Norfolk Tank Museum
Private museum of armoured vehicles, weapons and militaria, mainly from the Cold War, with hands-on displays and an annual Armourfest.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Norfolk Tank Museum grew out of a private collection of military vehicles known as Turrets and Tracks, which the museum's chairman, Stephen MacHaye, had been building since the early 1980s. The museum was founded in 2011 and stands beside the railway at Forncett St Peter, south of Norwich.
The collection holds about 30 armoured vehicles, mostly British vehicles from the Cold War, together with artillery, small arms, uniforms, radios and military workshop manuals. Many vehicles are kept in working order or are awaiting restoration by volunteers. In 2017 the museum helped to build a replica Mark IV tank, Deborah II, for the Channel 4 programme Guy Martin's WWI Tank.
The museum aims to teach visitors about the machines and the lives of soldiers from the late 19th century to the present. Visitors can sit in a Chieftain tank and a Saladin armoured car, handle weapons in the armoury, and take rides on an off-road course on selected days. The museum runs several special weekends each year, the largest being Armourfest in August.
Highlights
- Replica Mark IV tank Deborah II from the Channel 4 programme Guy Martin's WWI Tank
- Chieftain tank and Saladin armoured car that visitors can climb into
- Centurion tanks, including an AVRE and an armoured recovery vehicle
- Armoury of deactivated small arms that visitors can handle
- Off-road rides in a Hagglunds BV206 tracked vehicle, weather permitting
- Annual Armourfest event in August
Permanent exhibitions
- Armoured vehicles – A collection of British, American and other armoured fighting vehicles, including Centurion, Chieftain and Saladin vehicles and the replica Mark IV tank Deborah II.
- Small arms armoury – Deactivated rifles, machine guns and pistols from the 19th century to the present, many of which visitors can handle.
- Founded
- 2011
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £9.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | £5Students and older children aged 12 to 17 |
| Children & teens | £5One child under 12 enters free with each paying adult; extra children under 12 and children aged 12 to 17 pay 5. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · A disabled adult or child with additional needs pays the normal admission and one carer enters free; carers must show proof of carer status such as a carer's ID, PIP, DLA, Max Card or National Carer's Card. A Blue Badge is not accepted as proof. |
| Students & apprentices | £5 |
| Groups (15+ people) | –Group rates are available on application for groups of 15 or more. |
| Families | £26Two adults and two children aged 12 to 17. |
| Annual pass | £40Not valid for Armourfest weekend or other special event days. |
Prices may vary on event days, and complimentary tickets and annual passes cannot be used on special event days. School and group visits must be booked in advance.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials
- Audio description: no information
The entrance has step-free access, and the small arms display and tea room have ramped access. Blue Badge parking and a drop-off point are close to the entrance. There is an accessible toilet, seating and rest areas, and visitors can use their own wheelchair or mobility aid; a small number can be borrowed. Sensory backpacks with ear defenders, a quiet space on request and large-print or Easy Read material are offered. The museum publishes an Easy Read access guide. The museum is quieter in the mornings and late afternoons.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | £26 · Two adults and two children aged 12 to 17. |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Playground / play area
One child under 12 enters free with each paying adult. Many exhibits can be handled or climbed into, and the grounds have a play area and a picnic site. The museum runs an annual Easter egg hunt and other family events.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Forncett Old Station · 400 m
The nearest railway station is Diss on the Great Eastern line. On weekdays Simonds buses run to Forncett Old Station, from where it is a short walk of 400 metres west to the museum.
By car
Parking available
Extensive parking at the museum, including dedicated spaces for disabled visitors.
- Accessible parking
The museum is about 10 miles from Diss and 12 miles from Norwich. From the A140 at Long Stratton, take Swan Lane for 2 miles to the railway bridge over Station Road; the museum is immediately west of the bridge.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
The tea room serves hot and cold drinks and light snacks, with fresh cakes on event days. Visitors may bring their own food if needed for medical or sensory reasons. There is a picnic site in the grounds.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Photography | Photographs inside the museum are for personal use only; tripods and monopods are not allowed inside without prior arrangement. |
| Good to know | Dogs are not allowed in the museum buildings except assistance dogs, but they are welcome in the grounds. Tank Experience gift vouchers are sold, and school and group visits can be booked. |
