Milestones Museum in Basingstoke is a magical living history museum but indoors so you get the fully immersive experience of being in old buildings and vehicles, but without the chance of getting wet, great for family fun in rainy Britain for those interested in how people lived in the past. The museum is near the pool and ice rink and crazy golf course so if you want to see and do more after your visit there is loads to do on the doorstep. The annual passes are good value – day family passes are £67.50, with under 5s free.
Welcome to our trip to Milestones Museum – where history comes to life in the most extraordinary way! Nestled in the outskirts of Basingstoke, the museum offers a unique and immersive experience that transports visitors on a captivating journey through time. The space is huge and airy so you get a real sense of being in old streets, and being able to walk into shops and buses, for example, really adds to the fun of the visit. If you have a grandparent or older friend of relative good to take them along as they will be able to relay lots of stories about some of the things from the more recent past – like buying sweets for just a penny!
Step through the doors and prepare to be whisked away to a bygone era, where every corner holds a treasure trove of memories, stories, and artifacts waiting to be discovered. From the bustling streets of Victorian England to the roar of engines in the 20th century, Milestones Museum invites you to explore the rich tapestry of human history like never before. When you arrive you can choose whether to go straight down main street or head to the old games section, guess which way our family went?! To be honest you can spend ages in there putting pennies into the old slot machines. Remember the Wombles? Here you can watch them dance.
What sets Milestones apart is its commitment to authenticity and immersion. As you wander through the meticulously recreated streetscapes, you’ll encounter everything from historic shops and homes to fully operational tramways and vintage vehicles – all lovingly restored to their former glory. There is a shop where you can get a World War II ration book and imagine what it was like (though we still have in the family my grandmother’s actual one from wartime!).
But Milestones isn’t just about the past – it’s also a celebration of community, culture, and connection. Join us for a packed calendar of events, workshops, and interactive exhibits that bring history to life in engaging and unexpected ways. Whether you’re a history buff, a family looking for a fun day out, or simply curious about the world around you, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. The kids especially enjoyed dressing up and playing on the old seaside penny game machines. When we have been there is usually a special activity going on for the kids to take part in – trying their hand at old fashioned push hoop was a challenge for sure.
And the adventure doesn’t end when you leave the museum – with their online resources and educational programs, you can continue your journey through history from the comfort of your own home.
So come and discover the magic of the Milestones Museum for yourself. Whether you’re reliving fond memories or making new ones, we can’t wait for you to experience this incredible journey too. There is a cafe on site, though the ice creams aren’t as big as the one below!
Plan your visit today and prepare to be amazed!
