Climb inside the iconic Chieftain tank and learn about Cold War history with guided tours and hands-on object handling.
Join us for Cold War Week and explore a key period in modern military history.
Take a guided tour inside the iconic Chieftain tank and find out what life was like for the crews that served in them – from how to load the gun, how to make tea, and where to go to the toilet!
Plus, hear from our experts and handle Cold War equipment, including everyday personal kit such as protective clothing and ration packs, alongside real Chieftain tank ammunition.
Key Details
- Open daily 10am-5pm
- Guided tours on 18, 20 & 22 May, PLUS hands-on-object handling
- Pre-booking of Chieftain tour is essential
- Tank Museum entry ticket, Annual Pass or Membership required in addition to tour booking
- Free parking, soft play & outdoor play areas, onsite restaurant and café
Climb inside the Chieftain tank – the British Main Battle Tank during the Cold War.
You’ll be getting inside the turret, learning where each crew member would have sat, and seeing what it would have been like to serve inside an armoured vehicle.
Cold War Items Handling Session
Get hands-on with original Cold War items, from a British Army rations pack and boiling vessel to protective clothing and crew equipment.
Examine authentic ammunition from the Chieftian tank and discover the everyday kit soldiers relied on during the Cold War.
In addition to our Cold War Week activities, we have more for you to explore during your visit
Make the most of your day with our free parking, on-site Restaurant & Café, and a Gift Shop to browse.
Explore 10 Exhibitions, each with many interactives, plus children’s activities and an indoor Soft Play Area to keep mini tank fans entertained.
Important Information – Read Before Booking
Arrive 5 minutes before your slot for a short safety brief.
Visitors need to be 1.25m tall or over for this tour.
Children under 16 will need to be accompanied by an adult inside the vehicle.
The space is small and not advised for anyone who suffers with claustrophobia.
Visitors will need to be able to enter/exit the vehicle unaided.
Wear sensible footwear and clothing. No high heels or flipflops. Bear in mind if you are planning on wearing a dress/skirt, you’ll be entering the tank through the turret and there may be other members of the public/Museum staff already inside the vehicle. Please wear something you are comfortable being seen in from below.
Mobile phones are permitted inside but at the owner’s risk. Due to the machinery inside, we can’t always retrieve them if they drop out of your pocket.
Further information on tours and hands-on-object handling will be available at the Information Point.
CHIEFTAIN TOUR
Does not include museum entry
