Summer Holidays - The Tank Museum

Live Tanks in Action Displays, Kids’ Activities, Vehicle Rides & More!

Key Details

Live action tank displays
Vehicle rides every day until the 30 August
Open daily 10am-5pm
Kids’ activities, tours and trails
Allow 4-5hrs for your visit

The Tank Museum brings the story of tanks and their crews to life. Experience the biggest day out in history with live tank displays, vehicle rides, interactive exhibitions, family-friendly activities, and more at Dorset’s largest indoor attraction.

Plus, explore the tank-themed outdoor playpark or soft play for mini-tank enthusiasts.

BOOK YOUR IN ADVANCE AND SAVE 20%

Tanks in Action

See armoured vehicles roar round the arena

On weekdays at 1pm.
Live tank battle, lifelike explosions, and expert commentary.
Opportunity to join in! Ask a member of staff on arrival (Age 16+ and appropriate footwear required)
Meet the crew and get close to the vehicles from the display afterwards

The Sherman 'Fury' tank drives from left to right, a large explosion is seen behind the tank between the Fury and the half-track vehicles in the distance. Several members of the audience make up the foreground as they watch on.

Vehicle Rides

Get into the arena yourself with a vehicle ride.

Weekdays 10:30-12:00 & 13:45-16:15 and Weekends 10:30-13:00 & 14:00-16:15
Ride in a real tracked vehicle – a Cold War M548 troop carrier
£5.00 per person or £15.00 for 4, pay on the day – card only.
Visitors must be over 1.25m tall

Family Activities

There’s loads of family fun at The Tank Museum!

Our ten powerful exhibitions are full of interactives suitable for all ages, with games, puzzles, and hands-on activities
A tank-themed outdoor play area for mini tank-fans
Children can explore with our free Commander Basil trail
Free soft play and colouring in the Tamiya hall
Dressing up, trails and talks throughout the Museum

Activities & Timings

TIME

ACTIVITY

LOCATION

Every Day, 10:00

Site Opens

Sitewide

Every Day, All day

Outdoor Play Area

Climb on our Centurion & Mark II in our outdoor play area.
Children must be supervised at all times.

Outside The Main Museum

Soft Play

Free soft play area.
Children must be supervised at all times.

Tamiya Hall

Colouring Station

Get hands-on & unleash your creativity with our free colouring station.

Tamiya Hall

Every day, 13:30 - 15:00

See Inside The Vehicle Conservation Centre

See the vehicles not on public display and find out how we maintain and restore them from the Vehicle Conversation Centre balcony.

Vehicle Conservation Centre

Every Day, Timings Vary

Vehicle Rides in The Arena

Get the chance to ride ride in a real tracked vehicle – a Cold War M548 troop carrier.

£5.00 per person or £15.00 for 4. Minimum Height of 125cm.

Card Payment Only – Tickets can be purchased on the day at the Arena Control Point.

Weekdays: 10:30-12:00 & 13:45-16:15

Weekends: 10:30-13:00 & 14:00-16:15

Kuwait Arena

Weekdays, Sign up from 10:00

Tanks in Action Needs You!

We’ve got tanks. We’ve got action.
All we’re missing is you! Sign up during your visit and take part in the live show.

Volunteers must be 18+ and physically fit.

Information Point

Weekdays, 13:00-13:20

Live Tanks in Action

See armoured vehicles in a live action display and find out how they work together in battle.

Kuwait Arena

Weekdays, 13:20-13:45

Meet The Crew From Tanks in Action

See the tanks from “Tanks in Action” up close. Meet the crew and ask them your questions.

