Top activities to do around Runway’s End

Nestled in the tranquil woodland of north Hampshire, Runway’s End is the perfect location for a camping trip. With safe and secure facilities, the campsite is ideal for families or groups looking to enjoy the surrounding area. The camping areas vary in size to fit your group’s needs, whether you’re looking for a larger pitch or a more secluded area – there’s something for everyone. Runway’s End sits beside the Basingstoke Canal, offering a range of environmental and adventure activities both on land and water. We’ve picked a few of our favourite spots to help you make the most of your stay and explore the local area - check them out!

The local area

Aldershot

Take a wander around Aldershot, a small town known as ‘Home of the British Army’. With a wealth of history, this is the perfect area to learn something new - there’s even a free military museum. With plenty of local pubs and restaurants, Aldershot is the ideal place to treat the family to a wholesome meal.

Farnborough

Explore the local town of Farnborough, a short distance from Runway’s End. Farnborough is well known for its links with the aviation industry and its international air show. With the Basingstoke Canal running through the centre, it's a great place to escape from it all with a gentle stroll or bike ride.

Farnham

Farnham is a market town a short drive away from Runway’s End. This picturesque town is bustling with local retail shops, and once a month the high street hosts a farmers’ market full of delicious locally sourced produce. There are also two main parks in the town centre, the perfect spot for a picnic.

Walking routes

The Basingstoke Canal Towpath

The Basingstoke Canal Towpath Trail is 33½ miles from Penny Bridge to the River Wey at Woodham. The footpath passes through a range of habitats from woodland and heathland to wetland. Along the path you can spot an abundance of water plants and dragonflies. There are many sights along the way, including Odiham Castle, aqueducts, scenic villages and historic buildings.

Southwood Woodland

Southwood Woodland is a delightful area of forest great for walking and cycling. The site is full of wildlife and large areas of grassland and heathland. Explore the bluebells and ferns and take a breath after an activity-heavy weekend at Runway’s End. The paths are perfect routes for little legs and buggies, with twists and turns you can set off on your adventure.

Ash Ranges Nature Reserve

Ash Ranges Nature Reserve has some spectacular views across the hills when the heather is in bloom. This is the perfect walking spot to find rare plant species and reptiles. Get out into nature and spot some grazing cattle along the way.

Walking routes are also available in the Alice Holt Forest. See here for more information.

Local attractions

Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum

Travel back in time and visit the Farnborough Air Sciences Museum. Full of history and unique aircrafts, this is an excellent place to learn something new. Test out one of the aircraft simulators and pretend you’ve got your pilot’s license.

Aldershot Lido

If you fancy a quick dip after a fun-packed morning of activities at Runway’s End, head over to Aldershot Lido. This is the perfect spot to bring along a picnic and watch your kids splash around in the pool. There are even three water flumes to zoom down!

Bird World

There's so much to see at Birdworld. From tiny Zebra Finches to giant Emu, the bird species come in all shapes and sizes. Each day the Birdworld Keepers present a variety of talks and shows to teach you everything you need to know about the animals.

Aldershot Military Museum

Housed in the only surviving brick-built barrack blocks left in Aldershot, this museum tells the stories of soldiers and civilians. Explore the fascinating artefacts and inspect the huge tanks in the flesh. You can even get hands-on and dive into the military assault course. This museum is great for family fun.

Historical sites

St Michael’s Abbey

Visit this beautiful French-style gothic church designed by renowned French architect Gabriel-Hippolyte Destailleur in the town of Farnborough. Built by the Empress Eugenie of France and cared for by the monks of Farnborough, this exquisite building is not one to miss. Tours are available on the weekends to see inside the church and the crypt.

The Wind Tunnel Project

Explore the historic wind tunnels at Farnborough. These are the last few remaining buildings from the Royal Aircraft Establishment saved from demolition. These impressive buildings were important to aerodynamic research from the 1930s. Book an exclusive tour to delve deeper into the history of these world-famous buildings.

There’s plenty of activities to enjoy at Runway’s End from guided canoe tours down the Basingstoke Canal, to scaling the high ropes or climbing tower. You can even embrace your inner warrior with archery or become a sharpshooter in air-rifle shooting. There’s something for the whole family to enjoy.

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