Stepping Back in Time at Milestones Museum
This half term, we were invited to the Milestones Museum in Basingstoke for their Horrible Histories event, and we had the best time! We love to travel all over for our adventures but as a Hampshire family it was really nice to explore our local area too! This adventure was the perfect mix of fun, nostalgia, and learning for all of us.
The moment we stepped inside, we were transported to another era. Milestones is like walking through history with cobbled streets, vintage shopfronts, and even an old-fashioned pub. It truly feels like a living, breathing time capsule of Hampshire’s past.
Horrible Histories Half Term Fun
The Horrible Histories event added a brilliant extra layer of excitement to our visit. Mason absolutely loved collecting stamps from each area of the museum, which was a fantastic way to keep kids engaged and learning as they explore.
When he completed his booklet, he proudly received his special Horrible Histories sticker, which absolutely made his day!
A Pub from the Past
And yes, you read that right — there’s even a traditional pub inside the museum! We couldn’t resist popping in for a quick look (and maybe a little refreshment). It’s beautifully recreated and adds to the feeling that you’ve truly stepped back in time.
A Visit to the Wartime Sweet Shop
Naturally, Mason’s favourite stop was the wartime sweet shop! He loved taking his little ration book up to the counter to get his old fashioned sweets. The friendly shopkeeper explained how those few sweets would have had to last two whole weeks during the war. A fun and memorable history lesson in disguise!
The Milestones Pier Arcade – Old-Fashioned Fun!
Next stop: the Milestones ‘pier’ arcade and honestly, we thought we’d never get Mason out of there! The arcade is packed with vintage machines, fortune tellers, and penny slot games that adults will find wonderfully nostalgic too.
What makes it even more authentic is that you swap your modern coins for old-fashioned pennies to use in the machines. It’s such a clever and charming touch that really brings the experience to life.
Our Verdict
We left Milestones Museum with huge smiles and lots of happy memories. Whether you visit during one of their special themed events like Horrible Histories, or just to explore the museum itself, it’s such a fun and educational day out for the whole family.
Milestones is one of those places that truly offers something for everyone, from nostalgic adults to curious kids. It’s interactive, inspiring, and full of fascinating details about life in Hampshire through the years.
If you’re looking for family days out in Hampshire, or fun things to do with kids in Basingstoke, Milestones Museum should definitely be on your list!
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