/ Hampshire Trip Activities / Step Into Hampshire's Past
Milestones Living History Museum offers students an unparalleled journey through time, housed within a massive, weather-proof indoor arena. Pupils can explore meticulously recreated cobbled streets that span the Victorian era, the Edwardians period, and the mid-twentieth century. By walking through authentic shopfronts, a Victorian schoolroom, and even a 1940s sweet shop, youngsters are transported into the daily lives of those who came before them, making Local History tangible and exciting.
The museum is a treasure trove for those studying Transport and the Industrial Revolution. Youngsters will be dwarfed by the scale of Tasker’s steam engines and fascinated by the evolution of road travel, from horse-drawn carriages to vintage Thornycroft lorries. These exhibits provide a fantastic context for discussing Inventions & Technology, allowing pupils to see firsthand how engineering transformed Hampshire from an agricultural landscape into a bustling hub of innovation and manufacturing.
For school groups on a residential trip, the venue offers a perfect blend of high-quality education and engaging fun. Students can handle historic objects, learn about the home front during World War I and World War II, and even experience the stern atmosphere of a Victorian police cell in a lesson on Crime & Punishment. This sensory immersion helps pupils develop empathy and understanding of Changes Within Living Memory while exploring the toys, tools, and environments of their ancestors.
A visit is designed to be seamless for group leaders, providing an atmospheric backdrop that supports multiple curriculum areas in a single location. Whether youngsters are completing a museum trail or interacting with costumed characters, they remain captivated throughout. It is an essential destination for any school visiting the region, ensuring that pupils return to their classroom with a renewed passion for history and memories that will last a lifetime.
Here's some of the most frequently-asked questions about school visits to Milestones Living History Museum, posed by teachers and other group leaders
There are toilets within the museum building
Students are permitted to bring \"old\" pennies (available at reception) to use in the vintage arcade machines, which is a significant highlight for many. However, pupils must be supervised at all times within the shop environments to ensure the preservation of the delicate historic displays.
In the event of a fire alarm, groups must follow the instructions of the museum's costumed staff and gallery stewards. The main assembly point is clearly signposted within the coach park area outside the main entrance.
A dedicated first aid room is located on-site, and there are always trained first aiders on duty during museum opening hours. Please report to any member of staff or the main reception desk if assistance is required.
