The A-Z of Basingstoke - 26 things which define the town

We’ve compiled an A to Z of the town, capturing the places, people and little details that make it what it is, whether you’ve lived here all your life or are just getting to know it.

A is for Alencon Link: The road pronounced wrong by the majority of residents - it's 'Uh-lon-sn', not 'A-lon'con'.

B is for Brighton Hill Roundabout: A true test of local knowledge, confidence, and indicators.

C is for Chineham Shopping Centre: Nip in for milk, leave with bags, snacks and no memory of how long you’ve been there.

D is for Down Grange: A place where ancient history, modern development and local debate all meet in one very well-trodden field used by every one from runners to dog walkers.

E is for Eastrop: ducks, ice creams and a lake that makes you forget you’re basically in town.

F is for Festival Place: where shopping, eating and “just popping in” become a full-blown day out.

G is for Gazette: delivering news, gossip and talking points for kitchen table debates.

H is for Haymarket: bringing drama, laughs, and the occasional standing ovation to Basingstoke.

I is for ice rink: where grace, chaos and falling over all share the same space.

J is for Jane Austen: the famous author who we can never forget, memorialised in bronze just outside The WIllis Museum

K is for kebab vans: the late-night heroes of Basingstoke, highlighted in a humorous advent calendar owned by everyone, including celebrity James May

L is for Leisure Park: bowling, cinema and food choices that somehow take longer than the activities.

M is for Milestones: the museum where you accidentally learn things while pretending to be in the Victorian era.

N is for North Hampshire Hospital: the place everyone hopes they won’t need but is endlessly grateful for when they do.

O is for Old Basing: cobbled charm and village vibes just a stone’s throw from the ring road.

P is for pubs: where plans are made, stories are shared and “just one” rarely means one.

Q is for Queen Mary’s College: shaping futures and keeping the coffee shops busy.

R is for roundabouts: Basingstoke’s unofficial sport and favourite topic of complaint.

S is for Stokie the dragon: Basingstoke Town FC’s larger-than-life mascot, bringing fire, fun and a big dose of club spirit to every matchday.

T is for Top of Town: historic streets that have seen everything from horse carts to shopping bags.

U is for Upton Grey Manor House: so pretty it feels like it belongs on a postcard, not nearby.

V is for The Vyne: gardens, history and a house that makes you whisper even outside.

W is for The Willis Museum: telling Basingstoke’s story without ever being boring.

X is for Xmas lights: the lights that make you feel just a little more festive, shining brightest in Market Plac,e where the trees are adorned

Y is for Yamazaki Sushi Bar: just one of the many independent restaurants we have in the town.

Z is for Zizzi: we had to pick one to represent the chains, and Zizzi offers dependable dinners, easy wins and a favourite meeting spot.