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Basingstoke is a major economic hub in Hampshire, known for its mix of modern shopping, historical sites, and vast green spaces. While often seen as a modern town, its history is deep, featuring sites that played a role in the English Civil War. The centrepiece of modern life is Festival Place, a large, popular shopping and entertainment complex.
You can step back in time at Milestones Museum, an interactive experience that recreates Victorian and 1930s streets, or explore the ruins of Basing House, a once-magnificent Tudor mansion besieged by Cromwell’s forces. Nearby, you can wander the grounds of the elegant National Trust property, The Vyne. Basingstoke is a practical and convenient base for exploring Hampshire’s heritage and countryside, including the nearby village that was home to the famous author, Jane Austen.
The best location for a hotel in Basingstoke depends on whether your priority is easy access to transport and commercial amenities or quick trips to the surrounding historical sites.
The area surrounding the Town Centre and Festival Place is the most convenient choice. Staying here puts you steps away from the major shopping, dining, and entertainment, including the Willis Museum and The Anvil theatre. This is the ideal hub for a short stay or for visitors relying on public transport.
For a quieter atmosphere with access to nature, consider accommodation near Eastrop Park in the east, which offers peaceful riverside walks and green space. Alternatively, hotels on the outskirts, particularly near the M3 motorway junction, are convenient for those who plan to drive to attractions like Basing House or the nearby Jane Austen's House Museum in Chawton.
Basingstoke is served by a central railway station, Basingstoke Station, with excellent, fast connections to London Waterloo and Southampton. The station is located right next to the town centre, making it highly accessible from central hotels. The town is also a major road junction (M3), providing easy access to the surrounding Hampshire countryside and London.
Hotel prices in Basingstoke are primarily driven by business travellers, given its status as a commercial and high-tech hub in the 'Silicon Thames Valley'. As a result, the highest prices are consistently found during the mid-week, from Monday to Thursday.
The most significant savings can be made by booking a stay over the weekend, particularly on a Sunday night, when corporate demand drops significantly. The absolute cheapest period is typically the week between Christmas and New Year. A unique tip for Basingstoke is to check the schedule for events at the nearby Ascot Racecourse and Highclere Castle (famous for Downton Abbey), as major events there can cause accommodation prices across the entire region to briefly spike.