Whether you are in the office or work from home it’s always good to take a break from the screen and take some time for yourself at lunch. 

1. Grab some lunch

First and foremost a lunch break is for eating so if you, like us, don’t often get around to bringing lunch in from home and are looking for somewhere to grab a bite to eat we’ve highlighted some deals for you.

Gabardine Bar, located on London Street in Basingstoke town centre, has a grab and go menu where you can have a sandwich, drink and packet of crisps. Elai just opposite has a green lunch Tiffin Box wrapped by banana leaf!  For street food check out Festival Street Kitchen in Festival Place.

If you are located in Basing View perhaps pick up something from Hartley's Kitchen, Starbucks at The Village or Waitrose and walk over the bridge to Eastrop Park.

In Chineham Business Park, find regular street food events and pop-up stalls at The Green or Maplewood Building. Close by is Chineham Shopping Centre, discover lunchtime delights at a range of shops and cafes – as well as free parking!

The Co-op, Boots and Tesco all do lunch meal deals which usually include a sandwich or salad, drink and snack.

If you are looking for somewhere a bit different to eat your lunch why not find your closest outdoor space.

2. Get some exercise

Get some fresh air and get away from the desk by going for a walk on your lunchbreak. If you are based in Basingstoke town centre then Eastrop Park, Glebe Gardens and War Memorial Park are nice places for a stroll. If you work in Chineham, the Chineham Nature Walk will give you the opportunity to take in the outdoors. You’ll find other walks on our website here: Love Basingstoke

Basingstoke Sports Centre offers pay-as-you-go sessions as well as memberships. They have lane swimming and you can use the gym at lunchtimes. Basingstoke Aquadrome has lots of different exercise classes you can join on a lunch break or you can jump in the pool for a swim. If you are closer to Tadley then you can enjoy a spot of lane swimming there too. If you are based on Chineham Business Park, Fitness First has lots of classes you can enjoy between 12 noon and 1.30pm. If the weather is good then why not try one of the outdoor gyms at your local park, you can enjoy nature whilst you work out and it’s free!

3. Be inspired by art and culture

Why not take in a spot of art or culture? Basingstoke and Deane has a vast collection of public art, from sculptures to seating and gates to glasswork, resulting in a vibrant range. Take a look at the public art guide and find one close to your place of work.

If you are based in the town centre, The Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery, in Market Square, is free entry. On the ground floor they have touring exhibitions and the upper floors feature displays on local history and artifacts.

4. Enjoy a story

Switch off and settle on the sofa at home or in the park with a book for half an hour. Visit your local library to discover some new titles, you’ll find libraries in Basingstoke town centre, Chineham, Tadley, Overton and Whitchurch. If you would prefer to listen to someone else read, on a Thursday lunchtime you can enjoy Read Aloud at Basingstoke Discovery Centre from 12.45pm to 1.30pm. Relax, sit back and listen to the library staff read aloud to you because storytime is not just for children.

5. Go shopping

If you work in Basingstoke town centre you’ll find all the shops you need in Festival Place and The Malls to buy clothes, gifts and everyday essentials.

For those working at Chineham Business Park, you'll find free parking and shops at Chineham Shopping which include Matalan, Tesco and Boots.

Updated January 2025