May Half Term: D-Day Deceptions

Half term D-Day fun for the whole family to enjoy. Tank displays, kids’ activities, vehicle rides, and more!

The Tank Museum brings the story of tanks and their crews to life. Experience the biggest day out in history with explosive live displays, 300 tanks, kids’ activities, and more at Dorset’s largest indoor attraction.

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, take part in family-friendly crafts, talks, and tours, alongside real examples of D-Day ‘Funny’ tanks.

Key Details

D-Day-themed activities 25 May – 2 June
Tanks in Action displays each weekday at 1pm and vehicle rides every day
Open daily 9.30am-5pm
Trails, crafts, games and more
Allow 4-5hrs for your visit

Go visit this place... 2 words sum this Museum up and that is ABSOLUELY... read more2 words sum this Museum up and that is ABSOLUELY AMAZING! I wasn't sure I would like Tanks but boy I was wrong. This museum is worth every penny as its so interesting. The guides are so full of knowledge. its huge and there is lot's to see. Can't wait to go back. read less 
Stephen C
14/04/24

A full day of fun This is a truly epic place to visit. I honestly... read moreThis is a truly epic place to visit. I honestly didn't expect much, buts it's awesome. My family and I visited on a recent trip to Dorset and I'm so glad we did. We arrived early to ensure we could get parked and there were already loads of people there, but parking was a doddle. Getting our tickets was straightforward also; note they last for a full year, so you can visit over and over again for free. The first thing we did was go on the tracked vehicle ride, where you are drivven round a dirt track. Very bumpy and loud, but well worth it. We then spent several hours exploring all of the tanks. There are hundreds! You can get up close to these massive machines and really get a sense of how powerful they are. After a quick lunch break (we brought our own packed lunches and ate near the swings) we were back at it. We spent 45 mins watching the "tank" display where several vehicles drive round the dirt track as someone provides commentary. There is then a mock battle, with plenty of explosions. We next worked our way through all of the exhibits, including the World of Tanks where the kids got to play on a hyper realistic tank game. All in all we spent 6 hours there. It's definitely a full day activity. We will be back. read less 
Gary C
10/04/24

Tanks of all kinds Almost every tank produced throughout history can be found there.... read moreAlmost every tank produced throughout history can be found there. We also got to see some that were driven around outside and shown off in a small "battle". It was the son's wish to go here, and he was super satisfied after the visit, even if the journey there from London took a little time. read less 
Karin L
07/04/24

Excellent and free access for 12 months now! Excellent day out. Plenty of activities for children. Loads of... read moreExcellent day out. Plenty of activities for children. Loads of really informative info. Live displays. Excellent staff. This was our second visit and we’ll be back again. read less 
James K
05/04/24

Good day out for both tank and non tank lovers. Second time visiting now and will go back again well... read moreSecond time visiting now and will go back again well laid out walking route around the exhibits so you don't miss anything. Plenty of information boards and videos to explain the history of what your looking at. On site cafe has a good selection of sandwich and hot food on offer. At the end of the visit you can sit down and play a game of World Of Tanks they also give the choice of which Platfrom to use with Xbox Tablet and PC to choose from. read less 
Stephen
02/04/24

Fun for all the family Had a lovely time visiting the tank museum, there really... read moreHad a lovely time visiting the tank museum, there really is something for everyone. Our daughter really loved the War Horse exhibit (she has recently read the book) and the brilliant gaming area. The staff were so welcoming and friendly, the shop is amazing too! There is so much to see and do, it really isn't just for the boys! read less 
Amanda B
31/03/24

Not just a tank museum We nearly didn't go but glad we did. I was... read moreWe nearly didn't go but glad we did. I was so surprised how much this had to offer. It's really not just a museum about tanks. It's so much more. We had people aged from 10-80 and everyone enjoyed it. As you would expect there's a lot of tanks but also a lot about the wars in general. A must visit for anyone in the area. read less 
Dan B
29/03/24

The Tank Museum - not just for boys - girls will love it too ! My wife and 11 year old daughter really loved the... read moreMy wife and 11 year old daughter really loved the visit and in particular the War Horse exhibition which really brought the story to life in a clever and original way. Food was excellent and the staff friendly and helpful with some fun things to buy in the shop. Daddy had a good time too ! 10/10. read less 
michael b
27/03/24

Excellent museum We had been looking forward to visiting the tank museum... read moreWe had been looking forward to visiting the tank museum and it certainly did not disappoint. Had to tear my husband away after three hours but we will definitely return another day. We enjoyed seeing the tanks through the different ages. Seeing the enlarged photos on display was very moving. The ww1 display was very thought provoking. Good cafes and shop and good for children of all ages. read less 
shaz h
25/03/24

Kid's Activities

D-Day-themed activities all week, focused on all the deceptions that led up to the famous invasion – Morse Code machine, float a tank activity and more.
There are interactive games and dressing up in all of our exhibitions to keep children entertained and engaged.
Explore the Museum with our D-Day Deception children’s trail – and get a free prize at the end!
Enjoy free themed colouring and let off steam in the free indoor soft play in the Cold War Hall and the tank-shaped outdoor play area.

