Explore the Basingstoke Canal Centre, Mytchett
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.
So Much To Do!
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 Basingstoke Canal Centre
The Canal Centre has information on the canal, a gift shop, a campsite, and public toilets.
There is also a cafe that serves a selection of refreshments, has indoor tables, and outdoor picnic benches.
Potters’ Pond
Behind the Canal Centre is a pond dipping area
with paths, ponds, and bridges.
The Towpath
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.
Explore the Canal on Foot
The Basingstoke Canal has about 33 miles of towpath.
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.
It also has the Frimley Lodge Miniature Railway, which has public running days at various times during the year.
Explore the Canal by Water
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.
At certain times of the year rowing boats, canoes and pedalos are available to hire from the Canal Centre too.
The Swing Bridge Closes…
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.
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.
Visit the Basingstoke Canal Centre and Play Area website
Further Information
Nearest Town: Mytchett, near Farnborough
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU16 6DD
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.
Facilities: Picnic area, cafe, snacks, ice creams, and toilets.
How Long We Spent There: About 2 hours.
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.
Parking: There are two car parks, one just through the entry barrier and another tucked away past the Canal Centre.
Cost of Parking: Free
Wildlife You Might See: Ducks, swans, Canada geese, herons, coots, moorhens, other birds, foxes, stag beetles, butterflies and insects.
Information Written: March 2017
Information Checked: June 2024
Ratings
Our visit to Basingstoke Canal Centre and Play Area in Mytchett, near Farnborough, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.
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