What to See & Do

Children getting an interactive demonstration
Children getting an interactive demonstration

Visit Milestones and discover life in Hampshire, from Victorian Britain through to the 1960s. 

  • Fully immersive — walk into shops, houses and even climb into an old fire engine. 
  • Indoors — a full day out whatever the weather
  • Interactive — with arcade machines, play areas and costumed staff 
  • Strong nostalgia factor — especially for adults and grandparents 
  • Educational but fun — history brought to life rather than just reading panels.
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EXPLORE MILESTONES

There’s no need to ‘remember the good old days’ – at Milestones Living History Museum, you can live them! We offer visitors a truly engaging and memorable indoor day out, from vintage Thornycroft vehicles to the milliner, saddler, ironmonger and more, you’ll get a fascinating look at how people in Hampshire used to live.  

 

OUR TOP PICKS: 

Milestones Pier and Vintage Arcade

Stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy an array of vintage arcade games to test your skills, from claw grabbers and penny pushers to Pac-Man and table football. Laugh with your friends at the postcard-style photo opportunities and wacky mirrors, just like at the seaside!

Mr Simpson’s Teddy Bear Museum

With over 260 bears on display, learn all about the history of teddy bears. It may even help you identify any antique bears you have at home! Our story is built around an extraordinary collection of teddy bears assembled over many years by Mr W Simpson. Visitors can discover why he started his collection, with bears dating back to 1905. The exhibition features specially commissioned animated films, along with plenty of fun activities for children.

Abraham’s Sweet Shop

Sweet rationing ended in the UK in 1949, but you can still buy a 1940s sweet ration at Abraham's Sweet Shop. Pick up your ration’s worth of niceties, from humbugs to gobstoppers - Look out for the prompt when you buy tickets.

The Baverstock Arms

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 12 noon, pop in for a pint at Milestones' very own pub. The Baverstock Arms is named after Alton-born James Baverstock, a brewer and inventor who was reputedly the first person to use a hydrometer in the brewing process. Located on Jubilee Street, The Baverstock Arms is open until 2:30pm on weekdays and 3:30pm at weekends and during school holidays, serving teas, coffees, soft drinks, pub snacks and freshly pulled beer.

Vintage Vehicles

For enthusiasts of historic transport, our collection features more than 40 beautifully restored vehicles, displayed as they would have appeared in everyday use.

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COSTUMED CHARACTERS

Costumed teacher with a selection of children in the Victorian Classroom Costumed garage owner greets a visitor Selection of costumed volunteers outside the sweetshop

STEP INTO HAMPSHIRE'S PAST

Explore the high street from before the age of chain stores, where the milliner, saddler and ironmonger reveal the everyday shopping habits of the past. Step back in time and discover how people once lived, worked and shopped in Hampshire as you wander through a maze of immersive historic streets lined with traditional shops, factories and homes, many inspired by real local buildings. 

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Step into the past at Milestones Museum and you won't just see history — you'll meet it! Immerse yourself in history and interact with our friendly characters, who will show you what life was like in the past. You might meet a Victorian policeman, a Second World War factory worker or a First World War housewife. Our costumed volunteers will give you a warm welcome, whether they're playing records in the gramophone shop or pulling a pint in the much-loved Baverstock Arms.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Immerse yourself in the past – here’s a taste of what’s on at Milestones Museum. 

See what's on

PLACES TO EAT & DRINK

Enjoy a meal at our family-friendly Rooftop Café or unwind with a drink at The Baverstock Arms Pub. Our Café is open daily until 4pm, serves hot meals such as classic fish and chips, children’s options and lighter bites. On weekends and school holidays we also open our vintage tea tent offering cakes and a selection of drinks. Outdoor picnic benches are also available for those bringing their own food, giving you flexibility in how you plan your day. 

Food Menus and More