The Tank Museum

About

The Tank Museum brings history to life, with the world’s best collection of tanks and explosive live displays.

Our exhibitions tell the story of armoured warfare spanning over 100 years of history. Exploring eight powerful exhibitions, you will come face to face with almost 300 armoured vehicles. This unique collection includes the world’s first ever tank, the feared German Tiger and the modern Challenger 2.

“The Tank Story” details tank history from its birth in 1915 to the present in a modern exhibition. Guided by account from veterans, you'll see 35 of the most important tanks in history, with a fascinating supporting collection housed in a state of the art multimedia exhibition.

“Battlegroup Afghanistan” transports you to today’s front line as combat veterans give their accounts alongside the vehicles used on operations today. In “The Discovery Centre”, as well as in the "Vehicle Conservation Centre", you’ll see the breadth of our vehicle collections.

The Tank Museum’s First World War Centenary exhibition, “Tank Men”, tells the stories of the first men who fought bravely in these revolutionary machines.

Let the “The Trench Experience” take you back in time to the trenches of the First World War and walk in the footsteps of a World War One soldier, whilst “Warhorse to Horsepower” examines the role of horses in war in an interactive and immersive experience.

“Tank Factory” explores the design and manufacture of British armoured vehicles from 1916 to present and you can hear the stories of the men and women who built these complex war machines. You can even see a tank production and design your own tank!

“The Tiger Tank Collection” brings the Tiger tank family together in a world first. Hear from both Nritish and German Second World ar Veterans about their experienced of the Tigers.

There are special events going on throughout the year at The Tank Museum including TANKFEST and Tiger Day, as well as special activity programmes during the School Holidays.

TANKFEST, on the last weekend of June, is the world’s biggest and best live display of historic moving armour! With stalls, food, entertainment and activities as well, this is an event for the whole family.

Tiger 131 will only make two appearances in our arena in 2019 and as the only running Tiger I tank in the world you really can't afford to miss it!

Don’t miss the explosive Tanks in Action Displays, every weekday during the School Holidays*. Watch in awe as tanks roll into action in our arena, with thundering engines and life-like explosions!

The Tank Museum also boasts an outdoor play area and state of the art soft play area so parent can relax in the adjacent cafe with cup of tea whilst the cjildren let off some steam. There is also an outdoor picnic area overlooking the arena for those sunny days as well as an indoor mezzanine overlooking the Tank Story Hall.

The Tank Museum is based at Bovington and was the main training centre for tanks in the First World War.

This really is a fantastic day old for EVERYONE to enjoy!

Opening Times

Opening (1 January 2019 - 31 December 2019)
Day	Times
Monday - Sunday	10:00	- 17:00*

* Closed 24, 25 and 26 December

Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

Guide Prices

Ticket Type	Ticket Tariff
Adult	£14.00 per ticket
Child 5-16 years	£9.00 per ticket
Child under 5 years old	Free
Group - Adults (more than 10 people)	£9.10 per ticket
Group - Children (more than 10 people)	£6.00 per ticket
Saver (1 Adult & 3 Children)	£35.00 per ticket
Saver (2 Adults & 2 Children)	£39.00 per ticket

Prices include a free annual pass. Book online for a reduced rate. Please see www.tankmuseum.org for more details.

Website

Telephone: +44 01929 405096

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4280 reviews

Certificate of Excellence 2019

Excellent
3480
Very Good
668
Average
104
Poor
14
Terrible
15

Recent Reviews:

cambuck38
denny scotland
Trip Type:
Solo travel
Great time
Wednesday, 18th September 2019
I visited the Tank Museum for tiger day & im so glad I did it was a excellent day out I had a vip admission & it was well worth it , the museum itself is bursting with armour from all eras First... Read full review
Navigate100659
Trip Type:
Family
fascinating
Wednesday, 18th September 2019
Very good display and a good day out, looking forward to taking advantage of further visits this year Read full review
Jantheman666
Surrey, Canada
Trip Type:
Couples
Incredible
Thursday, 19th September 2019
Firstly I must admit I am a tank nerd, been waiting years to get to Bovington tank museum planned our three week Great Briton tour around it. Not disappointed one of the best museums I have been too... Read full review

Write a review

Awards

Dorset Tourism Dorset Tourism Award 2016 Winner of Winner 2016
Dorset Tourism Dorset Tourism Awards 2017 - Bronze Award 2017

