There are so many classes for babies that you could go to. Take a look at these, bare in mind though that some of these will be pre-booked only.
Thank you VERY much to Shona for putting this post together!
Things to do with a baby in North Hampshire
Newborn classes to meet other mums
NCT Coffee groups
Basingstoke NCT runs coffee groups that meet regularly to support parents-to be and parents. Anyone is welcome, you don’t have to be a member of NCT and is open from pregnancy right up to pre-school age. Opportunities to meet other people and talk to them about their experiences and make new friends.
No fee to attend, there is a collection towards the work the NCT do.
NCT
NCT Early Days
This is a group that meets in a supportive, relaxed and friendly atmosphere to openly talk about life as a mum. You can discuss challenges, tips and the reality over the expectations you had/have. You will meet other parents, make friends and gain support and tips. Courses run over 4-6 weekly sessions for new mums. They are aimed at new mums with babies under 6months. There is a fee for this course – enquire via link below.
NCT Early Days
Little Tots Poppins
This is an Art and Messy session followed by Music and Movement.You don’t register, just pop in. The sessions are run on Thursday mornings from 9.30am to 11am and costs £3 per session. The sessions are term time only.
Little Tots Stoney Heath, White Lion Court, Hollybush Farm, Stoney Heath, Ramsdell, Tadley, RG26 5SL. 01256851398
Little Tots Poppins
Little Munchkins Baby
These are Baby Massage and Baby Yoga classes which help you to feel relaxed, happy and confident with your baby. Baby massage helps build bonds and will help you become more in tune and confident with your baby’s needs. The course is taught in 5 weekly session (1 hour long each session). Suitable from birth. It runs on a Tuesday from 11am to 12pm at Tadley Community Centre.
Little Munchkins Baby
Baby Sensory
These are nationwide so have a look online for your local session as there are quite a few in Basingstoke. They offer a musical world of sensory experiences for both parents and children. There are light shows, bells, bubbles, puppets and signing to name but a few of the activities. The class is split into three phases so there is a free play session in the middle where you can play with the toys and activities set out and sit and talk to other mums and dads. Sessions run term time only and the course is £70 per term you wish to take up.
Baby Sensory
Tots Play
This is a 6 week course suitable from birth to 6 months. You learn fun ways to play and communicate with your baby using massage, music, signing and is also a great way to meet other mums. The class runs from 11.20am to 12.20pm and you must book in advance.
Tots Play
Barn Tots
This is a friendly play session from birth to pre-school. They meet at Viables Community Centre on Tuesdays from 10am to 12pm and Thursdays from 9.45am to 11.45am. It is term time only. There are different toys each week and a great soft play area for babies. There is singing and storytime and music and movement too. It costs £2 per session and includes refreshments for adults and a cold drink, fruit and biscuits for the children.
Active Mums
This is an hour long class which starts with a warm up walk which moves up to a power walk. There are exercises throughout the class to strengthen and tone. The route is suitable for any buggy and it’s a great session to get some exercise and meet other mums. The classes run at 11am on a Monday and Wednesday at Basing Wood. It is all year round and no booking is required. 1 session is £4 or you can book 10 sessions online for £35.
Active Mums
Take a look at NHM’s activity pages too for additional classes you could go to
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Go out for something to eat
You could go out with baby for a bite to eat too. There are lots of ideas here.
Little Roses Tea Room and Gift Shop – Elm Park Garden Centre, Aldermaston Road, Pamber End, Tadley, RG26 5QW
Open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4.30pm
- Lovely Little cafe with lovely people and great service.
- Has a baby changing unit in its disabled toilet with nappy sacks and baby wipes for you to use!
- Sit upstairs if you have toddlers or want to sit on comfy sofa’s – no gate at the top of the stairs though.
- Lovely cakes and very reasonable placed.
- Recommend to avoid the Valley of the Dolls shop next door. Unless you are into that kind of thing of course
- Cafe is situated at the back of the garden centre to the right and has parking next to it.
Wyevale Garden Centre – Wildmoor Lane, Sherfield on Loddon, Basingstoke, RG27 0HL
Open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays
- Bit hit and miss with quality of food. Week days better than weekends
- Join the membership scheme as it’s amazing how quickly you rack up discounts which get you money off future purchases.
