Basingstoke is an acient town, formerly a market town trading in silk and woolens, it has developed several industries, including the manufacture of agricultural machinery, precision tools and instruments, leather, clothing, and drugs. Basingstoke is prosperous, with an above-average standard of living.

The Top of Town is the historic heart of Basingstoke, housing the town's Willis Museum in the former Town Hall building and the Haymarket Theatre in the former Corn exchange. There are also several locally run shops, as well as the post office, and the market place.

The hillfort at Winklebury (2 miles (3 km) west of the town centre), known locally as Winklebury Camp or Winklebury Ring dates from the Iron age and there are remains of several other earthworks around Basingstoke including a long barrow near Down Grange. Nearby, to the west, Roman Road and Kempshott Lane mark the course of a Roman road that ran from Winchester to Silchester. Further to the east, another Roman road ran from Chichester through the outlaying villages of Upton Grey and Mapledurwell. The Harrow Way is an ancient route that runs to the south of the town.