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May Half Term: Tanks In Action23-31 May 2026

May Half Term fun for the whole family to enjoy. Tank displays, kids’ activities, vehicle rides, and more!

This Half Term, discover how tanks and trees grew side by side as we team up with Forestry England.

Explore the role forests played in tank warfare, and enjoy a range of hands-on craft activities inspired by the natural world.

Plus, enjoy explosive live displays, 300 tanks, kids’ activities, meet STICK MAN (24 May) & join Sophie’s Ceramics for a Pottery Painting Session.

Key Details

  • Tanks in Action displays each weekday at 1pm
  • Vehicle rides every day
  • Open daily 10am-5pm
  • Free indoor soft play & themed colouring
  • Allow 4-5hrs for your visit

Tanks in Action

See armoured vehicles in action in the arena!

  • Starting at 1pm every weekday
  • 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.

Kids Activities

  • Explore The Tank Museum with a dedicated trail – and get a prize at the end!
  • There are interactive games and dressing up in all of our exhibitions to keep children entertained and engaged.
  • Meet STICK MAN™ at intervals on 24 May.
  • Creative Pottery Painting Session with Sophie’s Ceramics on 26 May – booking is essential!

Vehicle Rides

Get into the arena yourself with a vehicle ride.

  • Available every day
  • Ride in a real tracked vehicle – a Cold War M548 troop carrier
  • Pay on the day – card only
  • £5.00 per person or £15.00 for 4
  • Visitors must be over 1.25m tall
3 M458 tracked vehicles
Tickets prices

TICKET PRICES

Book in ADVANCE & save 20%!

FREE ANNUAL PASS WITH EVERY TICKET!
ADVANCE
ON THE DAY
ADULT
(16+)
ADVANCE
£19.60
ON THE DAY
£24.50
CHILD
(3-15)
ADVANCE
£3.60
ON THE DAY
£4.50
CONCESSIONS
Veterans | Student | Universal/Pension Credit
ADVANCE
On Site Only
ON THE DAY
£12.25
FREE
Child (Under 3) | Serving Military | Carer | Annual Pass | Members
ADVANCE
Free
ON THE DAY
Free
BOOK NOW
Activities & Timings
TIME
ACTIVITY
LOCATION
Every Day, 10:00

Site Opens

Sitewide
Sunday 24 May, at Intervals

Meet STICK MAN™

STICK MAN™ will be available to meet at intervals on Sunday 24 May.
Head to the Briefing Room during any of the time slots below to say hello!

Timings: 12:00-12:40, 13:00-13:40, 14:00-14:40, 15:00-15:40

Briefing Room
Every Day, All Day

Branching Out: Nature Inspired Crafts

In parntnerhsip with Forestry England, enjoy a range of hands on craft activites inspired by the natural world.
Build a bug, colour creatures or handcraft your very own honeycomb!

Briefing Room

Soft Play

Mini tank enthusiasts can let off steam in our free, tank-shaped soft play area beside our Café.

Children must be supervised at all times.

Tamiya Hall

Colouring Station

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

Tamiya 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
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+ (or 16+ with parental permission) and physically fit.

Orientation Zone
Weekdays, 13:00-13:20

Tanks in Action

See armoured vehicles from the museum’s collection in an explosive live action display, and find out how they work together in battle.

Kuwait Arena
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
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
26 May, Timings TBC

Sophie’s Ceramics

Booking is essential – Reserve your spot HERE.
Enjoy a relaxing and creative ceramic painting session suitable for all ages and abilities. Each session lasts one hour and costs £7 per item, with all materials provided. Choose your piece, get painting, and make it your own. Your finished item can be taken away at the end of the day. A fun, hands-on activity for all!

Briefing Room
27-28 May, Timings Vary

Forestry England Team

Forestry England brings forests to life, caring for our nation’s woodlands while creating inspiring places to explore, learn and connect with nature.
Have a chat with their team and discover all about the important work they do.

Orientation Zone
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

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

We’re working with Forestry England, who – like tanks, were founded at the end of the First World War. Our Green Machines theme over this May Half Term is a fun way to explore how history, nature and imagination all work together.

Find out more about our partnership with Forestry England here.

Forestry England

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

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