Welcome to The War Memorial Park
The War Memorial Park is a historic, beautifully preserved Georgian green space situated right on the edge of Basingstoke’s town center. Originally laid out in the 1780s as the formal grounds of the Georgian Goldings estate, the land was purchased by the town and established in 1921 as a lasting tribute to the fallen soldiers of World War I. Today, this vast park seamlessly blends rich local heritage with excellent modern recreational facilities, making it a peaceful escape for residents, families, and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Whether you are looking to challenge yourself at the weekly parkrun, explore the historic woodland walks, or enjoy a family picnic on the expansive lawns, The War Memorial Park offers an inviting outdoor experience throughout the year.
- ⏱️ Opening Times: Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- 🎟️ Admission: Completely free.
- 📍 Location: Hackwood Road, Basingstoke, RG21 4AH.
- 🌟 Best For: Community events, outdoor sports, and historic walks.
Top Things to Do at The War Memorial Park
🏃 Basingstoke Parkrun & Fitness
Every Saturday morning at 9:00 AM, the park transforms into a vibrant hub of community fitness. The Basingstoke Parkrun is a free, timed 5k event that welcomes runners, joggers, and walkers of all abilities. Beyond parkrun, the smooth tarmac paths serve as an ideal venue for daily jogging, and the dedicated outdoor fitness equipment offers a great open-air workout space.
🎺 Summer Bands Concerts (2026 Lineup)
Following the successful restoration of our historic park bandstand, live open-air music returns to the park on selected Sunday afternoons during the summer. Performances are free to attend and run from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Bring your own deckchair or picnic blanket and catch these scheduled 2026 dates right here at The War Memorial Park:
- 9 August 2026: Cove Brass
- 23 August 2026: Sax n Trax
- 30 August 2026: East Woodhay Silver Band
- 6 September 2026: Camberley & District Silver Band
For the complete cross-town concert program, including dates hosted over at Eastrop Park, make sure to browse our full Basingstoke Summer Bands Guide.
🧸 Sports Facilities & Play Area
For those looking to stay active or keep the kids entertained, the park boasts an array of excellent amenities:
- The Playground: A well-equipped, secure children's play area packed with modern climbing frames, slides, and swings designed to keep younger visitors fully entertained.
- Sports Grounds: Home to top-tier local sports facilities including football pitches, a concrete skate park, an outdoor parkour/gym fitness area, an aviary, and the premier indoor/outdoor Basingstoke Tennis Centre which features all-weather courts under permanent playing domes.
🎪 Vibrant Community Events & Festivals
As the premier outdoor event space in Basingstoke, the park plays host to several major annual community celebrations and festivals:
- Taste of the Caribbean: A spectacular food and drink festival bringing authentic island flavors, live music, and cultural entertainment to the heart of Hampshire.
- Limitless Festival: A high-energy action sports event designed for teens and young adults, featuring skatepark competitions, extreme stunts, and live DJ sets.
- The Big Wheel: An iconic annual charity cycling event supporting St. Michael’s Hospice, featuring routes ranging from a gentle family ride to an epic 78-mile challenge.
🌳 Historic Parkland & Woodland Walk
Steeped in history, the grounds feature a stunning woodland walk where visitors can escape under the canopy of mature, historic trees native to the old Goldings estate. It is a peaceful sanctuary perfect for birdwatching, photography, or enjoying a quiet moment away from the town center.
🐾 Is The War Memorial Park Dog-Friendly?
Yes! The park is highly popular with local dog owners and offers an excellent environment for exercising your pets.
- Dogs are welcome throughout the park, though owners are requested to keep them under close control on the main pathways and sports fields, and on leads near the children's play areas.
- The expansive open lawns provide plenty of space for dogs to fetch and explore safely.
- Dedicated dog waste bins are situated at regular intervals around the perimeter and main walkways.
🤔 Visitor Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I park for the War Memorial Park, and is it free?
Free parking is available at the Crossborough Hill car park (Postcode: RG21 4AG) for up to three hours if you are using the park's leisure and sports facilities. For longer visits, standard town centre multi-storey car parks like Festival Place or The Malls are just a short walk away.
Is the park accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs?
Yes. The park features smooth, flat tarmac pathways throughout its landscape, making it highly accessible for both wheelchairs and pushchairs. Please note that pedestrian access from Festival Place and the town centre via Wote Street includes some steep inclines.
Can I cycle through the park, and how does it connect to town?
Yes. Wide, flat tarmac paths make the park fully accessible for cyclists. Route 23 of the National Cycle Network runs directly through the park grounds, providing an eco-friendly off-road connection linking the Top of Town straight down through to neighboring Eastrop Park.
What public toilet facilities are available on-site?
Public toilets, including dedicated accessible (disabled) toilets, are located at the John Arlott Pavilion near the sports pitches and tennis courts.
Can I buy food and drink inside the park?
Yes. You can visit the Orchard Café, located inside the Orchard building within the park. Operated by The Café Project, it serves coffee, fresh lunches, and treats while supporting a local training program for adults with learning disabilities. It is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM (closed Sundays).
What permanent activities and facilities are there for children?
The park is packed with free recreational facilities, including an all-weather children's play area with a toddler scooter track, a concrete skate park, a macadam pump track, an outdoor parkour/gym fitness area, an aviary, and a historic bandstand.
