Basing House

Basing House was once the country’s largest private house and home to the powerful courtier William Paulet, Marquess of Winchester. It was the scene of many royal visits, by Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and others. The earthwork banks and ditches of an earlier medieval castle still dominate the ruins.

The wealth and power of the Paulet family, their loyalty to the crown and nearness to London brought disaster to Basing in the Civil War. After long sieges and bombardments the House fell to Oliver Cromwell in person.

Start your visit at the Basing Grange buildings, restored and converted to provide new visitor centre, gift shop, refreshments and toilets/baby changing facilities.

Step inside the battle scarred Great Barn dating from 1535 and experience the new audio/visual show. Download the new audio tours via our website on to your smartphone/MP3 player in advance of your visit.

Across the road from the Basing Grange buildings you will find new interpretive panels guiding you around the ruins of the Tudor Palace, 17th Century Civil War defences and the newly refurbished museum telling the many stories of Basing House.

Enjoy a picnic in the re-created Jacobean garden.

The NEW Bothy Tearoom is open at Basing House weekends, bank holdiays and school holidays. During your visit why not rest a while in the new Tearoom, which serves hot and cold drinks and light refreshments. Please check for opening times on arrival at the Visitor Centre.