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.
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 to 3.30pm, 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 serves 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.
COSTUMED CHARACTERS
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.
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.
Saturday 24 October - 1 November
The Strange Science of Jekyll & Hyde
Explore The Strange Science of Jekyll & Hyde at an extraordinary Science Fair at Milestones this October half term!
Saturday 7 - 8 November
Milestones Beer Festival 2026
Beer lovers, rejoice! Tickets are officially on sale for the highly anticipated Milestones Beer Festival.
Saturday 5 - 6 December
Milestones Christmas Market 2026
Milestones Christmas Market brings together the best of the season, unique gifts, festive food, live music and family fun, all set within the bustling cobbled streets of Milestones.
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.