- They have a car cleaner on site, so you can have your car cleaned for a very reasonable price whilst you enjoy lunch or coffee and cake.
- Baby Changing facilities are in the ladies
Departure Lounge Cafe – Basingstoke Road, Alton, GU34 4BH
Open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm on weekends.
- This cafe is next to a Garden Centre and has part of an aircraft (!!!) at the back of the cafe.
- Was very impressed as it didn’t look much from the main road.
Newlyns Farm Cafe – Lodge Farm, North Warnborough, Hook, RG29 1HA
Open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm on Saturdays and 9am to 12pm on Sundays
- Eaten here several times but not with baby so not sure what baby facilities are like. Anyone else been here with their baby?
Squires Garden Centre – Badshot Lea Road, Badshot Lea, Farnham, GU9 9JX
Open from 9am – 6pm Monday to Saturday and 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays.
- Lovely cafe here with a room for children with toys and high chairs in which is quite nice.
- Good quality food
- Baby changing facilities in the disabled toilets
The Portsmouth Arms – Hatch Warren Lane, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG22 4RA
Food served from 8am to 9pm Monday to Thursday, 8am to 10pm Friday and Saturday and 12pm to 9pm on Sunday
- Wooden climbing frame and swings for children.
- Unsure if Baby changing facilities available
Millstone Pub – Barton’s Lane, Old Basing, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 8AE
Food served from 12pm to 2.30pm and 6pm to 9pm Monday to Friday and from 12pm to 9pm on weekends
- A country pub haven, yet only 5 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Basingstoke town centre, the Millstone is set within a conservation area near to the historical Basing house ruins.
- Children’s Playground next door. Unsure if Baby changing facilities are available.
- The Millstone hosts a quiz every Thursday from 9pm.
Giraffe – Festival Place Shopping Centre, Basingstoke, RG21 7BB
- Check vouchercloud.com for discounts before going
- Reasonably priced kids menu
- Current deal on for Kids main course, dessert and drink for just £6.50 (correct as of December 2016) all day everyday
- Step free access which is great if you are taking a pushchair or two.
- Kids parties are available too.
Zizzi’s – 1 London Street, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 7NT
- Check vouchercloud.com for discounts before going
- Bambini Kids Menu – 3 courses and a chococino for £6.75 (correct as of December 2016)
Wagamamas – Festival Place, Basingstoke, RG21 7BB
- Baby Changing facilities are available in the Disabled toilet
- Seating is on benches and generally not comfortable for breastfeeding
- Fast and healthy food
- If you sit at the tables near the entrance, there is enough parking for pushchairs next to the tables at the back.
- Disabled access can be used for pushchairs.
- If you are pressed for time (evening feeds, etc.) you can check out your local Wagamama menu on the iPhone or iPad Wagamama application or check online in advance. The Mobile Applications allow you to place your order so it is ready when you arrive. You can also order takeaway using this option.
- Excellent air con, so if it’s hot outside, this is a great place to be!
- Reasonably priced kids menu available
Pizza Express – Unit R9, Lower Ground, Festival Place, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 7BB
- Children’s menu available with 3 courses for only £6.95 (correct as of December 2016)
- Pizza making parties can be booked for adults and children!
- They are running an incentive to get children cooking and are encouraging school visits to learn.
Pizza Express – The Whitehouse, Winchester Road, Basingstoke, RG22 6HL
- Baby Changing facilities in Disabled toilets, with cover for babies to lie on
- Parking in car park is very small. Alternative parking is available at the football ground which is 3 mins walk away, however, you will need your pushchair as it’s too far to carry the car seat from.
- Dyson hand dryers (it’s the little things that count!)
- Very friendly people who like babies!
- Check vouchercloud.com for discounts before going
- Children’s menu available with 3 courses for only £6.95 (correct as of December 2016)
- Pizza making parties can be booked for adults and children!
- They are running an incentive to get children cooking and are encouraging school visits to learn.
Pizza Hut – Brighton Hill Retail Park, Winchester Road, Basingstoke, RG22 4AN
- Unlimited salad, unlimited squash and unlimited ice cream factory… how can you argue with that?
