves on regenerative, traditional farming and produce, the farm shop includes a butchery and stocks produce from numerous other local producers as well as their own meat, eggs and vegetables.
The farm won both the Countryside Alliance Local Food and Drink and the Muddy Stilettos Best Farm Shop and Deli awards for the south east of England in 2025 – we offer our well deserved congratulations!
The farm is open 9am to 3.30pm on Saturdays and 10am to 3pm on Sundays. They have free parking with a gravelled walkway to the shop and café. It is located at 3 Parsonage Cottages, Herriard, Basingstoke RG25 2PQ. Telephone 07775 596388.
The Exchange at Chineham Business Park
The Exchange is presented primarily as a business workspace, but it comprises a highly recommended café offering food and drink throughout the day.
The manager, Zadia, and the barista, Paul, made us particularly welcome. Open Mondays to Fridays 7.30am to 3pm, the Exchange offers fabulous coffee and pastries, breakfast, lunch and tasty snacks.
Plenty of parking is available around the back of the building, including disabled spaces, and the front door to the café is then just a short distance away on level pathways. Inside it is fully accessible and beautifully clean, with flexible seating and work spaces, charging points and a reading book exchange.
The Exchange is on Chineham Business Park at Pinewood, Crockford Lane, Chineham, Basingstoke RG24 8AL
If you’d like to get out and about, but have mobility problems, or you just want someone to provide some company to visit interesting places, our companionship care could be just what you are looking for.
Our approach to care is to make it relationship-based, so concentrating on providing a small consistent team of carers visiting at regular times so you can build trusting relationships with them. Our care is bespoke to your needs and can cover a wide range, but includes personal care, specialist dementia care and live-in care.
For more information about home care by Home Instead Basingstoke please give us a ring on 01256 840 660, email us at basingstoke@homeinstead.co.uk, or click on the enquiry button below.