About The Tank Museum
The Tank Museum, Bovington is a museum in Dorset, England that is dedicated to tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles. It is one of the world’s largest collections of tanks and armoured vehicles, with over 300 vehicles on display. The museum is located at Bovington Camp, which is an active military base and home to the Royal Armoured Corps Training Centre.
The museum’s collection includes tanks and armoured vehicles from many different countries and periods of history, including World War I, World War II, and the Cold War. Some of the notable vehicles on display include the British Mark I tank, the German Tiger tank, the Russian T-34 tank, and the American M1 Abrams tank.
In addition to the tanks and armoured vehicles, the museum also has a collection of military vehicles, artillery, and other equipment. There are also interactive exhibits, including a simulator that allows visitors to experience what it was like to drive a tank.
The Tank Museum is open to the public and is a popular tourist attraction in Dorset. It is a great place for history buffs, military enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning more about the role of tanks and armoured vehicles in military history.
The Tank Museum in Bovington, Dorset, England is owned and operated by the Tank Museum Trust, a registered charity that was established in 1987. The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of tanks and armoured warfare, and it is home to a collection of tanks and other military vehicles from around the world, dating from World War I to the present day. The museum is funded through ticket sales, donations, and other forms of support, and it relies on the support of its visitors and donors to continue its work. The Tank Museum Trust is governed by a board of trustees, and the museum is staffed by a team of professionals who are responsible for the care and maintenance of the museum’s collection and the operation of the museum.
Notable exhibits
- Tiger 131
- Churchill Tank: This tank was used by the British Army during World War II and is known for its heavy armour and powerful gun.
- Panther Tank: This tank was used by the German Army during World War II and was known for its speed and agility.
- T-34 Tank: This tank was used by the Soviet Union during World War II and was known for its ruggedness and reliability.
- M60 Patton Tank: This tank was used by the United States Army during the Cold War and is known for its firepower and versatility.
- Leopard Tank: This tank is used by the German Army and is known for its speed and manoeuvrability.
- Challenger 2 Tank: This is the main battle tank of the British Army and is known for its advanced technology and armour protection.
These are just a few examples of the many tanks and other military vehicles that are on display at the museum. It's a good idea to check the museum's website or give them a call to find out about their current exhibits and displays.
Food & drink
The Tank Museum has a cafe on site where you can purchase food and drinks. The cafe is open to the public, and it serves a range of hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. You can also bring your own food and drinks and enjoy a picnic in the museum's outdoor picnic area. There are also several restaurants and pubs in the local area if you prefer to eat off-site. It's a good idea to check the museum's website or give them a call to find out about their current food and drink options and to check their hours of operation.
Length of visit
It depends on your interests and how much time you have available. If you are interested in the history of tanks and armoured warfare, and you want to see as much as possible, you might want to plan on spending a full day at the Tank Museum. This will give you plenty of time to explore all of the exhibits and displays, as well as watch any demonstrations or displays that may be taking place. If you are just looking to see the highlights and don't have a lot of time, you might be able to see everything you want to see in a few hours. It's a good idea to check the museum's website or give them a call to find out about any special events or exhibits that may be taking place on the day you plan to visit. This can help you plan your visit and make the most of your time at the museum.
Hints & tips
- Plan ahead: It's a good idea to check the museum's website or give them a call to find out about current ticket prices, any special events or exhibits that may be taking place, and the museum's hours of operation. This can help you plan your visit and make the most of your time at the museum.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The museum is large, and you will be doing a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes so that you can explore the museum's exhibits and displays without any discomfort.
- Bring a camera: The museum has a lot of interesting tanks and other military vehicles on display, and you will want to take plenty of pictures. Be sure to bring a camera or your phone with a camera to capture all of the sights.
- Consider purchasing a guidebook: The museum has a guidebook available for purchase that provides information about the museum's collection and the history of tanks and armoured warfare. This can be a helpful resource as you explore the museum, and it makes a nice souvenir of your visit.
- Take breaks: The museum is large, and you may want to take breaks to rest and recharge. The museum has a cafe on site where you can purchase food and drinks, or you can bring your own and enjoy a picnic in the museum's outdoor picnic area.
- Enjoy the demonstrations and displays: The museum often has demonstrations and displays of tanks and other military vehicles. There are great opportunities to see the vehicles in action and learn more about how they were used. Be sure to check the museum's schedule to see what demonstrations and displays are taking place during your visit.
