The Tank Museum is committed to a policy of accessibility, providing excellent access in and around the site.
For a full description of our facilities, please download our Access Statement here.
Please contact us if you have any questions regarding accessibility at 01929 405096.
If you require a carer to facilitate your visit, one carer will be admitted free of charge. If booking online, please book an additional free slot for your carer.
You may be asked to present evidence to a member of staff on arrival (e.g. DLA or PIP letter, GP letter or similar).
There is ample disabled parking on hard standing near to the entrance of the Museum.
The majority of the museum is on a single level, with ramps or lifts providing access to higher floors. Pathways and entrances are broad, and there are several disabled toilets around the Museum.
There are wheelchair access points and viewing areas in our arena.
There are a limited number of wheelchairs available for use at the Museum, which are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
There are several local companies in the area that offer a rental of a wheelchair for a day rate. We recommend Purbeck Mobility.
There are hearing induction loops on our newer interactives and subtitles on video content throughout the exhibitions.
For 2023, we are also running free BSL tours of our flagship Tank Story Hall exhibition. The remaining one is on the 7 October.
The Trench Experience and War Horse to Horsepower exhibition do use sound effects which can trigger sensory overload. On our quiet mornings, these sounds are all switched off 0900-1100. Find out more about the quiet mornings here.
The Museum’s Special Events and rainy days during the school holidays are both very busy. If you would like to visit at a quieter time, we would recommend either a week day in term-time or on a sunny day in the holidays. Please call 01929 405096 for recommendations or more information.
The Tank Museum welcomes trained assistance dogs, including guide dogs, hearing dogs and support dogs. These must be kept on a lead and accreditation may be required.
Unfortunately emotional support dogs are not permitted inside the Museum at this time. This is because the Museum is a noisy, busy place and emotional support dogs do not currently require the accredited training that assistance dogs undergo to be able to cope with this environment.
Quiet mornings will be on offer on four different weekend days in 2023: 26 March, 17 June, 30 September, and 10 December. From 0900-1100 all sounds, and interactives will be turned off to reduce sensory input.
This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families of children with autism; young people and adults with autism; children with social, emotional, or mental health needs; adults living with dementia and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience.
At 1100 sounds will be switched back on, but visitors are welcome to remain in the Museum for as long as they like.
Sensory Backpacks will be available from 26 March to borrow from Main Admissions free of charge. Our sensory backpacks are for visitors with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Backpacks include ear defenders, magnifying glass, book, squeezy toy, torch, periscope, and Commander Basil bear.
Take some time out in this dedicated quiet space. Free to use, the Wellbeing Room is equipped with a sofa, children’s books, and a sink. Located behind the Shop, this space has been created for visitors who are feeling overwhelmed, visitors with additional sensory needs, as a resting space for chronic fatigue sufferers, or as a private place to breastfeed. It is also beside a disabled toilet with baby changing facilities.
These Communication Cards have been designed for non-verbal visitors to use to find key exhibitions or facilities within the Museum. They can also be used for families and schools to create a timetable of their visit. We have several lanyard packs that can be collected from Main Admissions or download in advance HERE.
