Milestones Museum In Basingstoke

[SpacePhoenix]

Anyone been there? Does it make a good day out (how long to see it all)?

 

[pdeaves]

Anyone been there? Does it make a good day out (how long to see it all)?

I've been a few years ago. It was much, much better than I thought it would be. I went with young family as an activity to do with a long-time friend and it 'worked' in that context, being able to wander around, chat, etc.

How long it takes to view depends on what you want. If you 'only' want to see the rebuilt station and some wagons, it won't take long. If you want to see everything I would allow about half a day.

 

[Ralph Ayres]

I agree. Feels a bit artificial when you arrive (totally Basingstoke - it's one of a row of bland modern warehouse-style buildings occupied by assorted leisure "destinations" alongside a dual carriageway) but well worth it once you get beyond that. The catering's not bad either.

 

[Sleeper]

Anyone been there? Does it make a good day out (how long to see it all)?

I visited Milestones about four years ago, so this report may be out of date here and there. However:-

Milestones is a good museum relating to transport and everyday life in the past. Although housed in a modern hanger-style building, there are several "street scenes", mock shop fronts and workshops, giving the place rather a film-set feel. Some of the vehicles are excellent, and they are well and accessibly displayed. (The Portsmouth tramcar is unusual in being an example of a horse tram rebuilt and converted to electric traction.)

This is, however, an essentially static museum. I don't know how much (if any) interactive interpretation takes place - I don't recall any from my visit a few years back. But there was probably a video or two to see.

Several of the sets have quite a lot of detail in them, and if that's what you like then it could take quite a long time to see it all. If not, you could whizz round quite quickly. The website recommends you allow 2 to 4 hours - I'd have thought 2 hours (plus the coffee shop and gift shop if required) would be enough for most visitors.

The "Centre Shuttle" bus links Milestones to the railway station, running every 10-15 minutes. If interested, check whether this has been a victim of cuts since I was there!

 

[Kite159]

I believe the Centre Shuttle bus is still running from the railway station to the leisure park/Milestones

 

[CatfordCat]

Centre Shuttle info here (basingstoke council website)

Have been once or twice - quite good for what it is, but wouldn't have thought it's enough for a whole day

Basingstoke Festival of Transport is coming soon (Sun 14 May) - if getting there on a Sunday's practical from where you are, may be worth combining both?