Milestones is a covered "living history" museum on the edge of town that recreates streets of Victorian and 1930s Hampshire under one enormous roof. Cobbled lanes, shopfronts, tramlines and gas lamps fill a hangar-sized space, populated by costumed staff who chat in character. It is unashamedly a family attraction, but the level of detail is impressive even for adults.
The collection includes vehicles built by Thornycroft, Tasker and other Hampshire manufacturers, plus everyday objects from grocers, dressmakers and ironmongers. The real working pub, the Baverstock Arms, serves a small selection of local beer and is the only place in the country where you can buy a pint inside a museum exhibit. Allow at least two hours; longer if children are involved.