Housed in the only surviving brick-built barrack blocks left in Aldershot, the museum tells the story of daily life for both soldier and civilian.
The story of Aldershot Military Town and the towns of Aldershot, Farnborough and Cove is told using our vibrant collections within the fascinating, original buildings. Explore the site, admire the tanks, take on the assault course and join in with the hands-on activities. Throughout the year, we also run a programme of fun, family-friendly exhibitions and events.
Things to do
The museum is a great place for the whole family to enjoy. Here are just a few of the things on offer:
- Take on the challenge of our World War II-inspired assault course
- Explore our collection of tanks, armoured personnel carriers and other military vehicles
- Learn the basics on our driver training unit
- Take a turn in our replica scout vehicle
- Spot the objects around the museum with our fun activity sheets
- Picnic areas for all weathers
- Welcoming cafe serving tea and roasted coffee, cold drinks, snacks and Jude's Ice Cream
- Browse the museum shop for military-themed books, toys, gifts, souvenirs and pocket-money treats
The Local History Gallery
The Local History Gallery tells the story of Aldershot and Farnborough, the local people and businesses. See a Victorian shop and find out about the French Imperial Family, the construction of Farnborough Abbey and the pottery industry of Farnborough and Cove.
Also situated in this building is the Cody Gallery. In 1908, Farnborough was the site of Britain’s first powered flight by the American, Samuel Franklin Cody. Cody was a flamboyant character, frequently seen wearing a Stetson and riding a white horse. When flying, he never strapped himself into his aircraft or wore a parachute, but a helmet did provide some measure of head protection. This helmet was purchased in 1996 and can be seen in the gallery, along with a reconstruction of part of his workshop.
The Boyce Building
This 1930s wooden barrack block came from Queen Elizabeth Barracks, Church Crookham, and was once the home of the Regimental Administration Offices for the camp. Carefully reconstructed at the museum thanks to a Heritage Lottery Fund grant, the Boyce Gallery explores the users of the barracks, which were once home to the Royal Army Service Corps, Royal Army Medical Corps, Royal Corps of Transport and many battalions from the Brigade of Gurkhas, before closing in 2000.
The Military History Gallery
The Military History Gallery is in one of the two surviving barrack blocks built in North Camp in the 1890s. It contains the John Reed Gallery, named after Brigadier John Reed who established the museum in 1984. Here you can see recreated barrack displays of the 1890s and 1950s and even a married quarters living room from the 1960s.
Montgomery's Barn
This building once stood in the grounds of Field Marshal Montgomery’s home at Isington near Alton. It was built for him in 1947 to house his wartime caravans and was moved to the museum in 1996. It houses some of the museum’s collection of larger exhibits including field guns and other vehicles.
World War II Assault Course
Challenge your little soldiers to jump, leap, climb and swing through our action-packed assault course, inspired by real assault courses used in training during World War II!
