The Tank Museum

If you are interested in 20^th century Military History and haven’t been to the Tank Museum in Bovington then go there! You are in for a real treat.

I have been back to the museum at least a half a dozen times since my first trip in the late 60’s as a small boy. Recently, the museum has undergone some really significant improvements and the collection continues to grow.

The museum is split in to 3 main halls; the first traces the history of the tank and other armoured vehicles; the second is the trench experience, where you can walk through a full scale replica of a WW1 trench, and contains some of the earliest tanks in the museum; and the third includes the discovery centre, and many exhibits from WW2 and after. Its best to go during April to October when there are special events including tank displays in the arena, but it is open all year round.

It’s a great day out for boys aged 8 to 80; Dad’s you can earn extra brownie points by booking a holiday at many of the lovely Dorset coastal resorts, then leave the family on Swanage beach and sneak off for an afternoon delight!

Its great for kids also, as well as the many interactive features, some tanks are open so you can climb inside and get a feel of what it would have been like to be part of the tank crew. There’s even a cut in half tank.

There is a large car park and restaurant directly outside, a shop (isn’t there always?), and good disabled access.

My photo's were all taken during a visit in 2007.  

The museum is at Bovington, Dorset, BH20 6JG and the website address is:

www.tankmuseum.org

A Pictures of England article submitted by Barry Lee

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