Dorset: The Tank Museum Review
Living here in Dorset, we often take for granted some of the fantastic days out on offer.
It has been a good few years since we last visited the Tank Museum in Bovington, but this weekend we headed there for the start of half term.
The Tank Museum is located in Bovington, near Wareham and is home to the world’s finest collection of tanks and it has been consistently rated as one of Dorset’s top days out for all the family.
The Tank Museum is not just tanks in a huge warehouse, it brings the story of tanks and their crews to life, with the world’s best collection of tanks in awe-inspiring, modern exhibitions that appeal to all ages.
The museum houses 300 military machines, representing the key battles of every major conflict since the First World War of this brilliant British invention.
Not only can you walk around the tanks and read all about their history, but you can view some of them from above too on specially created stands, bridges and walkways.
What the Tank Museum does well is bring things to life.
One of the kids favourite exhibitions was the Trenches of 1916, which sees you walk in the footsteps of a First World War soldier – from the recruiting office to the front-line trenches.
A new exhibition since our last visit is War Horse, where you discover the many ways in which the British Army used horses and why it chose to mechanise in the years after the First World War.
There are plenty of other interactive exhibits to keep the kids interested, from learning tank signals……
… to creating your own battles with toy soldiers.
There is even the opportunity to get dressed up in several locations, with different uniforms on offer.
For kids, and adults, that like their technology, there is also an area where they can drive their own tanks and engage in battle with World of Tanks.
The Tank Museum is also home to the Tiger Tank, probably the most famous tank in the world, which is highlighted with clever light projections across it.
The Tank Museum is also host to a variety of additional events. This weekend was the South West Model Show, which showcases model tanks, planes, ships, and trains of all types and sizes.
From 21st February, half term has animal-themed activities all week with Tank Zoo, which explains the brave furry and feathered friends in the Animals at War game, colouring and craft activities, plus trails and talks.
A family ticket to the Tank Museum costs £39.25 online, in advance and is valid for year round entry, with the exclusion of event days, such a Tiger Day and Tank Fest.
In 2022, the Special Event days are 23 April, 24-26 June, and 17 September.
Entry also includes a visit to the Vehicle Conservation Centre, where you discover how their vehicles are maintained and restored by the dedicated workshop staff and take a closer look at over a hundred additional tanks and vehicles.
Would you like to visit The Tank Museum?
Disclaimer: We were guests of the Tank Museum for the purpose of a review. All thoughts and opinions are our own
Samantha Donnelly
What a great place to visit especially for those who love to hear about history, I know my kids would have loved this