Two female children dressed up as WWI soldiers stand in front of a WWI tank inside The Tank Museum

Tanks in Action

See armoured vehicles in action in the arena
Every weekday at 1pm
Expert commentary on how armoured vehicles work together on the battle field
Lifelike explosions
Meet the Crew after the display

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.

Available 25 May to 2 June
Ride in a real tracked vehicle – a Cold War M548 troop carrier
£4 per person or £13.50 for a family of four, pay on the day – card only
Visitors must be over 1.25m tall

Activities and Timings

TIME

ACTIVITY

LOCATION

All holiday, all day

A Trail of Deception

Learn how the Allied Forces deceived German Intelligence and gained the upper hand in the run up to D-Day. Complete our trail around the Museum, then head to admissions for a small prize!

Sitewide

Soft Play

Children must be supervised at all times.

Cold War Hall

Outdoor Play Area

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

Outside the Museum

Tank Museum Volunteer Modellers

See detailed models of tanks and find out how to make them.

Tank Story Hall

Colouring & Craft Station

Write your own secret messages, complete our spy worksheets, or test your knowledge with some D-day themed activity sheets and colouring.

Cold War Hall

Morse Code Machine

Put your messaging skills to the test and see if you can master Morse Code with our Morse Code machine.

Cold War Hall

Inflatable Sherman Tank Photo Opportunity

Take a picture with our 1:1 scale inflatable Sherman Tank and learn how we used inflatable tanks in the run up to D-Day.

TBC

All holiday, 10:30-12:00

Sink or Swim

Around 1,500 tanks were transported across the channel for D-Day. See if you can float a tank on water.

Tank Story Hall by Sherman DD

D-Day Themed Cobi Building

Build your favourite tanks from D-Day in brick form with Cobi.

Tanks in Popular Culture

All holiday, 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

All holiday, 14:00-15:00

Funny Tanks of D-Day

Hobart’s Funnies were pivotal in the success of D-Day, Join The Tank Museum Guide Team as they teach you all about the aptly named Hobart’s Funnies. Check the ‘what’s on board’ in the Orientation Zone for meeting place.

Orientation Zone

All holiday, timings vary

Tracked Vehicle Rides

Ride in a real tracked vehicle – a Cold War M548 troop carrier. £4 per person or £13.50 for a family of four, pay on the day – card only.

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

Weekends: 10:30 – 12:00 & 13:00 – 16:15

Minimum height 125cm

Kuwait Arena

Monday-Friday, 13:00

Live Tanks in Action

See armoured vehicles in action, find out how they work together in battle.

Kuwait Arena

Monday-Friday, 13:45 - 14:15

Meet the Crew From Tanks in Action

Meet the crews from the Tanks in Action Display.

Vehicle Conservation Centre Apron

25 May, 13:00-13:30

One Man and His Gundogs

Join Stephen Harrison and his gundogs for an entertaining & educational demonstration of dog training methods, gundog skills and a wonderful array of tricks! After the demonstration, Stephen will be available after the show for people wishing to ask any questions or just to meet the dogs!

Kuwait Arena

27 May, 30 May, 1 June, 11:00-14:00

Face Painting

Get your face painted by Diamond Faces, at £2.50 a face.

Tank Story Hall

Something for Everyone

How our story absorbs & amazes everyone.

Plan Your Visit

All you need to know before visiting.

What To See & Do

Tonnes to see & do for all the family.

FAQS

GETTING HERE

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

May Half Term: D-Day Deceptions25 May - 2 June 2024

Half term D-Day fun for the whole family to enjoy. Tank displays, kids’ activities, vehicle rides, and more!

Kid's Activities

Tanks in Action

Vehicle Rides

TICKET PRICES

A Trail of Deception

Soft Play

Outdoor Play Area

Tank Museum Volunteer Modellers

Colouring & Craft Station

Morse Code Machine

Inflatable Sherman Tank Photo Opportunity

Sink or Swim

D-Day Themed Cobi Building

See Inside the Vehicle Conservation Centre

Funny Tanks of D-Day

Tracked Vehicle Rides

Live Tanks in Action

Meet the Crew From Tanks in Action

One Man and His Gundogs

Face Painting

Something for Everyone

Plan Your Visit

What To See & Do

Supported By:

Contact

Quick Links

Links