Since moving to Hampshire last year, I’ve been rather nervous about travelling to Basingstoke, the land of roundabouts. Yet despite these reservations, I was determined to visit the Viables Craft Centre my babysitter had been raving about. Nestled in between the industrial estates and afore mentioned roundabouts lies an unexpected oasis of calm and creativity.

Established over thirty years ago in converted farm buildings, the centre is the perfect way to pass a morning or afternoon. The beautiful painted furniture and decorative accessories from Gillian at Les Jolies Choses was a particularly welcome discovery. Her beautifully sewn lavender bags smell divine, filled with lavender from Alresford’s famous Long Barn.

My boys were in heaven choosing old fashioned sweets from Ma Humbugs, famed for their party bags and homemade fudge. A further happy hour was occupied at Pots 2 Paint, a cosy and friendly pottery painting studio.

From there we took a break at The Parlour Tearoom, with its pretty vintage wallpaper and dainty crockery donated by loyal customers over the years. Ali, the owner, has bedecked the dining room with customer comments on pink bunting and also runs a tiny but well stocked shop tucked behind the cafe.

The icing on the cake for my two excited little boys was the mini steam railway with station and tunnel which has open days throughout the year. I know where I’ll be over half term!

Photo courtesy of Les Jolies Choses