Royal Army Physical Training Corps Museum
Free museum at the Army School of Physical Training in Aldershot telling the story of how the British Army trains for fitness, with photo ID needed on entry.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Royal Army Physical Training Corps Museum was founded in 1953 to show the work and achievements of the Corps, which was then nearly a century old. For a time it was spread across several sites at the Army School of Physical Training in Aldershot. In 2012 it moved into its present home, the former Henslow fencing room.
The museum is based inside the Army School of Physical Training and keeps close links with the Corps, which trains the officers and instructors who prepare the British Army for combat fitness. Its displays use historic and current equipment from more than 160 years of physical training and trace the story from the first organised army lessons to modern ideas about fitness, health and exercise.
Interactive and static displays are aimed at general visitors as well as people with ties to the Corps. The museum also shows the trophies awarded each year to members of the Corps. It is an accredited museum, and it runs learning sessions for groups, including model making, an assault course session and a visit to a pass-out rehearsal.
Highlights
- More than 160 years of army physical training equipment
- Interactive and static displays on fitness, health and exercise
- Annual trophies of the Corps
- Quiz trail, touchscreen challenge and WWI dress-up for children
- Virtual tour on the website
Permanent exhibition
- History of army physical training – Historic and current equipment and interactive displays trace more than 160 years of physical training in the British Army.
- Founded
- 1953
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Children & teens | –Entry is free; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. |
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Admission is free. Adult visitors must bring valid photo ID (a driving licence or passport).
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum states that it has full disabled access and that a disabled toilet is available nearby. Visitors with a mobility problem may be able to park directly outside. Visitors with specific needs are asked to contact the curator to arrange a visit.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
Children of all ages are welcome. Activities include a jigsaw puzzle, a quiz trail, a touchscreen challenge, dressing up as a First World War soldier and a hunt for hidden lions with WWI-themed clues. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Queen's Avenue
The Number One Stagecoach Goldline bus runs every 10 minutes between Aldershot and Old Dean and stops on Queen's Avenue close to the entrance; it can be caught from Union Yard in Aldershot. North Camp and Aldershot stations are each about 2 miles from the museum.
By car
Free parking
Free parking is available outside the museum.
- Accessible parking
The museum lies between North Camp and Aldershot. The satnav code is GU11 2LB.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
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| Good to know | A virtual tour is available on the website. Learning sessions for groups include model making, an assault course session and a visit to the pass-out rehearsal. Adults must show photo ID at the gate of the military site. |
