This Grade II listed free house, a hostelry for over four hundred years, and retains most of its period features, with beamed ceiling's and central brick fire place, the Bolton Arms is located on The Street which runs through the centre of the old village in the much sought after area of Old Basing which is on the fringes of Basingstoke, Hampshire. Although you feel like you are in the heart of the country side this public house is less than 2 miles from Basingstoke centre.
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The pub is also reputed to play host to a mysterious yet friendly Ghost, glimpsed on frequent occasions over the years by present and past landlords and staff alike. On several occasions the Ghost has even been seen passing through the snug bar dressed in the period costume of a Cavalier - perhaps more than the bricks were brought to the site from the Old House!!!!
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Old Basing is quiet, pleasant and picturesque. The village is surrounded by beautiful country side of open fields & river side walks, fishing area's, cricket green, archery, & a bowls club, along with tennis courts all just a stone throw away from the Bolton Arms. If this is to energetic then you may be interested in spotting the wild life, & many species of birds found in the area or just taking in the views.
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Steeped in history, it is the site of the much-visited Old Basing House besieged by Cromwell for nearly four years during the Civil War. During this period many hard and bitter battles took place as a determined last stand by the Cavaliers against the round heads led by Oliver Cromwell.
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Every year the civil war group carry out the re-enactment of the battle for Old Basing House, giving energy and accuracy to the event and through their hard work & diligence they bring this part of our history alive.
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The village enters the spirit of celebration every year, by holding a carnival day, where families young & old gather to enjoy the day on the village green, with the events and stalls as well as the Bolton Arms all raising monies for the various village charities.
