Housed in the only surviving brick-built barrack blocks left in Aldershot, our local history museum tells the story of daily life for both soldiers and civilians in Rushmoor.
Stories from the towns of Aldershot and Farnborough are told using our vibrant collections within the fascinating, original buildings. Explore the site, admire the tanks and military vehicles, take on the assault course and join in with the hands-on activities.
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:
- Handle the rifles which troops in Aldershot used from the 1850s to the present day.
- Explore our collection of tanks, armoured personnel carriers and other military vehicles
- Take on the challenge of our World War II-inspired assault course
- Spot the objects around the museum with our fun activity sheets
- Browse the museum shop for military-themed books, toys, gifts, souvenirs and pocket-money treats
Cafe
Inspired by the Aldershot Soldiers' Homes established in the Victorian era, we've set up our cosy cafe with a variety of table top board games.
Games are free to play and you can enjoy our range of hot and cold drinks, light snacks and ice cream.
We also have a covered picnic area outside the museum in our community garden.
The Museum Galleries
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.
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.
Continue your visit into 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 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!
Want to volunteer with us? Click here to register: MyImpactPage - Aldershot Military Museum
