Top 5 Museums in Hampshire for Children

Hampshire is home to numerous child-friendly attractions, including some of the UK’s best museums. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in local history or learn about historical events, there's bound to be something for you and your family to enjoy on your next day out. If you are stuck for ideas of where to go, we’ve put together a list of our top five museums in Hampshire that are great for children and adults alike.

The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu

Take a step back in time and explore the history of motor vehicles in this extensive museum. See the famous bluebird vehicle that set the land speed record of 403.10 miles per hour and a collection of Top Gear's most famous vehicles. It’s not all about cars either - take a trip on the monorail and enjoy a trip of the grounds in the fantastic 1912 bus. When the kids need to blow off a little steam, head over to little Beaulieu where they can enjoy the brand new adventure playground.

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Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Travel back in time and take a look at some of the magnificent ships history has to offer. Walk the decks of Lord Nelson's HMS Victory. Climb aboard the Warrior - The fastest ship of her time and visit the Mary Rose Museum and see the remains of Henry VIII’s great ship. While you are at the dockyard you can also visit the Horrible Histories exhibitions for some fact filled fun and interactive activities for kids. You can enjoy a Harbour Tour or take the waterbus over to Explosion the Museum of Firepower. There's so much to do it's a good job the attraction tickets are valid for 12 months so that you can come back and see it all.

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Milestones, Hampshire's Living History Museum

Another museum to take you back in time. Walk cobbled streets and experience Hampshire as it once was. Visit the pier and play at the penny arcade. Visit Mr Simpson’s teddy bear museum and learn all about the history of the teddy bear. There is also a selection of vintage vehicles on site to explore. Finally, don’t forget to visit Abraham’s sweetshop for some tasty treats to take home.

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Hollycombe Working Steam Museum, Liphook

The Hollycombe Steam Museum is perfect for kids of all ages. It features a collection of vintage steam engines and fairground rides, including the world's oldest mechanically driven fairground ride, which everyone will love. The rides on offer feature a combination of historic white knuckle rides and classics for the younger visitor. Don’t forget to check out the magical Golden Railway and take a ride while you are there.

Aldershot Military Museum

Visit Aldershot Military Museum to learn about military life as a soldier and civilian from 1854 to present day. Housed in the only surviving brick built barrack blocks in Aldershot, come and explore the story of Aldershot, the Military town, as well as Farnborough and Cove. Explore and admire the tanks and take part in a number of hands-on activities on offer. If your kids are feeling energetic, they can have a go at the military assault course challenge!

Find activities for kids in Hampshire on the Hoop app.

Photo by Piotr Guzik on Unsplash