- They have two children’s menus with pizzas, pastas or chicken followed by a drink and Ice Cream factory or a fruit juice ice lolly. Prices start at £5.49 (correct as of December 2016)
- Baby changing facilities are good here too.
- Balloons and activity books with crayons are available to keep children busy whilst they wait
- Children’s parties are available too
- They also have bottle warming facilities
- High chairs available too
The Harvester – Winchester Road, Basingstoke, RG22 6HN
- Some tables aren’t big enough for Pushchairs
- Baby changing facilities are available in disabled toilets.
- Menu shows the calorie content of each item
- Starting from £5.99 there is a children’s menu with meals for small children up to 10 years old.
- Unlimited salad cart too
- Activity pack with colouring and games to do whilst waiting for food
- Staff have always been lovely when I’ve been with my child
Mcdonalds – Brighton Hill Retail Park, Winchester Road, Basingstoke, RG22 4AN
- If you’re feeling more slummy mummy than yummy mummy and can’t be bothered to mobilise the army, this is a very quick place to get lunch
- Many more options than used to be, children can have burger, cheeseburger, chicken nuggets or fish fingers. They can also have fries or carrot sticks and for drinks they can have milk, orange juice, fruit shoot or any of the draft drinks.
Nelsons Diner – Newbury Road, Newbury, RG20 4TA
- I love Nelsons for breakfast. They do a great American breakfast, pancakes with maple syrup. If you aren’t watching your waistline, I totally recommend the milkshakes. Totally moreish. (I may regret putting up such a raving review next time we try to get a table! :-D)
- Kids menu is available and a meal deal is only £6.95 (correct as of December 2016) which includes a starter, main course and a desert as well as a drink.
- Children’s parties can also be booked here.
- Staff have always been really friendly when taken my family there.
- Changing facilities are basic but adequate.
- Not much space for pushchairs but there is parking right outside so shouldn’t be much of an issue
- Highchairs available
- Play area outside if the weather is nice
Sainsburys – 3 Wallop Drive, Basingstoke, RG22 4TW
- Children’s meals are developed for ages 5 to 10.
- They do sell pouches of baby food
- High chairs are good and have always been clean when we’ve visited
- Dedicated baby changing room with a toilet in for parents too
Debenhams – Festival Place, Festival Way, Basingstoke, RG21 7BA
- There is a baby room next to the Restaurant.
- They also offer a special children’s menu and provide baby food and bottle warming facilities, free bibs and wipes.
- Two types of high chairs including ones for smaller babies
Morrisons – Worting Road, Basingstoke, RG21 8BJ
- Fairly limited kids menu but have always been accommodating when I’d asked to adapt it.
- Children’s lunch boxes are good as there is a choice of contents.
- £3 kids meal which includes any children’s meal, a fruit bag and a drink
- Children eat free after 3pm with a full paying adult meal
- High chairs, microwave and disposable bibs available
- Baby changing facilities are further from the restaurant right near the store entrance but have always been clean
Olivers Fish and Chips – 39 London Road, Old Basing, Basingstoke, RG24 7JE
- They have an early Bird Deal at the moment.
- The restaurant is open every day until 10.30pm, but check the website to confirm this.
- They do have baby changing facilities and colouring and crayons for bigger children as well as books by the door.
- Not much space so pushchairs won’t really work.
- Maybe a place to visit if you are lucky enough to have a night out alone with your partner/husband.
- Children’s meals are priced from £3.45
- High chairs are available
- There is also a takeaway menu for children
Marks and Spencers Cafe – Chineham Shopping Centre, Great Binfields Road, Chineham, RG24 8BG
- Baby changing in both the male and female toilets
- High chairs are available and have always been clean
- Not too cheap but good for a nice treat or even just a coffee and a cake
- Always clean and tidy
- Plenty of parking
Nando’s – Festival Place, Basingstoke, RG21 7BB
- Open until 11pm most nights
- Has baby changing facilities
- They do make you leave push chairs near the door, not always near you which makes me nervous
- Nandino’s meals for under 10’s – choose one main, a marinade (plain-ish or PERi-tamer), two side and a dessert for £5.65
Spruce Goose – Basingstoke Leisure Park, Worting Road, Basingstoke, RG22 6PG
- New and improved kids menu
- All children’s mains come with 1 of your 5 a day
- Meal deals start from £4.75 and come with a free squash
- I’ve always found service to be slow when I’ve been there so perhaps better with older children
Queens College Arms – Aldermaston Road, Pamber End, Tadley, RG26 5QR
- Recommend booking in advance and asking for the “big” table.
