Town trail
The Basingstoke town trail is a self-guided walk showing you more about the town’s history, from Domesday to the modern day.
Starting in Basingstoke’s 800-year old Market Place, the full walk lasts approximately 90 minutes, although this can be followed in smaller sections.
Discover the places where Jane Austen came to dance and the humble beginnings of what is now one of the biggest international fashion brands, Burberry, whose founder, Thomas Burberry, owned number of shops and workshops in the town.
The trail also documents some of the many visits from notable figures. Oliver Cromwell stayed at the former Falcon Inn in London Street – now occupied by the Tea Bar – in 1645 and Catherine of Aragon lodged overnight in the home of Richard Kingsmill on her way to meet her future husband Prince Arthur in 1501. After Arthur died, she went on to marry his younger brother and became the first of Henry VIII’s six wives.
And learn about one of the town’s most infamous stories on the death of Mrs Blunden who was accidentally buried alive in 1674.
Click the link to find a trail map. Alternatively, paper copies of the walk are available from the Willis Museum and the council offices.
Why we love it:
- A chance to discover some of the town’s more famous residents.
- Plenty of places to stop for refreshments.
- You can pop into the Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery if you want to make a day of it.
