The Tank Museum

About half an hour away from Town Hall Lodge B&B in Swanage, the Tank Museum at Bovington brings the story of tanks and tank crews to life, with the world’s best collection of tanks.

As you explore the Museums 6 large halls, you will come face to face with vehicles that have seen action in all the major wars of the 20th Century.  This unique collection of over 200 vehicles is regarded as the best in the world and includes the world’s first ever tank, the feared German Tiger tank, and the modern Challenger 2.

The history of the tank is brought to life in four powerful exhibitions.  “The Tank Story” exhibition tells the story of the tank from its birth in 1915 to the present day.  This 50,000sq ft state of the art multimedia exhibition puts the development of the tank in context with global events, whilst the experiences of tank crews are presented in their own words. 

“Battlegroup Afghanistan – The Armoured Soldiers Story” puts visitors into a Forward Operating base in Helmand.  See the vehicles used on operations today, as combat veterans give on-screen accounts of life on the front line.

“The Trench Experience” places visitors into the shoes of a World War One solider, from the recruiting office to the front line.  In “The Discovery Centre”, visitors find out how different tanks are used in different ways, find out more about the life of a tank crewman and see inside a `cut in half` tank.

Don’t miss the explosive Tank Action displays during school holidays (see tankmuseum.org for dates), with thundering engines, life like explosions and expert commentary.  See tanks roll into action; feel the ground shake and learn how tanks are used in battle.