Tadley - home of Harry Potter's broomsticks
Snuggled in the north west of Hampshire close to the border with Berkshire, this small town is well connected, with good access to both the M4 and M3 motorways. It's around 6 miles from Basingstoke and 10 miles from Reading. Tadley has long been associated with besom, a broom made of twigs tied round a stick. It's a tradition that began in the town over 300 years ago, and the broomsticks featured in the Harry Potter films were made here.
Go back to Tudor times at The Vyne
Nestled in the Hampshire countryside, this red-brick Tudor mansion was built in the 16th century for Lord Sandys, Henry VIII's Lord Chamberlain. Wander through rooms once graced by esteemed guests such as Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and, later, Jane Austen, who attended balls here. Admire 500-year-old Majolica tiles and Renaissance stained glass in the Tudor chapel and linenfold panelling in the oak gallery. Outside, explore the orchard and walled garden, along with woodland trails, a medieval fish pond and wetlands.
Shop and flop in Basingstoke
Basingstoke is home to one of the best shopping centres in the south of England - Festival Place. With over 200 stores, you can shop till you drop before resting your weary legs in one of the many restaurants or 10-screen cinema here. Find everything from Debenhams and M&S to Schuh, Hotel Chocolat and Lush. Looking for a cheap hotel Near Tadley? Travelodge Basingstoke Hotel is around a 15-minute drive away, and handy for Festival Place. Travelodge Reading M4 Hotel is a great stopover for a short stay.