Facilities

Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users
All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors
Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors
Guide Dogs Permitted
Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
Ramp/Level Access
Toilets for Disabled Visitors

Catering

On-Site café/restaurant - Self-service licensed restaurant; light meals, hot and cold snacks, 150 max.
Picnic Site

Establishment Features

Coach drop-off point
Conference facilities
Event Venue
Open All Year
Picnic Area
Shop
Toilets

Group Travel

Out of Hours Visits

Key Features

Approx length of visit - 2-4 hours
Families
Groups
In countryside
Indoor Attraction

Parking & Transport

On site parking - for cars and coaches. No charge.

Payment Methods

All major credit cards accepted
Delta accepted
Maestro accepted
MasterCard accepted
Min group size - 12 people to receive discounted price.
Solo accepted
Visa accepted

Specialist Features

Family Fun
Marketed towards children
Marketed towards families - Lots of family activities
Marketed towards senior citizens - Of interest to veterans and people who lived through the World Wars

Tours and Demonstrations

Demonstrations Given - Live Action Displays during School Holidays.
Educational Visits Accepted - Pre-booking required.
Guided Tours Available for Groups - 20 people per tour, must be booked in advance, £30 charge applies
Guided Tours Available for Individuals - Pre-booking is essential

Travel & Trade

Group discounts available - for pre-booked tickets for 12 or more people.
Min group size numeric qualifier - 12 people to receive discounted price.
Wi-fi available

Venue Facilities

Groups Accepted

Access Information

PARKING

Designated parking provided for guests with disabilities

Designated parking within about 50 metres of main entrance

Drop-off point for guests immediately outside the main entrance

Flat route with no steps from parking area to entrance

Parking is provided for visitors

Parking on site

With designated parking for visitors with disabilities

Within about 50 metres of the attraction

Route from the parking area to the nearest public entrance is:

Flat, ie. without steps

ATTRACTION ENTRANCE

Level access, ramp or lift from entrance to reception

TICKET / INFORMATION / GIFT SHOP [WHERE APPLICABLE]

Guest information in large print format

LIFT

Lift

There is a lift

Verbal announcement for stops at each floor

Verbal announcement as lift stops on each floor

ACCESS TO PUBLIC AREAS (Displays, exhibits, rides etc)

Level access (i.e. no steps or thresholds) or access by a ramp or lift to:

Gift shop

Information point

Public toilet

Public toilet suitable for visitors who use a wheelchair

Ticket issuing point

Level access, ramp or lift to a public toilet

Level access, ramp or lift to dining area

CAFETERIA / RESTAURANT

Level access (i.e. no steps or thresholds) or access by a ramp or lift to the:

Cafeteria

Restaurant

Meals for guests with special dietary requirements can be provided

Menus available in large print [i.e.14pt and over]

Menus available in large print format

Restaurant/bar menus/bar prices available in large print format

STAFF

Staff have had disability awareness training

GENERAL

Audible alarm system

Clear signage throughout the attraction (e.g. colour contrasted, large lettering, use of pictograms etc.)

Contrast markings on all glass doors and all full-height windows

Hearing loop system

Information screens have visual / audible subtitles

Non-smoking policy throughout the attraction

Routes / pathways throughout the attraction suitable for visitors with limited mobility

All routes

Routes / pathways throughout the attraction suitable for wheelchair users

All routes

Seating available throughout the attraction at appropriate intervals, for visitors with limited mobility

Wheelchairs provided

Free of charge

This information is self-assessed; therefore we accept no liability for its accuracy. Please contact the venue for further information.

Map & Directions

View Map

Road Directions

The Tank Museum is situated in South Dorset; it is clearly sign-posted from Dorchester, Blandford, Poole, Bere Regis & Wool. It is approximately 2 miles (5 minutes drive) from Wool Railway Station.

There is a safe and convenient cycle route from Wool Railway Station, which is around 2 miles in length.

Public Transport Directions

The Museum is in walking/cycling distance (2 miles) of Wool Railway Station, which is on the mainline between London Waterloo and Weymouth. Bus number 55 connects the Railway Station to the Tank Museum (the bus only operates on certain days of the year). There is also a taxi rank at Wool Station.

JOURNEY PLANNING: Alternatively, use the journey planning website: www.travelinesw.com