The Tank Museum
The Tank Museum
5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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 ten 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. There are special events going on throughout the year at The Tank Museum including TANKFEST, Tiger Day and the Vintage Christmas Festival and Craft Fayre, as well as special activity programmes during the School Holiday.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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See what travellers are saying
- Anthony P27 contributionsAmazing day out. With tanks, Tanks and more TANKS!!!This is an amazing day out. So much to see. Never ending. It seems you turn a corner and MORE TANKS!!!! he Tank Museum brings history to life. Just under a 500 Mile round trip and i'd be happy to do it again int he summer to see the thanks running.Visited December 2022Written 19 December 2022
- Steve UBrisbane, Australia16 contributionsEssential visit for military history buffsOutstanding museum of modern military history. The curation is first rate, with the story of the development of armoured fighting vehicles told through easily accessible snapshots of events and the personal stories of soldiers. The tanks themselves are restored and preserved in excellent condition and the chronological arrangement of advancing technology and historical context makes the experience even more meaningful for visitors. 18yo son and I visiting from Australia both found it an absorbing experience (and well worth the drive down from Surrey where we’re staying).Visited January 2023Travelled with familyWritten 4 January 2023
- Richard B23 contributionsFantasticThe whole museum is Brilliant. A day is not enough to see everything in depth. Tanks from all ages and all wars superbly shown off. I f possible take the short guided tour the guides love what their doing and are very knowledgeable. If you like history this is the place to come. Ticket valid for twelve months.Visited January 2023Written 24 January 2023
- MikeGlossop, United Kingdom563 contributionsMany, many tanksYou can spend a day here and still not take everything in. Lots of tanks but also personal stories and memorabilia. Ticket isn’t cheap but allows return again any time in 12 months. Reasonably cafe serving good selection of hot food.Visited March 2023Travelled soloWritten 4 March 2023
- Tiana_1103Tweed Heads, Australia4 contributionsAussies in BovingtonIt's such a wonderful museum with lovely volunteers/guides. My brother enjoyed all the tanks and tours. We did two visits (two days back to back) as we had missed some sections and tours. We had some lovely conversations with the tour guides and volunteers. Would like to see some BSL in the documentary videos.Visited March 2023Travelled with familyWritten 10 March 2023
- Linda RSalisbury, United Kingdom627 contributionsTank you!Great place to keep visiting as they are always changing displays apart from that it is so large you need quite a lot of time to see it all. This is why is you gift aid it you can go back all year for free, a great bargain! Plenty of guides around to explain things if you want them to, otherwise they leave you alone. Great shop , full of so many things, there has got to be something for everyone. A lot of their books are at bargain prices.Visited January 2023Written 25 March 2023
- EnGbudd13 contributionsGreat day out, well worth the money.Absolutely fantastic day out, so many vehicles to see and read about as well as the segregated areas for different time periods/conflicts. Can easily spend half a day or more in here. Gift shop has a huge range of models, kids toys and souvenirs for a fair price. Free parking. Well worth the money.Visited January 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 1 April 2023
- Lucy I16 contributionsGreat Family Day OutReally great family day out - our 6 year olds really enjoyed it as did myself and my husband. There is so much to look at and lots of interactive elements for kids too. We had lunch in the restaurant which was very good. The outdoor display was great, with a very knowledgeable host.Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 7 April 2023
- Helen RChinley, United Kingdom394 contributionsFabulous family day outWhat an incredible day out! I had NO idea that there were so many variations on variations of tanks! Went with husband and 2 boys (13 and 11), having bought a family ticket online. We arrived shortly before 11 and left around 4pm, totally tanked-out! Both boys in tank heaven though! Quite sure we missed a fair amount in the latter halls as just so much to read and to see. Guidebook really good value. Demo good fun; pyrotechnics basic for the grown-ups, but the boys loved it (something quite special about hearing the roar of a tank for the first time)...even arrival at the site was a thrill for them given tanks out driver-training on the road! Cafe a little chaotic, but we were there over the Easter holidays, so probably to be expected (cold cheesy chips are disgusting though!) Cannot recommend this place highly enoughVisited April 2023Written 12 April 2023
- Sophie3 contributionsSo much to see, we'd have to visit again to see it allA wonderful day out, particularly good when it's wet outside. Live tank display was great, despite the rain. There is so much to see we will utilise the annual pass which comes as part of your ticket price to visit again.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 April 2023
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5.0
4,997 reviews
Excellent
4,084
Very good
760
Average
116
Poor
17
Terrible
20
David S
56 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
My family and I have been holidaying in the New Forest for the past 10 years, and every year I keep meaning to go to the Tank Museum. But my wife doesn't share my interest in the history of war and so we have never got round to going.