- They have baby changing facilities onsite and bottle warming facilities.
- Very friendly and welcoming of Mum’s and babies.
- For bigger children, there is a climbing frame in the pub garden.
- Meal deal for children includes any meal plus a tub of ice cream or sorbet for £5.75
Dobbies Garden Centre – 166 Hyde End Road, Shinfield, Reading, RG2 9ER
- If you fancy going a bit further afield or live near Reading, it’s worth checking out the restaurant of this Garden Centre.
- They have a large restaurant with a big outside eating area.
- Seems to be quiet because it’s outside of central Reading.
The Cafe Project, Brighton Hill Parade, Off Sullivan Road, Basingstoke, RG22 4EH
- Open Tuesday to Friday’s from 9.30am to 2pm
- Fabulous cause, supports adults with learning difficulties; they train the students to gain experience in hospitality and catering and then they go on to find further work experience or paid employment
- Small children’s menu
- Friendly and welcoming
- Lots of high chairs
- Baby changing facilities
Conkers Garden Centre – London Road, Old Basing, Basingstoke, RG24 7LJ
- Early Bird Meals with children
Go for a day out
You could go out for the day to one of the places we have looked at below…
Legoland – Windsor – Winkfield Road, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 4AY
Under 3’s are free – £55.40 for adults (although annual membership is only £100 so two visits and you are already quids in). Rides for little ones too as long as they can sit up. NHM review 2014
The Look Out Discovery centre – Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW
Under 4’s are free and adults are £7.30. They also run a parent and toddler offer, so you can get a bonus card and when it is stamped, your 6th visit is free. This is only during term time and Monday-Friday.
Marwell Zoo – Thompson’s Lane, Colden Common, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1JH
Prices during winter are £15 per adult and free for under 2’s. NHM review 2014
The Hawk Conservancy – Visitor Centre, Sarson Lane, Weyhill, Andover, SP11 8DY
- Was a bit skeptical about this place before going but it was an absolutely brilliant day out.
- Loved the Bird Displays, the Ferret Racing and the opportunity to have an eagle sit on your arm!
Prices for an adult entry are £14.50 and under 4’s are free. NHM review 2013
Paultons Park – Ower, Romsey, The New Forest, Hampshire, SO51 6AL
Children under 1 meter are free. Adults and children over 1 metre are £27.25 if booked online in advance.
Playdays – 2 Stewart Road, KingsLand Business Park, Basingstoke, RG24 8NF
Indoor soft play area with cafe. Under 1’s are free. You can download the app too for discounts. There are also meal deals for children.
JJ’s – Unit B, Morse Road, Basingstoke, RG22 6NE
Indoor soft play area with cafe. Varying prices for entry depending on age of child and whether it’s peak or off peak.
Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway – Wide Lane, Eastleigh, SO50 5PE
Adult ticket (return) is £3.50 or you can get 3 rides for the price of two. First class is only 50p more. Children under 2 ride free. There is also a cafe here. NHM review 2013
Finkley Down Farm – Andover, SP11 6NF
Under 2’s are free. There’s so much to do here, soft play, farm animals, outdoor play areas and many more. There is a lovely cafe with plenty of seating. Open all year round too. NHM review 2013
Beale Park – Lower Basildon, Pangbourne, Berkshire, RG8 9NW
Closes from November to February. Under 2’s are free. There are outdoor play areas (with some specifically for toddlers), indoor play areas, animals, walks, cafe and even a pool in the summer. Adult admission is £7.
Bucklebury Farm – Bucklebury, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 6RR
Lovely big play areas for children, a bus to play on too. Slides inside and also tractor rides out to see the deer. Lots of animals to see too and you can also feed animals. Children under 2’s are free. NHM review 2015
Manor Farm – Pylands Lane, Bursledon, Southampton, SO31 1BH
Under 3’s are free. Car parking is pay and display. There’s a historic farm, you can meet the animals and do lots of woodland walks. Interactive too, you can feed the chickens and help with milking.