Vehicle Conservation Centre Apron

Every Day, 17:00

Site Closes

Sitewide

					<img width="100" height="22" decoding="async" src="https://tankmuseum.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_stars_5.png" alt="5 star rating" class="wprevpro_t1_star_img_file">Incredible We visited for tiger day, it was amazing to see the tank actually driving around the arena, the whole day was brilliant and the museum was fantastic
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/32/ff/b5/66/caption.jpg" class="wprev_media_img"  alt="media thumbnail 0" ><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/32/ff/b5/67/caption.jpg" class="wprev_media_img"  alt="media thumbnail 1" >
<img width="32" height="32" decoding="async" src="https://tankmuseum.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_small_icon.svg" alt="TripAdvisor Logo" class="wprevpro_t1_site_logo wprevsiteicon ">
Vickywater
19/04/26
					<img width="100" height="22" decoding="async" src="https://tankmuseum.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_stars_5.png" alt="5 star rating" class="wprevpro_t1_star_img_file">Tanks for the excellent day out Always wanted to visit the tank museum and finally got to do it, it was a very fascinating place. The exhibits are well laid out and some are accessible and you can go inside, it opens your eyes what the soldiers went through. The staff are very knowledgeable and helpful, it has a fantastic shop. Theres thingd to do for the kids they can dress up , theres an indoor adventure playground for them. Well worth a visit
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-f/32/ff/77/5b/caption.jpg" class="wprev_media_img"  alt="media thumbnail 0" ><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/32/ff/77/5c/caption.jpg" class="wprev_media_img"  alt="media thumbnail 1" ><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/32/ff/77/5d/caption.jpg" class="wprev_media_img"  alt="media thumbnail 2" ><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-f/32/ff/77/5e/caption.jpg" class="wprev_media_img"  alt="media thumbnail 3" >
<img width="32" height="32" decoding="async" src="https://tankmuseum.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_small_icon.svg" alt="TripAdvisor Logo" class="wprevpro_t1_site_logo wprevsiteicon ">
joes797
19/04/26
					<img width="100" height="22" decoding="async" src="https://tankmuseum.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_stars_5.png" alt="5 star rating" class="wprevpro_t1_star_img_file">Tiger tank day Brilliant tiger day ,really good seeing all the tanks .cafe very good too
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<img width="32" height="32" decoding="async" src="https://tankmuseum.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_small_icon.svg" alt="TripAdvisor Logo" class="wprevpro_t1_site_logo wprevsiteicon ">
helen b
19/04/26
					<img width="100" height="22" decoding="async" src="https://tankmuseum.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_stars_5.png" alt="5 star rating" class="wprevpro_t1_star_img_file">Brilliant! Fun for everyone We visited the tank museum today - a friend and I and our kids. What a fabulous day! Staff so friendly, nice food, so so much to see! Something for everyone and nothing was overpriced- which really made a difference- also there was free water and milk which was such a nice touch
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<img width="32" height="32" decoding="async" src="https://tankmuseum.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_small_icon.svg" alt="TripAdvisor Logo" class="wprevpro_t1_site_logo wprevsiteicon ">
B7458SFsophiej
10/04/26
					<img width="100" height="22" decoding="async" src="https://tankmuseum.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_stars_5.png" alt="5 star rating" class="wprevpro_t1_star_img_file">Live Tank Battle Re-enactment. We are regular visitors to the Tank Museum and we cannot recommend it highly enough. Today (9 April) my children volunteered me to take part in a simulated tank battle (the museum often run these and need people to volunteer to be mechanised infantry; you get driven around in a tracked APC and capture an enemy soldier). Joe was the member of museum staff responsible for us and he looked after us very well. We received safety training and we were well supervised. The whole thing was excellent fun.
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<img width="32" height="32" decoding="async" src="https://tankmuseum.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_small_icon.svg" alt="TripAdvisor Logo" class="wprevpro_t1_site_logo wprevsiteicon ">
Martin_Taunton
09/04/26
					<img width="100" height="22" decoding="async" src="https://tankmuseum.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_stars_5.png" alt="5 star rating" class="wprevpro_t1_star_img_file">So much to see and do! Purchase a ticket and you can visit every day for a year if you wish!

Fantastic value for money.

