Milestones Museum Basingstoke | Step Back in Time in Hampshire

Discover Hampshire’s Past at Milestones Museum

Milestones Museum is an immersive indoor living history museum in Basingstoke, where visitors can step into recreated streets and discover everyday life from Hampshire’s past.

Rather than simply looking at exhibits behind glass, you can wander through atmospheric Victorian and 1930s streets filled with historic shops, vehicles and fascinating displays. It makes Milestones one of the most unusual things to do in Hampshire, particularly when you need an indoor family day out.

Children can experience the nostalgia of the seaside at the vintage penny arcade, explore historic vehicles and discover Mr Simpson’s Teddy Bear Museum. You can even pick up a ration book for treats from the recreated 1940s sweet shop.

At a Glance

Location: Basingstoke Leisure Park, Churchill Way West, Basingstoke, RG22 6PG
Perfect for: Families, children, grandparents, history lovers and rainy days
Visit length: Allow around 2–3 hours
Indoors or outdoors: Predominantly a fully indoor attraction
Accessibility: Step-free, wheelchair accessible and SEN friendly
Parking: Ample free parking
Food & drink: Rooftops Café, The Baverstock Arms and seasonal Vintage Tea Tent
Dogs: Only assistance and guide dogs are permitted inside.

What Can You See at Milestones Museum?

There is plenty to explore as you travel through different periods of history.

One of the highlights is the recreated streets themselves. Families can walk past old-fashioned shopfronts, discover historic vehicles and experience settings inspired by everyday life from years gone by.

There’s also Milestones Pier and Vintage Arcade, where traditional seaside entertainment adds another nostalgic element to your visit.

Adults can stop at The Baverstock Arms, the museum’s traditional British pub, while families can refuel at Rooftops Café.

A Great Indoor Family Day Out in Hampshire

If you’re searching for the best family days out in Hampshire, Milestones is particularly useful to know about because you don’t need good weather.

The entire attraction is indoors, making it a great option for rainy weekends, school holidays and colder days.

Milestones also runs changing activities and events throughout the year, so it is worth checking what’s on in Hampshire before your visit.

Another bonus is that standard admission tickets are currently valid for 12 months, allowing visitors to return during the year.

Food and Drink

Rooftops Café serves hot meals, light bites, sandwiches, cakes, ice creams and drinks. Vegan and allergen-friendly choices are also available.

On weekends and during school holidays, the Vintage Tea Tent provides another place to stop for cakes, snacks and drinks. Outdoor picnic benches are available for visitors bringing their own food.

Accessibility at Milestones Museum

Milestones aims to make the museum accessible to as many visitors as possible.

There is step-free access, lifts, accessible toilets and seven accessible parking spaces close to the entrance. Wheelchairs can also be borrowed, subject to availability.

Some recreated historic streets feature cobbles, tramlines and textured surfaces. An accessible route is available to help visitors avoid most cobbled sections. Sensory maps and a visual story can also be downloaded before visiting.

Good to Know Before You Go

Milestones Museum is currently open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am until 4.45pm, with last admission at 4pm. It usually closes on Mondays, except during school holidays and bank holidays.

The museum recommends allowing around two to three hours for your visit. Tickets can be purchased on arrival, although booking online in advance is recommended for smoother entry.

Visit the official Milestones Museum website and book tickets

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Milestones Museum?

Milestones Museum is at Basingstoke Leisure Park, Churchill Way West, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG22 6PG.

Is Milestones Museum good for children?

Yes. The immersive streets, vintage arcade, historic vehicles and sweet shop make the museum particularly engaging for families and children.

Is Milestones Museum suitable for a rainy day?

Yes. Milestones is a fully indoor attraction, making it one of the most useful family days out in Hampshire when the weather is poor.

Is Milestones Museum accessible?

Yes. The museum offers step-free access, lifts, accessible toilets and Blue Badge parking. It also provides sensory information and an accessible route.

Is Milestones Museum dog friendly?

Pets are not permitted inside Milestones Museum. Guide and assistance dogs are welcome.

Is there parking at Milestones Museum?

Yes. There is ample free parking at Basingstoke Leisure Park, including accessible parking spaces near the museum entrance.

Is there somewhere to eat?

Yes. Visitors can use Rooftops Café, The Baverstock Arms and, at selected times, the Vintage Tea Tent.