RHS Wisley – Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB
Under 5’s are free. Lots of lovely gardens to explore.
Birdworld – Holt Pound, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LD
Under 3’s are free. Lots of birds to see and also flying displays and other activities to watch/take part in. NHM review 2013
Rainy day activities
If the weather isn’t very good, there are some great ideas of rainy day activities here too.
Treasure baskets
I have recently published a post about treasure baskets and the benefits for little ones. Have a read of it here.
Sensory activities
Having previously worked in a nursery, Shona recommends using everyday things around the house to do different sensory activities. You can buy a tuff spot from Wickes which is great for letting babies explore with their whole bodies in just a nappy. You can use things like custard powder and water, small amount of water mixed with different food colouring, cooked pasta/spaghetti, baked beans, different fruits/vegetables, sand with spoons/scoops. The lists are endless! You can also use different dry items. Use old baby food jars and poke holes in the lids then fill with things like mint, lavender, lemon etc. Make your own play dough with this recipe and play with spoons, rolling pins etc.
Do a mini photoshoot
We all love taking pictures of our little ones so grab your camera and do a mini photoshoot with things you have around the house. Baskets, blankets, lights. It’s a great way to bond and make lots of memories you can save for a lifetime.
Libraries
If your baby is on the move and exploring things, a library can be a great place for them to have a look through some books and come home with a couple of new ones.
Local Libraries
Aquariums
Babies really enjoy the sensory experience of visiting an aquarium. The bonus being that they are indoors too! Perfect for a rainy day.
Blue Reef – Portsmouth
Oceanarium – Bournemouth
Softplay
Softplay – Active Tots has areas for small babies.
Swimming
Swimming – Basingstoke Sports centre has a small pool that is kept at 32 degrees and open between 12 and 1.30 on a weekday and is an open session.
I would also check out the QMC pool as we swam in there last year and it was really warm! Also check out my 2013 review of Basingstoke Aquadrome.
Pots2Paint
Pots 2 Paint – Viables Craft Centre
A great way to get some special Christmas (or birthday) presents done. Handprints or footprints of your little one whilst they are tiny, will be treasured forever!
Baby Massage Classes
We did a baby massage class through our local children’s centre and I really enjoyed it. It was a great opportunity to bond with my daughter when she was tiny.
There are also several Mum’s in the area who run their own Baby Massage classes. I posted a list of them HERE.
Find some Mummy friends!
There are lots of Mum groups in the area who are on Facebook. It’s a great and easy way to keep in touch. If you are feeling a bit lonely, then post something up and you will be overwhelmed with the response. You can find some of these groups HERE.
North Hampshire Mum’s are VERY friendly and supportive :-D.
Grab a coffee and cake
There are LOADS of little cafe’s in the area which are very supportive of new parents. My favourite for new parents is Elm Tree Garden centre (which I haven’t been to for ages!) which even supplies wet wipes in emergencies!
I also really love the Parlour Tea rooms, but it’s very popular now (for a good reason!) so you need to book in advance. It can get VERY busy.
There is also a tea room in Whitchurch, The Curiositea Room, which I hope to check out soon as it looks lovely! I still haven’t been to the Tea Bar at the top of town either, which looks lovely too! More recommendations by NHM readers can be found here.
Go for a walk
Yes, I know it’s raining. Sometimes though, it’s just good to wrap up and get out of the house. Put the waterproof cover on the pushchair and just go out of the house and get wet. It’s not going to hurt either of you to get some fresh air, just make sure your baby is well covered. There’s no such thing as the wrong weather, just the wrong clothing!
We love Basing Wood and the Lime Pits (as I’ve raved about before!) but there is a great list of local walks suitable for pushchairs HERE. You can also see a reviews I’ve done on Alice Holt and Farleigh Mount.
Go (window) shopping
There are lots of local independent shops in the area. You can find a list of them HERE.
Also, you can’t go wrong in Festival Place. It’s mostly covered and sometimes it’s nice to just wander around or people watch.
Debenhams cafe has a bottle warmer and microwave if you are weaning.
Go swimming
I asked for recommendations for warm swimming pools to take babies in the area on my NHM facebook profile. Here are the recommendations.
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