Things to do in Laverstoke

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Berkshire

Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle is set within a vast country estate and is a representative historic mansion in the area. Its exterior is primarily made of light-colored stone, featuring towering turrets, decorative windows, and a layered architectural facade, surrounded by expansive lawns, woodlands, gardens, and open estate views. The interior features formal drawing rooms, a library, and other display spaces. Visitors can tour some of the rooms to admire the furniture, paintings, and decor. The estate gardens include the Secret Garden, Monk's Garden, Rose Arbour, wildflower meadows, and herb gardens, which are ideal for walking, taking photos, and enjoying seasonal plant views.

2026 Europe 50 - Best Things to Do

Stonehenge

On the Salisbury Plain southeast of Bath, England, numerous stone circles stand amidst the vast wilderness—this is the mysterious prehistoric site of Stonehenge in the British Isles. In 1130 AD, a British priest accidentally discovered Stonehenge during a journey. These majestic stones, with an average weight of nearly 30 tons, still puzzle researchers today regarding their arrangement and exact purpose. On the way to the prehistoric Stonehenge, signs are posted along the route, and railings surround the site, allowing visitors to view it from a distance of 30 m. Research suggests its construction spanned over a thousand years: approx. 3000 BC, ancient people built embankments here, creating a circular earthwork with 56 pits arranged inside; by approx. 2500 BC, the massive stones were gradually transported and erected. The main sandstone blocks were sourced from the Marlborough Downs, approx. 30 km away, with each averaging approx. 25 tons, and the heel stone weighing approx. 30 tons. The smaller bluestones came from the Preseli Hills in Wales, over 200 km away. The fact that such transportation was accomplished without metal tools or wheels still astonishes researchers today.

2026 Europe 50 - Best Things to Do

Windsor Castle

• Stroll through the family castle of the Windsor dynasty • View the exquisite treasures in the state suite • Enjoy the audio guide and savor the beauty of the castle Windsor Castle sits on a hill on the south bank of the Thames and is one of the official residences still in use by the British royal family today. The castle was first built by William I in the 11th century, and after subsequent expansions and renovations by many monarchs, it blends a variety of architectural styles, including a Norman fortress, a medieval palace, and Georgian state apartments, and is also one of the few medieval castles in Europe that are still inhabited today. The castle is divided into the upper, middle, and lower wards. The upper ward centers on the state rooms, which display famous paintings, armor, and fine furniture collected by monarchs over the centuries, including works by masters such as Holbein, Van Dyck, and Rubens; the Waterloo Chamber was built by George IV to commemorate the defeat of Napoleon, and its walls hang portraits of allied monarchs and commanders. The upper area also houses Queen Mary's Dolls' House, created by architect Edwin Lutyens in the 1920s, with exquisitely detailed interiors that even include electricity and running water. The central area is marked by a round tower, which was originally built of wood and later rebuilt in stone. Today, it houses royal documents and a photography collection, and the moat garden below the tower is planted with roses and other flowers. St. George's Chapel in the Lower Ward is a masterpiece of English Gothic architecture, founded in the 15th century and renowned for its magnificent stone fan vaulting and stained glass windows—looking up at the vaulting is an unmissable experience when visiting. The chapel is also the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, has hosted numerous royal weddings, and is the burial place of several British monarchs.

Bombay Sapphire Distillery

2026 Europe 50 - Family-friendly Attractions

Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World

Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World is a family-friendly theme park based on the animated series "Peppa Pig," with its Peppa Pig-themed area opening in 2011, bringing the classic scenes and characters from the show to life. Figures of Peppa, George, and their family and friends are found throughout the buildings and rides, and the entire area is bright and playful. The Peppa Pig-themed area features rides designed specifically for young children, including Peppa's Big Balloon Ride, George's Dinosaur Adventure, and Grandpa Pig's Little Train. In addition to the rides, the water play area, which simulates the classic muddy puddle scene from the show, is very popular with children. George's Spaceship Play Zone offers climbing and slides, and Mr. Potato's Playground is perfect for running around. The park has rides suitable for different age groups, ensuring that older children can also find something to enjoy. For families traveling with toddlers, the ride heights and experience intensity in the Peppa Pig-themed area have been specially designed, so young children can safely enjoy most of the attractions.

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

London Eye

Take a ride on the incredible 135-metre London Eye and enjoy a panoramic view of London's stunning skyline, packed with iconic landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and more. Ride during the day, at night, at sunset, or at dusk—which will you choose? The London Eye has a total of 32 air-conditioned, fully enclosed cabins, each of which can accommodate approximately 25 people. It takes about half an hour to complete a full rotation. The cabins are equipped with explanations of various sights in London, which play when they rotate to the corresponding angle. In addition, touch-sensitive information panels are also available.

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

The British Museum

The British Museum's collection spans artifacts from civilizations across the world, with a total of approx. 8 million items, covering regions including ancient Egypt, ancient Greece and Rome, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. The museum has approx. 60 permanent galleries, and the items on display represent only a very small fraction of the total collection, with its ancient Egyptian, ancient Greek and Roman, and Asian collections being particularly renowned. The south facade of the main building features an Ionic colonnade, and the main entrance is topped by a sculpted pediment. Entering through the main entrance leads into the Great Court, a public space designed by Norman Foster with a white color scheme, where the massive semi-transparent glass roof ensures ample natural light even on London's overcast days. The Great Court was originally part of the British Library; after the library relocated, it was converted into a covered plaza, and the court displays authentic sculptures including a stone statue from Easter Island. The Rosetta Stone bears a decree of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh inscribed in three scripts, serving as the key to deciphering ancient Egyptian civilization and ranking among the museum's most notable exhibits. The Elgin Marbles are sculptural fragments from the Parthenon, dating back over two thousand years, and are now displayed in Room 18. The Portland Vase is renowned for its dark blue glass and white cameo relief decoration, displayed in Room 70. The Tang dynasty copy of Admonitions of the Instructress to the Court Ladies survives with nine scenes and holds significant artistic and historical value, though it is not on permanent display. The Chinese collection is concentrated in Rooms 33, 33b, and 95, arranged chronologically by dynasty with artifacts ranging from Shang and Zhou bronzes to Ming and Qing porcelain, among which the Song dynasty Cizhou ware "circus pillow" and the Yuan dynasty blue-and-white dish with fish and aquatic plant design are particularly worth a closer look. The ancient Egyptian galleries are famous for their mummy exhibits and are among the most visited areas in the museum.

iFLY Basingstoke Indoor Skydiving

iFLY Indoor Skydiving Basingstoke is an indoor skydiving experience center in the UK that offers a unique and exciting weightless flight experience. Using advanced vertical wind tunnel technology, iFLY allows visitors to experience the joy of free flight without having to jump out of an airplane. This facility is suitable for adventurers of all ages, whether beginners or experienced skydivers, they can experience the thrill of flying in a safe environment. Under the guidance of professional instructors, visitors will receive a brief training and then enter the wind tunnel to experience the suspension brought by strong winds. The whole process is safe, reliable and full of fun. iFLY also provides group activities and special courses, such as flight skills training and team building programs, which are ideal for family outings, friends gatherings or corporate events. Whether it is an adventurer looking for excitement or a challenger who hopes to overcome his fear of heights, iFLY Indoor Skydiving Basingstoke can provide an unforgettable flight experience.

Finkley Down Farm

Forest Holidays (Blackwood Forest)

This attraction is located in Winchester. It is a deep, dense forest with a ground covered in fallen leaves that feel thick and soft underfoot, making it a great choice for hiking or camping.