Business Details
Explore Hampshire's Military Heritage
The Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum has been dedicated to preserving the military heritage of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for nearly three centuries. Established in 1702 as Merediths Own, our institution has evolved through significant historical milestones, including amalgamation with the Queens Regiment in 1992. Our 2014 Heritage Lottery Fund-supported refurbishment introduced interactive exhibits while maintaining our core mission of educating visitors about the regiments global service. With extensive archives covering the 37th Foot to the Royal Hampshire Regiment (1946-1992), we provide expert research services and maintain a comprehensive collection of uniforms, weapons, and personal artefacts. Our team of specialists ensures accurate historical interpretation through curated exhibitions and digital resources.As an accredited museum, we uphold rigorous preservation standards while offering accessible educational programs. Our commitment to public engagement is demonstrated through free admission and community-focused initiatives. The museum serves as both a historical repository and a living memorial through our dedicated Memorial Garden. We maintain strong connections with military veterans through our Comrades Association and provide tailored research assistance for family history inquiries. Our Georgian Serles House location in Winchester offers a unique setting for exploring over 295 years of military history.
Services
Museum Tours
Research Services
Group Visits
Memorial Garden
Comrades' Association
Military History Exhibits
Artifact Preservation
Educational Programs
Military Research
Donation Services
Highlights and features
- We offer free admission with expertly curated military history exhibits
- Our 2014 Heritage Lottery Fund refurbishment modernised historical interpretation
- We provide specialist research services for military family history inquiries
- Our Memorial Garden serves as a dedicated remembrance space since 1952
- We maintain extensive archives covering regiments from 1702 to 1992
Associations and certifications
- Accredited Museum
Services
Museum Tours
Explore our free-admission museum featuring three centuries of military history. Interactive exhibits include touch-screen computers and historical films. The museum houses uniforms, weapons, and personal artefacts from the 37th Foot to the Royal Hampshire Regiment. Group visits require prior arrangements for optimal experience.
Research Services
Our expert researchers assist with military ancestry inquiries for 40 covering three hours. We maintain extensive archives including war diaries and regimental journals from 1905-1992. Specialised in Hampshire Regiment and Royal Hampshire Regiment records from 1702-1992.
Memorial Garden
This tranquil garden serves as a dedicated remembrance site since 1952. Visitors may scatter ashes of regiment members on the rose beds. The space hosts formal services during reunions and commemorations, featuring inscriptions of global service locations.
Comrades' Association
We connect former regiment members through our Comrades Association. The service provides mutual support networks and assistance with hardship cases. Our charity works alongside the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Military Aid Fund for comprehensive veteran support.
Educational Programs
Tailored programs for schools and local history groups explore Hampshire's military heritage. Interactive sessions combine physical artefacts with digital resources. Booking required for group visits to ensure appropriate educational materials and staffing.
Questions
Is there an admission charge for the museum?
Entry to The Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum is completely free, though we gratefully accept voluntary donations to support our operations.
Can I research my family's military history here?
Yes, we offer specialist research services for £40 covering three hours to help trace relatives who served in the Hampshire or Royal Hampshire Regiments.
What are the museum's opening hours?
We're open Tuesday-Friday 10am-4:30pm and Saturdays/Bank Holidays 10:30am-3pm. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
Can I scatter ashes in the Memorial Garden?
Yes, members of the Royal Hampshire Regiment may have ashes scattered on the rose beds by prior arrangement with the Regimental Secretary.
Do you offer group visit facilities?
We welcome school and history groups with tailored programs. Please contact us in advance to arrange group visits for optimal experience.
How can I donate items to the museum?
We have a limited Collections Policy, so please contact us first before donating items to ensure they align with our archival requirements.
Reviews (4)
Orchidlilly
Dec 14, 2021
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Amaxing Museum really in formative..even found our family surnames in the museum...more to add to our ancestry tree...
Nick Davis
Jun 30, 2021
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I was waiting for new tyres on my car and saw nearly next door was Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum. I popped in. Only small but really interesting, I could spend the best part of a day in there I think. I'll be back again to continue. My rear tyres need changing soon!
Eric Hounslow
Jun 23, 2021
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Came upon this when scattering the ashes of a former member of the regiment in the immaculate garden. Will be back to give the longer visit it deserves.
Susan Swabey
Jan 22, 2021
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If you are thinking of visiting I would phone first. The website (updated on 10th September 2020) states the museum will be open Saturday 12th September 2020 from 11am till 3pm. We have driven 2 hours to get here to find it shut. Disappointed is an understatement!!
