Jane's Midlife Journey

Based at Bovington Camp in Dorset, The Tank Museum is a great place to spend some time exploring. I can remember going here as a child and it was pretty much just a barn filled with tanks. But there’s so much more to the Tank Museum now. In addition to housing 300 tanks from around the world, Dorset’s largest indoor attraction boasts an interactive experience taking you through the history of the tank in a way which is both interesting and educational whatever your age. Pictured below, my granddaughter after being told it’s time to go home!

How to get to the Tank Museum

The Tank Museum is located 23 miles west of Bournemouth, mostly along the A350/A35. It is well signposted.

By Bus

For much of the year, The Tank Museum isn’t easy to reach by public transport. There are direct trains from Bournemouth to Wool Station (on the London Waterloo to Weymouth Line). From here, it is a 2 mile walk/taxi ride to the museum.

During the summer (May to September), the Purbeck Breezer No 31 links Wool Station to Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, with some journeys extending to The Tank Museum. First Bus Route 55 follows a similar summer route.

Parking

There is plenty of free on site parking.

Opening Times

The museum is usually open daily from 10 am until 5 pm.

Price

An adult annual pass costs £23 (£19.55 online in advance). Other ticketing options can be found here.

Details

The museum is split into 6 galleries, which house 9 exhibitions telling the story of the tank in a fascinating and immersive way.

The Tank Story

Starting off with 30 of the most important armoured vehicles in history, The Tank Story tells the story of the tank in the context of the events of the last 100 years.

The Trench Experience

Here you can walk in the footsteps of a First World War soldier – from the recruiting office to the front-line trenches. Adults can learn why the tank was invented to break the stalemate on the Somme, while children can explore a replica trench or crawl through tunnels.

Tank Men

Tank Men celebrates the pioneers of tank warfare. British soldiers from the First World War recount their experiences.

War Horse to Horse Power

Discover the ways in which the British Army used horses and why it chose to mechanise in the years after the First World War. I particularly liked the striking horse sculptures throughout this zone.

WW2: War Stories

This exhibition tells the history of the men of the Royal Armoured Corps throughout World War 2, incorporating first hand testimony from crewmen.

Tanks for the Memories

This exhibition explores the tank in popular culture with a huge range of toys, games, models, art, books, comics, video games and films. You can play with Action Men or indulge in a giant game of Tank Top Trumps.

Gaming Zone

A range of tank themed video games to play.

Ukraine

This exhibition charts the Russian invasion of Ukraine, including examples of the fighting vehicles used by both sides and tells the stories of Ukrainian refugees who have settled in Dorset.

Tamiya Hall

In the Tamiya Hall, you can see the Museum’s collection of vehicles from the Cold and Gulf Wars.

Food & Drink

The Tamiya Hall includes an area with plenty of picnic tables plus a cafe. You can order from the cafe or bring your own picnic. There are more picnic benches outside. Upstairs, there is a restaurant serving breakfast and lunch.

The Tank Museum for Children

There is absolutely loads to keep children entertained here. Before you even reach the museum, there is a tank themed play area including two tank climbing frames. Orla really enjoyed it here.

The museum is packed with hands on activities which children will love. From crawling through tunnels to computer games. There are dress-up areas, play tables and a range of other activities for children to explore as you make your way round the exhibitions.

Pick up a Commander Basil trails booklet on arrival. Children can use the booklet as a guide and collect stamps throughout their visit to get a prize at the end. And if children have any energy left, in the Tamiya Hall there is a large soft play area. You can check out the recommended family itinerary here.

During the school holidays, there are additional activities including tank displays and armoured vehicle rides.

• Updated: February 2026

I hope you found this information useful. For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth, check out my 101 Things to do in Bournemouth here.

For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth with young children, check out my 101 Things to do in Bournemouth with Babies and Toddlers here.