7 places near Basingstoke to plan a walk when lockdown eases

After several weeks of strict lockdown measures, the government will allow six people from multiple households to meet, or two households of any size, as long as it is outdoors, such as a private garden.

For people who have been waiting for this moment, it is a great opportunity to catch up on your friends and family outside your home and go for a walk.

Fortunately, Basingstoke and nearby areas have a number of locations to do such memorable trails. Here is a list of beautiful places you can meet your friends at and go for a walk from March 29. If you have already been to these places several times, it is another chance to revisit the memory lane.

But remember, although lockdown rules are eased, please follow social distancing measures, wash your hands with hand sanitiser and wear masks when appropriate.

Basingstoke Canal

Photo by Tabitha Julia Dalley

Basingstoke Canal Trail is a 5.3km point-to-point trail. The banks of 31-mile manmade waterway is an incredible place to go for a walk.

The canal was built in 1794 to connect the town to the River Thames and stimulate growth in Hampshire. It runs all the way from Greywell to North Warnborough, Odiham, Church Crookham, Fleet and eventually Byfleet in Surrey.

It's the perfect place for a stroll, even though the stretch between Greywell and Basingstoke is now lost.

The Vyne

One of the most popular days out in and around Basingstoke, The Vyne in Sherborne St John boasts some spectacular views of the historic house across the lake.

The gardens that surround the Tudor palace have over 400 years of history, and there's even a 1.3-mile circular route that you can trek around, discovering the history of the estate and enjoying the stunning woodlands and wetlands.

And there's also ticketed entry, which means you need to book your 30-minute entry slot the day before you go. If you don't book, you'll be turned away.

Basingstoke Common

(Photo by David Martins)

It is a great outdoor space to catch up with your friends and family.

Common is particularly popular among dog walkers. You can also spot horses on your trail.

Although the path is spoiled by animal excrement, Basingstoke Common offers a nice route to go for a walk or a run.

Eastrop Park

(Photo by Liz Dunkel)

Nestled in the heart of Basingstoke town centre, when the sun is shining, Eastrop Park is a little slice of paradise.

As well as the picturesque lake, it's the perfect place to walk around, or to take a picnic.

If you work up a sweat, there's a lovely cafe where you can cool down, or if longer walks are your thing, it's easy to access the Basingstoke Common.

Crabtree Plantation

(Photo by Mark Jeffery)

A favourite among dog walkers, the Crabtree Plantation is a perfect place to enjoy a picnic in the sun, or for a nice stroll in the evening.

Originally part of the Hackwood Estate, you can enter the the park through the Bolton Arch, where there is a free car park.

And if you like looking at the wildlife, this might be the location for you - Crabtree is an important site for butterflies due to its south facing position, woodland and grassland habitat.

Down Grange

The home of many of the town's sports teams, Down Grange also boasts plenty of green space - perfect for getting your family together for a kickabout or game of rounders.

It's the perfect place to get out of your home and spend some time in the fresh air, and is walking distance from Brighton Hill, Kempshott, Buckskin and South Ham.

Beggarwood Park

Photo by Love Basingstoke

Another of the popular parks in Basingstoke, Beggarwood boasts more than just a nice area for a walk or picnic.

The trails span the park and woodland, whilst there's also outdoor exercise equipment if you fancy burning off some energy, as well as a children's play area.

Plus, there's the amphitheatre built into the hillside, and the children's maze.

Do you have a photo from one of these places or a location we didn't mention here?