The Tank Museum
Museum of armoured fighting vehicles at Bovington in Dorset with around 300 tanks, a Trench Experience and live displays in its arena.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Tank Museum began as a collection of damaged First World War tanks at Bovington Camp in Dorset. The writer Rudyard Kipling visited in 1923, saw the vehicles salvaged from the war and recommended that a museum be created. A shed was built to house the collection, but the museum did not open to the public until 1947.
Today it is a registered charity and the museum of the Royal Tank Regiment and the Royal Armoured Corps. It displays almost 300 vehicles, including a British First World War Mark I, regarded as the world's oldest surviving combat tank, and Tiger 131, one of only two Tiger I tanks that can still run.
The galleries tell the story of the tank from 1915 to the present, with exhibitions such as The Tank Story, the Trench Experience, Tank Men and WW2: War Stories. The Royal Armoured Corps Memorial Room commemorates almost 13,000 soldiers who died in service, and the Vehicle Conservation Centre shows hidden prototypes from a balcony. Tanks for the Memories, opened for the centenary in 2023, looks at the tank in popular culture.
The museum also stages live displays in its arena in the school holidays and large special events such as Tiger Day and TANKFEST. It received 219,792 visitors in 2025.
Highlights
- Almost 300 armoured vehicles, from the First World War to the present
- Tiger 131, one of only two Tiger I tanks that can still run
- Trench Experience, including the first tank attack in history
- Vehicle Conservation Centre with over 100 prototypes and test vehicles seen from a balcony
- Tanks in Action displays and vehicle rides in the arena in school holidays
Permanent exhibitions
- The Tank Story – More than 30 of the most important armoured fighting vehicles tell the story of the tank from 1915 to the present day.
- The Trench Experience – A walk from the recruiting office to the front-line trenches of France in 1916, ending with the first tank attack in history.
- WW2: War Stories – The history of the Royal Armoured Corps from 1939 to 1945, told through campaigns and first-hand accounts of tank crews.
- Founded
- 1947
- Operated by
- The Tank Museum (registered charity)
- Visitors per year
- approx. 219,792 (2025)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £19.60 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | £12.25HM Forces veterans and reservists, students and recipients of means-tested benefits (on arrival with proof) |
| Children & teens | £4.80free up to age 2 · Child tickets are for ages 3 to 15; children under 3 enter free. |
| Seniors | –No senior discount; recipients of Pension Credit qualify for the concession rate. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · One registered carer enters free; evidence of the need is requested on arrival. |
| Students & apprentices | £12.25Valid student photo ID required; concession tickets are sold on arrival only. |
| Groups (10+ people) | –Groups of 10 or more paying visitors can save on admission. |
| Families | £48.80There is no fixed family ticket; pay only for the people in your group. Example: 2 adults and 2 children £48.80 online, £61.00 on the door; 2 adults and 1 child £44 online. |
| Adult, on the door | £24.50Adult tickets are 20% cheaper online |
| Child (3 to 15), on the door | £6 |
Online prices are shown (20% cheaper than on the door). Every full-price ticket includes a free annual pass for one year (not valid on Special Event days). Serving members of the armed forces and Royal Armoured Corps veterans enter free. Special Event days such as 24 April, 25 to 27 June and 25 September 2027 are priced separately.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours
- Easy-to-read materials
- Audio description: no information
Most of the museum is on one level, with ramps or lifts to higher floors and broad pathways. A limited number of wheelchairs can be borrowed on a first-come basis. There is no Changing Places toilet. Induction loops (type T) are on newer interactives and videos are subtitled. Braille guides can be borrowed at the Information Point, exhibits can be touched and exhibition text is at least size 14. BSL tours are held on selected dates. Sensory backpacks with ear defenders, a Wellbeing Room, communication cards and an Easy Read guidebook (£2.49) are available. Trained assistance dogs are welcome.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 4 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 2 |
| Family ticket | £48.80 · There is no fixed family ticket; pay only for the people in your group. Example: 2 adults and 2 children £48.80 online, £61.00 on the door; 2 adults and 1 child £44 online. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
- Playground / play area
Children can follow the Commander Basil trail, dress up and use interactive displays. An indoor soft play area (ages 3 to 11) and an outdoor play area are free. Free crafts and activities run in school holidays, and Tanks in Action displays take place on weekdays in the Easter, May and summer holidays. The museum is fully pram accessible, offers baby changing areas, bottle warming and a limited number of free double pushchairs.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Wool railway station · 30-min walk
The nearest railway station is Wool (1.5 miles), on the South Western Railway line from London Waterloo to Weymouth. Local buses run seasonally; a shuttle bus runs from the station on Special Event days. Taxis are available at Wool station.
By car
Free parking
Large free car park with overflow parking when needed, and a large disabled parking area at the closest point to the museum. Motorcycle and bicycle parking is available (bring your own lock). Motorhomes and caravans may park during the day but not overnight.
- Accessible parking
The museum is signposted with brown tourist signs from Dorchester, Blandford, Weymouth and Poole. Navigation address: Linsay Road, Bovington, Wareham BH20 6JG.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Restaurant
- Museum shop
- Coat check: not available
- Lockers: not available
- Wi-Fi
The restaurant overlooks The Tank Story hall and serves breakfast, hot lunches and a kids’ lunch pack; the café is near the soft play area. Both are wheelchair accessible and have highchairs. Free Wi-Fi throughout the museum. There is no cloakroom or locker area, and a free cash machine is in the main building.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
- Weddings / ceremonies
Up to 90 guests.
The WWII-themed Briefing Room holds up to 90 people; there is also a mezzanine balcony and outdoor spaces, including the Kuwait Arena for up to 6,300 people. In-house catering is available.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photography for personal use is encouraged but not permitted for commercial use; tripods only on quiet days. |
| Good to know | The average visitor spends around four hours at the museum. Several free tours run each day; times are shown on the What’s On board. Private tours must be booked at least a week ahead. Dogs other than assistance dogs are not allowed inside. Apart from the arena displays, the whole museum is indoors. |