This year though, I took my father in law and youngest son for a day there. I have always been fascinated by both world wars, the brutality, sacrifice, and tragedy of all those that fell and the people behind them designing more innovative defences, machines, aircraft etc.
I could not believe the sheer volume of magnificent examples of tanks of all era's and territories on display, and the personal stories and other items on display that brought it all home. I have studied the history of war, seen lots of documentaries, movies, TV series, and I am familiar with the major players of the tank world. But to see all those classic tanks up close, even go inside a couple of the WW1 tanks, feel the cramped conditions, imagine the heat and noise, and the terrifying scale of them was just something else altogether.
Everything from the familiar Sherman, Panzer, Tiger, T-34, even the British Mk 1 from the first world war that I have seen on screen countless times, to the lesser known more bespoke tanks and vehicles, including prototypes that never went into production are all here.
Overall, if this is a subject that interests you, this is an absolute "must do" visit.
This year though, I took my father in law and youngest son for a day there. I have always been fascinated by both world wars, the brutality, sacrifice, and tragedy of all those that fell and the people behind them designing more innovative defences, machines, aircraft etc.
I could not believe the sheer volume of magnificent examples of tanks of all era's and territories on display, and the personal stories and other items on display that brought it all home. I have studied the history of war, seen lots of documentaries, movies, TV series, and I am familiar with the major players of the tank world. But to see all those classic tanks up close, even go inside a couple of the WW1 tanks, feel the cramped conditions, imagine the heat and noise, and the terrifying scale of them was just something else altogether.
Everything from the familiar Sherman, Panzer, Tiger, T-34, even the British Mk 1 from the first world war that I have seen on screen countless times, to the lesser known more bespoke tanks and vehicles, including prototypes that never went into production are all here.
Overall, if this is a subject that interests you, this is an absolute "must do" visit.
Written 22 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reinhard L
Corfe Mullen, UK8 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Really enjoyed our visit. Parking marshals were a great help, the restaurant was heaving but seemed to cope well with demand. The Christmas lunch was lovely, we were quite full after that and being offered Christmas crackers was a lovely surprise.
Unfortunately some of the exhibitors of the Christmas market blocked signs explaining the exhibits; can this be taken into account for the future please?
Because I like connecting my own family history with historic events I look forward coming back on my own and taking it all in.
Unfortunately some of the exhibitors of the Christmas market blocked signs explaining the exhibits; can this be taken into account for the future please?
Because I like connecting my own family history with historic events I look forward coming back on my own and taking it all in.
Written 20 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WOLF626
Burnham-On-Sea, UK9 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
Great collection of tanks and exhibitions all laid out on different display areas explore how tanks changed through the wars see how confined tanks are in interactive areas get some great photos explore traveling back to being divined up for war and travel through trench environment and streets visit battle recreations kids play area great gift shop and restaurants wheelchair friendly great for all ages .
Written 16 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveltheworld
London, UK131 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Partner was keen to visit, myself, not so much. Both coming away having throughly enjoying our time! Unlike monkey world around the corner, this place has had so much investment since my last visit over 16yrs ago as a kid. I can see they have tried to take the exhibits to the next level but perhaps time to go even further?
Was sad to see no live demonstrations as I feel this would have made this visit 5/5. We did check the pamphlet to see if they had any live demos but unfortunately not.
I understand this is the tank museum but would be great to see more info points/ iPads/ videos about WW1 WW2 and current day. I was expecting so much more from the Afghan section being present day history but was a little disappointing.
Food in the cafe was nice although a little uncomfortable as the 3 gents had clearly done something to my food having watched them mouth to each other about it, laughing, making eye contact and then randomly receiving a portion of chips (complimentary)?? Hmmm.. maybe get some experienced people in rather than teens on there first job.
Was sad to see no live demonstrations as I feel this would have made this visit 5/5. We did check the pamphlet to see if they had any live demos but unfortunately not.
I understand this is the tank museum but would be great to see more info points/ iPads/ videos about WW1 WW2 and current day. I was expecting so much more from the Afghan section being present day history but was a little disappointing.
Food in the cafe was nice although a little uncomfortable as the 3 gents had clearly done something to my food having watched them mouth to each other about it, laughing, making eye contact and then randomly receiving a portion of chips (complimentary)?? Hmmm.. maybe get some experienced people in rather than teens on there first job.