There is so much to see and do here and kids love it. The information and the history would take many days to absorb and remember. The cafe serves good honest food and plenty of it. Nearest railway station if you fancy a lovely walk is Wool and as we walked to the museum we were lucky enough to see quite a few tanks motor down the road. Amazing the speed they can get up to. Don't miss the Conservation Centre and the Tanks in Action.
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<img width="32" height="32" decoding="async" src="https://tankmuseum.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_small_icon.svg" alt="TripAdvisor Logo" class="wprevpro_t1_site_logo wprevsiteicon ">
Cat C
01/04/26
					<img width="100" height="22" decoding="async" src="https://tankmuseum.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_stars_5.png" alt="5 star rating" class="wprevpro_t1_star_img_file">10 years and it only gets better. It had been 10 years since I'd visited last and even though I am no longer a child I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the tank museum. There are plenty of exhibits to see and get up close with and some interactive displays around the museum also. Defiantly worth a visit. I stayed for around 2 - 3 hours which was plenty of time to have some food and wander around the entire museum. I visited on a wednesday so the crowds were fairly quiet. All the staff i had interacted with were friendly and welcoming. I paid £39.10 for two tickets and have been told they're yearly admission tickets which n was pleased to find out.
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/32/d0/cc/58/caption.jpg" class="wprev_media_img"  alt="media thumbnail 0" ><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/32/d0/cc/59/caption.jpg" class="wprev_media_img"  alt="media thumbnail 1" ><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/32/d0/cc/5a/caption.jpg" class="wprev_media_img"  alt="media thumbnail 2" ><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/32/d0/cc/5b/caption.jpg" class="wprev_media_img"  alt="media thumbnail 3" >
<img width="32" height="32" decoding="async" src="https://tankmuseum.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_small_icon.svg" alt="TripAdvisor Logo" class="wprevpro_t1_site_logo wprevsiteicon ">
Austin l
30/03/26
					<img width="100" height="22" decoding="async" src="https://tankmuseum.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_stars_5.png" alt="5 star rating" class="wprevpro_t1_star_img_file">Not just for history buffs A masterclass in military history! The collection at Bovington is unparalleled, featuring everything from the earliest prototype tanks to modern marvels like the Challenger 2. Seeing the world's only working Tiger 131 is a highlight.

The exhibits are immersive, well-paced, and incredibly moving, especially the "Trench Experience." It’s spacious, family-friendly, and the knowledgeable staff's passion is infectious. 

Save 20% by booking online - the Tank Museum offers a good value destination. 

Whether you're a hardcore historian or a family looking for a great place to while a few hours, this museum offers a great experience.
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<img width="32" height="32" decoding="async" src="https://tankmuseum.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_small_icon.svg" alt="TripAdvisor Logo" class="wprevpro_t1_site_logo wprevsiteicon ">
R K
28/03/26
					<img width="100" height="22" decoding="async" src="https://tankmuseum.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_stars_5.png" alt="5 star rating" class="wprevpro_t1_star_img_file">First visit to Tank Museum First visit as part of my birthday and can’t wait to go back again. Display is amazing and so much history to each exhibit on display. A must to visit.
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<img width="32" height="32" decoding="async" src="https://tankmuseum.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-review-slider-pro/public/partials/imgs/tripadvisor_small_icon.svg" alt="TripAdvisor Logo" class="wprevpro_t1_site_logo wprevsiteicon ">
Eric M
27/03/26

FAQS

GETTING HERE

Exhibitions

Our stories: nine powerful exhibitions in seven large halls.

Plan Your Visit

All you need to know before visiting.

What To See & Do

Tonnes to see & do for all the family.

Supported By:

Murco, a motor fuel group brand, supports The Tank Museum’s arena action during TANKFEST, Tiger Day, and Tanks in Action by providing fuel for the historic running vehicles. You can find out more about Murco HERE.

Murco

Wild Britain© is a UK-based rewilding initiative funded by eco-friendly brands including Seedbom. As part of our ongoing collaboration, Wild Britain is helping to rewild 3,000 sqm of The Tank Museum’s grounds with over 64 million wildflower seeds.

Learn more about our work HERE or support the project by purchasing the exclusive Tank Museum Seedbom.

Wild Britain

Summer Holidays18 July - 31 August 2026