Don’t be fooled by the Basingstoke Canal Centre’s unassuming appearance – it’s a convenient gateway to the beautiful Basingstoke Canal, complete with a swing bridge, tow path, and narrow boats.
The Play Area
Next to the Canal Centre is a wooden play area with:
So Much To Do! The Basingstoke Canal Centre There is also a cafe that serves a selection of refreshments, has indoor tables, and outdoor picnic benches. Potters’ Pond The Towpath Explore the Canal on Foot From the Canal Centre you can walk for about 20 minutes at a slow pace to the well-equipped Frimley Lodge Park, which has two play areas, a trim trail, sports facilities, and a cafe. Explore the Canal by Water At certain times of the year rowing boats, canoes and pedalos are available to hire from the Canal Centre too. The Swing Bridge Closes… After it closes, you can reach the Canal Centre by crossing the canal at the nearby road bridge, although there is a flight of steps to climb up. …and so Does the Barrier! There is a barrier at the entrance to the car park that closes at the end of the day. You cannot enter the car park after it has closed but you can leave – just drive up to the barrier and it will lift. 
There is a wide range of activities on offer: hire boats and canoes, walk to Frimley Lodge, play in the fields, enjoy the towpath, take narrow boat trips, explore woods and ponds, choose a picnic spot or check out the playground.
The Canal Centre has information on the canal, a gift shop, a campsite, and public toilets. 
Behind the Canal Centre is a pond dipping area 
and a wild woodland 
with paths, ponds, and bridges.
I use an all-terrain buggy when we walk on the towpath. It is generally even but there are quite a few stones, which can be bumpy with a normal buggy. 
We also enjoy cycling along the towpath down to Frimley Lodge Park 
or further afield to see the giant locks that line the Deepcut Flight. 
The Basingstoke Canal has about 33 miles of towpath. 
It also has the Frimley Lodge Miniature Railway, which has public running days at various times during the year. 
You can also take a trip on Rosebud, a small narrow boat. Trips last about an hour but only run on a limited number of days. 
The swing bridge at the Canal Centre closes towards the end of the afternoon. The exact time is usually stated on a sign on the bridge.
Visit the Basingstoke Canal Centre and Play Area website
Further Information
Nearest Town: Mytchett, near Farnborough Opens: The canal is open daily but the Canal Centre has seasonal opening hours. Please see their website for details. Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at the cafe. How Long We Spent There: About 2 hours. Parking: There are two car parks, one just through the entry barrier and another tucked away past the Canal Centre. Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, Canada geese, herons, coots, moorhens, other birds, foxes, stag beetles, butterflies and insects. Information Written: March 2017
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU16 6DD
Facilities: Picnic area, cafe, snacks, ice creams, and toilets.
Buggies: I use an all terrain buggy as the tow path is generally even but has quite a few stones on it, which can be bumpy with a normal buggy.
Cost of Parking: Free
Information Checked: June 2024
Ratings
Our visit to Basingstoke Canal Centre and Play Area in Mytchett is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.
-
Fun
-
Condition
-
Value
-
Would We Go Back
Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.
Add Comment