Written 16 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FoodTravelMusicLove
Maidstone36 contributions
May 2023 • Business
Check out our visual video review on Youtube by searching TANK MUSEUM Dorset Tripadvisor Review or check our channel at FoodTravelMusicLove.com.
LOCATION AND ACCESS
Just a few miles in land between Swanage and Weymouth, just down the road from Monkey World
Very flat and accessible throughout, some tanks and exhibition areas may be difficult with mobility issues
FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Great gift shop, very interactive and informative plus the hugest site we’ve seen in years.
Lots of nostalgic set ups and audio and the whole place hits you in the heart, fantastic
FOOD AND DRINK
Well priced cafe restaurant with jacket potatoes, sarnies, other hot food and cold and hot drinks
Large seating area and private function suites available
OFFICIAL FOODTRAVELMUSICLOVE.COM RATING
In our professional opinion the Tank Museum is one of the best attractions we have reviewed in a long time, offering decent value for money and hours of enjoyment
Our official rating is 10/10, equal to a Tripadvisor rating of 5 stars.
Excellent example of an all ages attraction
LOCATION AND ACCESS
Just a few miles in land between Swanage and Weymouth, just down the road from Monkey World
Very flat and accessible throughout, some tanks and exhibition areas may be difficult with mobility issues
FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Great gift shop, very interactive and informative plus the hugest site we’ve seen in years.
Lots of nostalgic set ups and audio and the whole place hits you in the heart, fantastic
FOOD AND DRINK
Well priced cafe restaurant with jacket potatoes, sarnies, other hot food and cold and hot drinks
Large seating area and private function suites available
OFFICIAL FOODTRAVELMUSICLOVE.COM RATING
In our professional opinion the Tank Museum is one of the best attractions we have reviewed in a long time, offering decent value for money and hours of enjoyment
Our official rating is 10/10, equal to a Tripadvisor rating of 5 stars.
Excellent example of an all ages attraction
Written 14 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
themaddesthatter
Oxford, England, United Kingdom112 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Whilst the range of tanks and displays are good and informative
The leaflet with the information route is not so good.we struggled to make sense of it as it didn't seem clear at all
No foot prints around the exhibition to show the route either.
It felt like we shifted around and happened across things rather than planned
Felt the restaurant was below average
More like canteen food. Looked as if it had been out In the trays a while
No salads or anything that looked inspired
Very basic sandwiches and no wraps or alterative tasty fillings
Found the self serve hot drinks..then discovered the milk was in a totally different area !! Why ??
Staff seemed bored and tables left uncleared
Eventually someone appeared to take our money at the till No smile or greeting at all
Ladies Toilet was literally just cleaned as I entered..expected to see gleaming sinks etc ..not at all... at the sink areas where left soaking wet the floor soaking wet
Looks like she had just swished a mop round and said done
Sorry..but generally disappointed with certain aspects of the visit
The leaflet with the information route is not so good.we struggled to make sense of it as it didn't seem clear at all
No foot prints around the exhibition to show the route either.
It felt like we shifted around and happened across things rather than planned
Felt the restaurant was below average
More like canteen food. Looked as if it had been out In the trays a while
No salads or anything that looked inspired
Very basic sandwiches and no wraps or alterative tasty fillings
Found the self serve hot drinks..then discovered the milk was in a totally different area !! Why ??
Staff seemed bored and tables left uncleared
Eventually someone appeared to take our money at the till No smile or greeting at all
Ladies Toilet was literally just cleaned as I entered..expected to see gleaming sinks etc ..not at all... at the sink areas where left soaking wet the floor soaking wet
Looks like she had just swished a mop round and said done
Sorry..but generally disappointed with certain aspects of the visit
Written 13 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Figment0337
92 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Visited here today. Excellent museum with lots to see and do for adults and kids. Friendly staff and very reasonably priced. Great activity for a rainy day
Written 1 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Geoffrey W
9 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
This is the perfect place for any tank fan. I never imagined I would see EVERY tank that i made models of oh so long ago. It was moving and inspiring to see the the sad stories of machines designed to do one thing … kill! But they were essential and in a strange way beautiful. I saw so many grandfathers talking to their eager and not so eager children. Very professional and helpful staff. Well worth the drive. Loved it!
Written 31 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joseph A
5 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We had an enjoyable day out at the tank museum. It is laid out well and most importantly, was great for all ages. I am concerned however about sustainability. The restaurant was using single use cups for the soft drink dispenser with PLASTIC straws (See last pic). I can’t remember the last I used a plastic straw. Also, the coffee cups were paper, but the lids were single use plastic. This needs to change ASAP. Apart from that, a great day out.
