What to do and see in Hampshire, England: The Best Military Museums

The WW1 Remembrance Centre has now moved to it's new home Bastion 6 which is at the end of the road past Hilsea Train Station & the car parks of BAE Systems

The museum tells the story of army medicine and healthcare, human and animal, from the English Civil War to the current day as Army Medical Services personnel continue to serve across the globe as part of the British Army.The collections on display include uniforms and insignia, medical, dental and veterinary equipment, ambulances and much more besides. We are also open the first Saturday of each month, 9.30 am to 3.30 pm. Group and special tours can be arranged. Please phone to check.

Solent Sky Museum showcases the history of aviation in Southampton - Spitfire City - and the surrounding Solent area.Geographically this was the most important area in the country, perhaps the world, for aircraft experimental and development work between 1908 and the late 1960s. 26 aircraft companies set up shop in the area, and many of the world’s greatest aircraft, including the legendary Spitfire, first took to the air in the skies over Southampton.We have 18 complete airframes, including a Supermarine Spitfire and Supermarine S6a (N248), and also 4 cockpit sections. We also have a comprehensive collection of aero-engines.Our mighty Sandringham Flying Boat was originally built as a Short Sunderland in 1943, and converted to a passenger aircraft after the war. Visitors are welcome to board the aircraft to sample the luxury of air travel in the romantic era of the great flying boats, and guided tours of the flight deck are also available.Kids (and big kids) can also imagine what it would be like to fly a jet fighter while sat in the cockpits of our Supermarine Swift and Harrier Jump Jet. Our new Schneider Trophy Exhibition is now open, with its record-breaking centrepiece the S6a. Video stock footage of these legendary races and artefacts from the time illustrate the drama and romance of the fastest race in history.

Located within the New Forest National Park, Hurst Castle is situated on the seaward end of the shingle spit that extends 1.5 miles from Milford-on-Sea, Hampshire. Built by Henry VIII as a chain of fortresses to protect the Solent in 1544, this is the site where Charles I was imprisoned in 1648 before being taken to his trial and execution in London. The castle was modernised during the Napoleonic wars and again in the 1870s when the enormous armoured wings were added, making it the largest coastal fort in the world. Two of the huge 38-ton guns installed in the 1870s can be viewed in their casemates together with other weapons developed through 412 years of military use. During World War II, Hurst was manned with coastal gun batteries and searchlights. You can get to Hurst Castle by ferry from Keyhaven Quay (sat nav postcode: SO41 0TP) or you can walk along the shingle Hurst Spit. The castle is currently closed, however refreshments are available from outside the castle.

Following a National Lottery Heritage Fund restoration and conservation project, the Chapel has been restored to its original beauty and includes a new exhibition that is FREE to enter. The Chapel was once the centre of the vast Royal Victoria Military Hospital, which served the soldiers of the commonwealth from 1863 until 1966. Visitors can also climb the 150 ft tower and take in the amazing 360 degree views for a small admission charge, find out about the stories of people who worked here and the patients who were treated at the former military hospital, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery in our new Chapel refreshments area.

One of Winchester's six superb Military Museums telling the story of The Rifles since 2007 with personal unique accounts alongside uniform, weapons and much more. The highlight of the collection is a Taliban motorbike, the only one on display outside of London. The museum is situated in Peninsula Square, formerly the barracks and the home of the Rifle Depot.

One of Winchester's six superb Military Museums telling the story of 250 years of campaigning for peace by The Royal Green Jackets and their former regiments, the 43rd and 52nd (The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry), the 60th (The King's Royal Rifle Corps) and the 95th Rifles (The Rifle Brigade). An outstanding collection of uniforms, weapons, silver, paintings and medals set over two floors. The exhibition on the first floor, entitled 'With the Rifles to Waterloo', opened in 2015 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. The centrepiece of the exhibition is the 25 square metre model of the battle with light and sound commentary. The Museum is situated in Peninsula Square, formerly the barracks and the home of the Rifle Depot. The Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum shares the building with The Rifles Regimental Museum.