Aldershot Military Museum

About the museum

Aldershot Military Museum was the idea of Brigadier John Reed, a former garrison commander of Aldershot, who wanted to preserve the history of the Army's 'Home' town. He set up a trust to raise money, acquired two Victorian barrack buildings and saw the museum opened in 1984. The two buildings date from 1894, are Grade II listed and are the only surviving brick-built barrack blocks of their kind in the town.

The museum is now run by Hampshire Cultural Trust, which took it over in 2014. Its galleries follow the story of the military town from the arrival of the Army in the 1850s to the present day, and they also serve as the local history museum for Aldershot and Farnborough. Displays include recreated barrack rooms of the 1890s and 1950s, a 1960s married quarters living room, a Victorian shop and a gallery on Samuel Cody, who made Britain's first powered flight at Farnborough in 1908.

Tanks, armoured vehicles and field guns are shown outside and in a large timber barn that once stood in the grounds of Field Marshal Montgomery's home. A newer building, opened in 2006, provides further space for events and hire.

Highlights

• Recreated barrack rooms of the 1890s and 1950s and a 1960s married quarters living room
• Samuel Cody gallery with his flying helmet and a reconstruction of his workshop
• Tanks, armoured vehicles and field guns, including in Montgomery's Barn
• Victorian shop and displays on Rushmoor's local history
• Handling rifles used by troops in Aldershot since the 1850s
• World War II-inspired assault course for children

Permanent exhibitions

• Rushmoor Local History Gallery – Tells the story of Aldershot and Farnborough with a Victorian shop and displays on the French imperial family, the building of Farnborough Abbey and the local pottery industry.
• Samuel Cody Gallery – Recalls Britain's first powered flight at Farnborough in 1908, with Cody's helmet and a reconstructed part of his workshop.
• John Reed Gallery – Follows the military town from 1854 with recreated barrack rooms of the 1890s and 1950s and a 1960s married quarters living room.

Founded

1984

Operated by

Hampshire Cultural Trust

Admission & discounts

Tickets are valid for unlimited visits for a whole year (pay once, visit all year). Serving and retired British armed forces personnel get 20% off the standard adult price with valid ID, except on event days. Some special events are charged separately. Gift Aid can be added to tickets.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is spread over four separate buildings, all on one level and reached by ramps, with walkways between the Local History and John Reed galleries. An accessible toilet is in the Boyce Building. Assistance dogs are welcome if clearly identifiable.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children can tackle a World War II-inspired outdoor assault course, follow activity sheets to spot objects and handle rifles of different periods. The Boyce Building room can be hired for children's parties, and holiday events such as a monster hunt run in the school holidays.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on Queens Avenue in Aldershot; the car park is reached from Evelyn Woods Road.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The café serves hot and cold drinks, light snacks and ice cream and offers free table-top board games; bringing a reusable cup gives 30p off a hot drink. Picnics are welcome in a covered area in the community garden. The shop sells military-themed books, toys and gifts. Wi-Fi is mentioned only for hired meeting rooms.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

Up to 60 guests.

The large meeting room in the Boyce Building can be hired for meetings, talks, workshops, classes, children's parties and community groups. It holds 60 standing or 50 seated and has a kitchen, an accessible toilet, a projector and screen, Wi-Fi and 20 parking spaces. Hire starts at £25 per hour plus VAT.

Plan your visit