The Tank Museum - Bringing History To Life

Photos: Facebook

Located in Bovington, near Wareham, The Tank Museum is one of Dorset's most iconic attractions and home to the world's largest and finest collection of tanks and armoured vehicles.

Housing almost 300 military vehicles from 26 countries, the museum tells the story of armoured warfare from its beginnings during the First World War through to the modern day. Alongside the impressive collection, visitors can enjoy immersive exhibitions, interactive displays, live vehicle demonstrations, family activities and inspiring personal stories that bring history vividly to life.

Whether you're fascinated by military history, interested in engineering or simply looking for an unforgettable family day out, The Tank Museum offers something for visitors of every age.

The Tank Museum was established in 1923 by the Royal Tank Corps to preserve vehicles from the First World War.

Over the past century, it has grown into one of the world's leading military museums, caring for an internationally significant collection of tanks, armoured vehicles, photographs, archives and historical artefacts.

The museum works closely with historians, veterans and military organisations to preserve the history of armoured warfare while educating future generations.

Visitors can explore a wide range of galleries and exhibits, including:

• The world's first tank, Little Willie
• The legendary Tiger I tank
• Challenger 2 main battle tank
• First World War, Second World War and Cold War galleries
• Modern military vehicles
• Interactive exhibitions
• Personal stories from soldiers and crews
• Rare military artefacts
• Historic uniforms and equipment
• Audio-visual displays and immersive experiences

Throughout the museum, you'll discover how tanks changed warfare and the people whose lives they affected.

The Tank Museum is one of Dorset's best attractions for families.

Children can enjoy:

• Interactive exhibits
• Family trails
• Indoor soft play
• Outdoor play area
• Hands-on learning activities
• Holiday crafts and family events
• Live tank displays during selected events

The museum is designed to engage children through storytelling, discovery and interactive experiences, making history fun and accessible.

One of the museum's biggest attractions is the opportunity to see historic tanks in action.

Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy:

• Live vehicle demonstrations
• Tank driving displays
• Vehicle start-ups
• Family activity days
• Behind-the-scenes experiences
• Talks from museum experts
• School holiday events
• Living history weekends
• Educational workshops

The museum also hosts internationally renowned events, including Tiger Day, Tanks in Action, and Tankfest, attracting enthusiasts from around the world.

Visitors can enjoy:

• On-site café serving hot meals, snacks and drinks
• Gift shop with books, models, toys and souvenirs
• Indoor and outdoor seating
• Picnic area
• Baby changing facilities
• Accessible toilets
• Free Wi-Fi
• Visitor information point
• Free parking
• Electric vehicle charging points

Everything is designed to make it easy to spend a full day at the museum.

Admission ticket options include unlimited daytime visits for 12 months from the date of purchase, offering excellent value for repeat visits.

Tickets can be booked online in advance or purchased on arrival, subject to availability.

Discounts are available for:

• Children
• Families
• Students
• Concessions

Current admission prices and special offers can be found on the official Tank Museum website.

Free on-site parking is available for visitors.

Facilities include:

• Accessible parking spaces
• Coach parking
• Electric vehicle charging points
• Bicycle parking

The Tank Museum is designed to be accessible for as many visitors as possible.

Facilities include:

• Step-free access throughout most galleries
• Lifts between floors
• Accessible toilets
• Wheelchair-friendly routes
• Manual wheelchairs available to borrow (subject to availability)
• Accessible parking
• Hearing loop systems in selected areas

Visitors with additional accessibility requirements are encouraged to consult the official accessibility guide before travelling.

The Tank Museum is perfectly placed for exploring many of Dorset's best attractions, including:

• Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre
• Lulworth Cove
• Durdle Door
• Corfe Castle
• Wareham
• RSPB Arne
• Sculpture by the Lakes
• Dorset Adventure Park

The Tank Museum offers far more than a traditional museum experience.

Its world-famous collection, interactive exhibitions, inspiring human stories and thrilling live tank demonstrations create one of the most engaging days out in Dorset. Whether you're fascinated by history, engineering or simply looking for an attraction that the whole family will enjoy, The Tank Museum delivers an unforgettable experience that combines education, entertainment and innovation under one roof.

• Allow 4-6 hours to explore the museum at a comfortable pace.
• Book tickets online in advance, especially during school holidays and major events like Tankfest.
• Check the daily schedule when you arrive so you don't miss any live vehicle demonstrations or talks.
• Visit the gift shop before leaving- it's one of the best places in the UK for military books, models and souvenirs.
• Wear comfortable footwear, as you'll cover a surprising amount of ground across the museum's galleries.
• If you're planning multiple visits, remember that standard admission includes 12 months of daytime return visits, making it excellent value.

DISCOVER MORE: Click HERE to view The Tank Museum Review