Basingstoke started as a small market town in Anglo-Saxon times, and was referred to in the Doomsday Book as being a Royal Manor. The Tudor roots can still be seen in Basing House which stands just outside the main urban sprawl.
With a population of 150,000 people, Basingstoke is now an affluent town with low unemployment and an excellent selection of shops - including several quirky independent toy shops.
As the local region’s financial hub, its main industries are electronics, pharmaceuticals and insurance, and it’s also well known as the home of Britain’s oldest motoring organisation, the AA. In 2002 the new Festival Place Shopping Centre was opened, which is home to all the main high street names.
Basingstoke has easy access to both the M3 and M4 Motorways as well as only 45 minutes by train into Waterloo station. Its proximity to Reading and Winchester means it is a popular place for commuters to live.
A traditional Toymaster toyshop selling a huge range of toys
A specialist seller of interesting and sometimes unusual baby items
A specialist Toymaster toy retailer
Specialists in party bag toys and party supplies
An ethical retailer that sells eco-friendly toys