THE Easter holidays have begun, and if you’re stuck for things to do thankfully Basingstoke and the surrounding areas have a host of family-friendly events and activities to keep you entertained.

From watching lambs being born to craft activities, there is something for everyone taking place over the next two weeks.

Here is our list of what’s on in Basingstoke and further afield for the family. Let us know if there’s anything we have missed.

Viables Steam Gala

Basingstoke and District Model Engineering Society is holding its 10th annual Steam Gala on April 9 and 10.

The event will include lots of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy, including a steam train and traction engine rides, a tombola, and a pond for model boats.

The event, at Viables Craft Centre, runs from 10am to 4.30pm.

Festival Place Animal Paradise Brick live tour

Go wild as you track down 15 animal models around Festival Place shopping centre for the Animal Paradise live tour.

The animals will be there to spot everyday until April 19. Trail maps can be downloaded online of collected from the Customer Lounge.

Streets Alive

Have you spotted local artists painting street furniture around the town? Their work is part of the Streets Alive tour – an exciting new outdoor art gallery created by local artists to celebrate the best of Basingstoke and Deane, its history and its people.

The creative arts project aims to bring vibrancy and colour to pieces of street furniture at the Top of Town, with designs taking inspiration from local history, heritage, people, buildings, and biodiversity.

Painting is still taking place and once finished an app will be available to follow a trail of the artwork on benches, planters, and telecoms boxes, dotted around London Street, Winchester Street, Church Street, Wote Street and New Road.

Follow Basingstoke Festival on social media to keep up to date with the project.

The Malls Shopping Centre

Get creative in The Malls with an Easter themed workshop on April 13 and 18. Families can make and take away a special card on April 13 or make Easter themed decorations on April 18.

Miller’s Ark Animals

The farm near Hook is holding its popular lambing events with the chance to see some being born. Visitors can cuddle farm animals including hens and miniature donkeys.

Entry is £10 per person and free for under twos, which allows a one and a half hour visit to the farm.

Visit millersark.co.uk.

Brickosaurs at Marwell Zoo

Marwell Zoo has launched a world-first collection of 55 prehistoric creatures made using more than two million toy bricks just in time for the Easter holidays.

Families can step back in time and embark on a prehistoric adventure through the park, coming face-to-face with a huge variety of dinosaurs.

The event is included with general admission to the zoo, with prebooked tickets available seven days ahead only.

Visit marwell.org.uk for more information and ticket prices.

Picnic with paccas

This unique experience at Dummer Down Farm, run by Alresford Alpacas, costs £30 and offers the chance to enjoy a picnic surrounded by alpacas. With a picnic lunch provided you can relax in the field watching the animals roaming. There is also the opportunity to hand feed the alpacas, with a small bag of alpaca feed per person included.

Children under three are free. Visit alresfordalpacas.com.

4 Kingdoms Adventure Park

This popular adventure park near Newbury is hosting an Easter Eggstravaganza until April 24. With more than 21 play zones including a petting zoo, soft play, laser tag, rides, and giant slides, the venue offers a fun day out for the whole family.

Tickets start at £15. For more information visit 4-kingdoms.co.uk.

The Anvil Easter panto

This Basingstoke theatre is holding an Easter pantomime on April 21. Families can follow the yellow brick road to watch The Wizard of Oz starring Bobby Davro and X Factor’s Stevi Rithie, with showings at 2pm and 6pm.

Tickets are £22.50 (£20.50 for students, under 16s and over 65s) and can be booked online from anvilarts.org.uk.

Proteus Creation Space

An hilarious show for young children will be shown at Proteus Creation Space on April 12 at 11am and 1pm.

Slime tells the story of a slug and caterpillar who are both starving, but the only leaf left in the garden is just out of reach.

Promising lots of fun and laughter, the show is aimed at two to five-year-olds and their families.

Proteus is also holding a Great Easter Egg Hunt and Family Fun Day on April 14 from 10am to 4pm.

The fun-filled day will be packed with spring and Easter themed crafts and activities for little ones to enjoy.

For more information visit proteustheatre.com.

Milestones Museum

Milestones is holding a special Easter trail throughout the school holidays. A host of games will also be available for the whole family to enjoy, with five different game zones to explore including a traditional skittle alley, a giant game of Operation, and fairground games.

Visit milestonesmuseum.org to book in advance and pay once to visit all year.

Wellington Country Park

A host of family fun is planned at Wellington Country Park throughout the Easter holidays, which kicks off with a comedy show on April 9, 10 and 11. On April 12 and 13 a Big Top will open with spectacular bubble displays held inside. From April 15 to 18 Wellington welcomes an Easter Eggstravaganza when a circus will be visiting. The country park will also be holding a Mega Egg Hunt on April 15, 16 and 17 with children invited to find giant Easter eggs hidden around the site.

Visit wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk for further information and ticket prices, which start at £16.95.

Basing House

Basing House has re-opened for the season. An Easter Trail costing £2.50 will be held in the grounds until April 24, with Easter eggs hidden around the site featuring fun Tudor facts. Children can win a tasty prize at the end.

Visit hampshireculture.org.uk to book tickets costing between £6 and £9 which last for a whole year.

 

Basingstoke Discovery Centre

The library in Festival Place is holding a free children’s craft event on April 12 from 10am to midday. Children can drop in and make animal themed crafts.

For more information about what’s on at Basingstoke Discovery Centre during the Easter holidays click here. 

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