This charming town may have earned the nickname ‘Doughnut City’ because of its love of roundabouts, but its peaceful streets are a pleasure to navigate on four wheels.

Rent a car in Basingstoke and you’ll be able to wind from leafy parks to business headquarters, or drop into historic country houses.

There are many great sights to see close to Basingstoke town centre, including the Festival Place shopping centre situated next to the train station. The centre is set among cinemas, museums and galleries, while The Anvil concert hall is the city’s star events venue – and is just next door.

To the east, you’ll find lush parks, lakes and Basing House – an imposing Tudor Castle. Drive west, meanwhile, and you can discover the flagship interactive Milestones Museum.

There are a number of long and short-stay car parks in and around the centre where you can leave your vehicle, with almost 2,000 council-run spaces in total.

This town also benefits from excellent connections to London, Southampton and the rest of the UK, making Basingstoke car hire a great option for inter-city travel. The famous M3 is the best way to reach London, connecting with the M25 north of Woking.

In the south, the M3 provides an easy route through Winchester to the bustling coastal city of Southampton. You may also choose to drop into the blissful South Downs National Park, or perhaps you’d prefer to head north-west into the lush hills of the North Wessex Downs Area of Natural Beauty.

You’ll find many areas of interest in this region, including golf clubs and the Highclere Castle. Use the A33 to visit the charming town of Reading or connect to the M4, where you can venture west towards Wales.

Relaxing and quaint, Basingstoke is a beautiful town set in one of England’s most attractive regions.

This makes it a delightful place to begin a road trip, visit for business or drop in for a few days of sightseeing.

Walk through history

This area has a rich history dating back to Roman times, so it’s a great place to wander through the centuries. Whitchurch Silk Mill is a great place to learn about local industrial heritage – it creates fine fabrics for regency dramas and stately homes to this day.

The Milestones museum is a great option for families, meanwhile, as its Victorian and 1930s-era streets will transported you to another age. Replica workhouses, shops and homes really help visitors understand what life was like for their ancestors.

You can also add some mystery to your historical tour by venturing to Highclere Castle. Beneath the towers and turrets, you’ll find a collection of ancient Egyptian relics amassed by the 5th Earl of Carnarvon.

Explore parks and nature

Once you’ve sunk into the local heritage, soak up some serene charm at the many relaxing parks.

Eastrop Park is a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city, where a paddling pool provides something for the children – while adults can explore the boat house or enjoy walking trails beside the lake.

The Crabtree Plantation is home to the magnificent Bolton Arch, which is framed by thick woodland and the very best of British nature. You might see elms, butterflies and many types of colourful birds. If you prefer to combine history and nature, the War Memorial Park is a great place to play sports and experience Georgian-era style.

Then turn the action up a notch at Leisure Park, if you so wish, where you can try ice skating or see a movie in the on-site cinema.

A day at the races

Ascot Racecourse is only around half an hour from Basingstoke by road, so a glamorous day at the races could make the ideal day out.

This prestigious Berkshire track is a favourite with the modern royal family – the Royal Ascot meeting has taken place in June since the course was founded in 1711. Whether you’re a flat racing fan or a social butterfly, this five-day celebration is bound to tickle your fancy.

Other notable events include British Champions Day in October, when prize money often reaches millions of pounds.

Treat yourself at Festival Place

Home to more than 160 diverse stores, the Festival Place shopping centre is one of the principal retail spots in Hampshire.

Here you can eat, shop or allow yourself to be entertained in the multi-screen cinema. There is even an on-site sports centre and a library, so you’ll find a fun activity whatever you or your loved ones are looking to enjoy.

This is also a venue that hosts regular events, including food festivals, home and garden exhibitions and vibrant fashion shows.

Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, car rental in Basingstoke is a great way to get between all the top attractions, and explore even further wonders beyond.