Written 29 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas H
Marlborough, UK16 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Excellent day out with 4 year old, 8 year old and 73 year old! So much to see and do to keep everyone happy. Very friendly and helpful staff. Nice restaurant or loads of picnic tables.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael E
Plymouth, UK
Are dogs welcome
Little Jenny
London, UK533 contributions
You could check the website. The museums curator has a dog but we did not see any in the museum on our visit.
How much is it to get in
Davidjosephfour
Bradley Stoke, UK101 contributions
At present I believe it is not open but do not take my word on that. The price I forget but I found it very good value and the ticket allows return visit for the year.
Lugtkasteel
5 contributions
wij willen in februari naar het museum. Is dit een goede periode en wat zij de beste reis opties vanuit Amsterdam en wat zijn de beste locaties voor overnachting?
Peter L
38 contributions
Kijk op the trainline
Voor goedkopere treinkaartjes
De B&B is Frome Dale aan de E Burton road
MSDE
Sydney, Australia49 contributions
Hi we are planning to visit the tank museum in December and was wondering if anyone has advice on how to get there from London. We were thinking to hire a car from Heathrow airport or catch the train as there is 4 of us. If we hire a car we may also visit the national Motor Museum , Beaulieu. any suggestions most welcome.
Florin V
Bucharest, Romania33 contributions
I personally took a train, but most people come by car. It's a 2 hours drive or a 3 hours train ride. For the train, you will need to get a bus or a 30 mins taxi ride to the nearest train station on the London - Southampton line.
Also note that from the train station there is a 30 minutes walk to the museum. You can also order a taxi.
Train ticket costs about 55 GBP per person, so if it's 4 of you, it might make more sense to rent a car.
Hi anyone got 5 tickets for sunday tank fest day for sale please.
keep-ramblin
Stoke-on-Trent, UK165 contributions
No Sorry x
Victor S
Telde, Spain17 contributions
Buenas noches,me gustaria saber la mejor fecha para visitarlo y como llegar desde
Gran Canaria,muchas gracias
Hi, I would like to visit the tank Museum both in a static mode and during Tankfest next year. How many days in avance do they start preparing for tankfest and stop being a nice and quiet museum ?
Lucy M
Dorchester, UK4 contributions
The set-up for TANKFEST starts the Monday before but most of this is outside. Based on last year's figures, the Museum itself is generally fairly quiet until the Thursday. Similarly, after TANKFEST the Museum is busier than usual on the Monday, but is quieter the rest of the week.
LBNV
Las Vegas, NV
I read that it's possible to take the train from London to Wool, then take a taxi from the train station to the Tank Museum. I also read that someone reserved a taxi through Garrison Cars. I'm unfamiliar with public transportation at that locale as I've not traveled abroad in many years. I know, for example, in big cities in US, taxis are readily available at airports and train stations. Is this true for the station at Wool? Is a reservation needed for a taxi? Also, am curious about when we're ready to leave the Museum and go back to the train station...what procedure for that?
Lucy M
Dorchester, UK4 contributions
Good morning, It's a small station in a rural area so I would recommend booking in advance. Similarly, when you are planning to leave, I would book in advance when you are thinking of leaving. It's worth noting that the Museum is only a 20-30 minute walk from the station.
Ryan E
Essex, UK48 contributions
Are there benches or somewhere to sit occasionally as you go around The Tank Museum ? I can't stand for longer than 30 minutes at a time but would love to go.
Mortons7
Hurstpierpoint, UK109 contributions
Yes they do have some seats on the way round. Considering how big the place is they could possibly do with a few more though
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Tank Museum
- The Tank Museum is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 - 17:00
- Hotels near The Tank Museum:
- (1.62 mi) Fingle Bridge Bed and Breakfast
- (1.17 mi) Whitemead Caravan Park
- (4.93 mi) Cove House Bed and Breakfast
- (4.87 mi) The Old Barn
- (4.22 mi) The Old Mill Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurants near The Tank Museum:
- (0.32 mi) Indiana
- (0.32 mi) Matilda's Coffee Shop
- (0.30 mi) Dorset Grill House Fish & Chips
- (0.90 mi) Seven Stars Inn
- (1.25 mi) Ship Inn
- Attractions near The Tank Museum:
- (0.30 mi) Bovington SUP Hire
- (1.14 mi) Monkey World
- (1.60 mi) Clouds Hill
- (1.57 mi) Saint Nicholas Church
- (4.08 mi) Insight Activities Dorset