Aug
Staying away from home doesn’t have to mean another evening in front of the television (although with our 55” smart TVs, these unwind and recharge evenings are often appealing!).
Whether you’re travelling for work, enjoying a weekend away or staying with us for a little longer, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your downtime across the Thames Valley.
From indoor skydiving and wakeboarding to high ropes, go-karting, climbing and clay pigeon shooting, we’ve rounded up some of the more adventurous and unusual activities close to our serviced apartments in Basingstoke, Farnborough, Reading, Camberley, Newbury and Bracknell.
Ready to try something different?
Reading
Make a splash at Hi5 Watersports
For something completely different, head to Hi5 Watersports at Reading Lake.
Just outside Reading town centre, you can try your hand at wakeboarding or waterskiing, with tuition and equipment available for beginners as well as more experienced participants.
If you’ve never been behind a boat before, this could be the perfect opportunity to give it a go. As a seasonal outdoor activity, it’s worth checking opening dates and availability before making plans.
Axe throwing, darts and more at BOOM Battle Bar.
If you can’t decide on just one activity, BOOM Battle Bar Reading should provide plenty of inspiration.
Its games include axe throwing, augmented-reality darts, shuffleboard, American pool, beer or prosecco pong, karaoke and interactive golf.
Located on Station Road, just a couple of minutes from Reading station, it combines games with food, cocktails and a lively bar atmosphere. The venue becomes strictly over-18s after 9pm.
Take on the walls at The Climbing Hangar
Prefer to stay on dry land? Head to The Climbing Hangar Reading and put your strength, balance and problem-solving skills to the test.
Dedicated to indoor bouldering, the centre offers climbs across a range of abilities alongside training facilities and a gym.
It’s also a particularly good option if you’re staying with House of Fisher on your own, as you don’t necessarily need a group to get involved.
Bowling with a twist at Spinners
Over at Spinners Reading, traditional games have been given a modern makeover and is an excellent choice if you enjoy a little friendly competition.
The venue offers a wide mix of activities, including duckpin bowling, interactive golf, shuffleboard, electric darts, mini golf, electric boules and Clayshot.
With so much under one roof, it’s a strong option if your group can’t agree on just one game – or if you simply want to make a full evening of it.
Newbury
Reach new heights at Northway Climbing Centre
If you would rather get active, Northway Climbing Centre in Newbury offers both bouldering and roped climbing.
Beginners can book introductory sessions and courses, while more experienced climbers can take advantage of its bouldering, top-rope and lead-climbing areas.
There are also regular social sessions, making this a good option whether you’re travelling with others or looking for something to do independently.
Take aim with clay pigeon shooting
If you fancy trying something completely different, you can experience clay pigeon shooting near Newbury.
Located around nine miles from the town, the shooting ground welcomes complete beginners as well as experienced shots, with qualified instruction and equipment provided.
With a variety of shooting stands and targets, it’s an unusual choice for an afternoon out and particularly well suited to groups or a corporate get-together.
Enjoy some friendly competition in Victoria Park
For something outdoors and right in the centre of town, head to Victoria Park, where you’ll find an adventure golf course alongside tennis courts and other recreational facilities.
It’s an easy way to add a little competition to a relaxed afternoon in Newbury – particularly when the weather is on your side.
Bracknell
Try your hand at axe throwing
Head into Swinley Forest and you can swap the office for something considerably more adventurous at Go Ape Bracknell.
As well as its famous treetop courses and all-terrain Forest Segways, Go Ape offers instructor-led axe throwing sessions.
Once you’ve mastered the technique, it’s time to find out who can get closest to the bullseye.
Can you escape Pier Pressure?
Back in Bracknell town centre, Pier Pressure Bracknell offers a choice of immersive escape rooms alongside virtual-reality escape experiences and VR shooting games.
Themes include Alien Encounter, Prison Break, Pharaoh’s Mystery and Siege of Spellbreak Bank, giving groups plenty of opportunities to test their teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Basingstoke
Take to the air at iFLY Basingstoke
Ever wondered what it feels like to skydive without actually jumping out of an aeroplane?
At iFLY Basingstoke, you can experience indoor skydiving inside a 14ft indoor wind tunnel, with trained instructors on hand to get you off the ground.
Located at Basingstoke Leisure Park, it’s one of the more unusual experiences on our list and a memorable way to spend a few hours during your stay.
Race against the clock at Escape Hunt
If you prefer puzzles to adrenaline, gather your team and put your problem-solving skills to the test at Escape Hunt Basingstoke.
Located in Festival Place, just a short walk from Basingstoke railway station, its choice of immersive escape-room challenges are designed for groups of two to six, making it a great choice for colleagues, couples and groups of friends.
Farnborough
Put your driving skills to the test at TeamSport
Fancy seeing who really is the best driver in the group?
TeamSport Farnborough offers indoor electric go-karting on a 500-metre multi-level circuit, where racers can go head-to-head through fast straights, sharp corners and elevation changes.
It’s a particularly good option for a team social or a competitive evening with friends.
Swap pole position for the putting green
If you would rather compete at a slightly gentler pace, Putt Club Farnborough offers indoor crazy golf at the same venue.
It’s a good alternative if not everyone in your group fancies getting behind the wheel – or the perfect decider if your karting race ends in controversy!
Camberley
Bowling, karaoke or laser tag at Tenpin
If friendly competition is more your thing, Tenpin Camberley offers far more than its name might suggest.
Alongside bowling, you can challenge your companions to laser tag, pool or arcade games, or take to the microphone in a karaoke room.
Located at The Atrium in central Camberley, it’s an easy choice if you want to combine an activity with dinner or drinks nearby.
Take climbing to another level at Clip ’n Climb
With 25 colourful interactive climbing walls reaching more than 20ft high, Clip ’n Climb at Places Leisure Camberley offers something rather more adventurous than your average leisure centre visit.
Different walls present different challenges, putting your agility, confidence and balance to the test.
With harnesses and auto-belay systems incorporated into the experience, it’s an accessible way to try climbing even if you haven’t done it before.
Take on the course at Lightwater Adventure Golf
For a more relaxed dose of friendly competition, head to Lightwater Adventure Golf, just a short drive from Camberley.
The outdoor miniature golf course offers an easy-going activity for couples, friends or colleagues, making it a good option when you want to get out and do something without committing to a full evening.
Make more of your stay with House of Fisher
Whether you’re visiting the area for business, relocating, catching up with friends or simply enjoying some time away, there is plenty to discover beyond your apartment.
House of Fisher offers spacious serviced apartments in Reading, Newbury, Bracknell, Basingstoke, Farnborough and Camberley, putting you within easy reach of everything from restaurants and shopping to some rather more unusual ways to spend your free time.
And after flying, racing, climbing, wakeboarding or tackling the treetops, you can return to the space, comfort and convenience of your own serviced apartment.
Explore our locations and find your perfect place to stay with House of Fisher.
Activities, opening times, prices and availability may change. We recommend checking directly with individual venues and booking in advance where required.