The Tank Museum — Attraction in Wool

We attended the Night at the Tank Museum event and it was absolutely brilliant from start to finish. The itinerary was packed, the staff were outstanding, and the whole experience felt unique.

Registration was smooth and welcoming when we arrived, and we were given a small care package which included a mug, biscuits, a torch, and hot chocolate sachets. The mug would later be needed for the Trenches After Dark tour, which was a nice touch and helped set the scene for the evening.

The field kitchen served themed food inspired by World War II. Tea and coffee were available throughout the night, which was a great addition and very welcome after a long evening. The atmosphere in the museum was fantastic. Being surrounded by tanks after dark was surreal and exciting, although at times the echo in the main hall made it quite loud.

The Live History Trail was a highlight. The actors gave it everything and made it feel immersive, with a fun scavenger-hunt-style setup around the museum. The only thing that could improve it would be if the clues or final answer connected more clearly, as it felt a little like a wild goose chase by the end.

The Trenches After Dark was what we were most excited for but also most disappointed by. As mentioned, the mug from the care package was needed for this part, although you end up carrying it for over an hour before actually using it, which made it a bit awkward to hold onto during the tour. As we were the last group at 11pm the actors understandably seemed tired. They were still fantastic, but the energy had dropped slightly. The set itself had not changed much from the daytime version, so it relied more on dialogue than movement. At one point we listened to one chap talk for about 45 minutes about the food soldiers ate on the frontline. While what he said was fascinating, he did not stay in character like the others, which made that section feel inconsistent and much longer than it needed to be. Getting to try trench tea, coffee, Bovril and biscuits was a nice authentic touch, though it came quite late in the night.

They had a board game area with a great range of choices for all ages in a cosy corner, which was a brilliant idea. However, some people smoked just outside the nearby door, which brought smoke smells inside. This is despite a designated smoking area, but it was ignored by a few guests.

The sleeping layout was clearly marked with red glow sticks showing where you should not set up, which helped keep the space organised. However, the rule about sleeping equipment was not enforced consistently. The instructions clearly stated that roll mats could be no thicker than 5cm and that airbeds or camping beds were not allowed for health and safety reasons.

Despite this, several guests brought both and were still permitted to use them. This made a noticeable difference in comfort for those who followed the rules.

A clearer and more consistent approach to this would make the sleeping experience much fairer for everyone. Guests were also advised not to bring too much with them, yet some arrived with suitcases.

Earplugs are provided free of charge and are highly recommended, as the hall can echo. Some lights remain on through the night for health and safety, which is completely understandable but worth being aware of if you are a light sleeper.

There were films shown, Fury and Kelly’s Heroes, which were excellent picks. However, the timings were slightly off and our group missed both due to activity overlap. A small schedule adjustment would fix that next time.

For £155 per person it is on the pricey side, but this helps keep the experience respectful and well-managed. Everyone there was friendly, polite and genuinely interested. If the bed rule consistency, the scavenger hunt clues, the trenches tour energy, the smoking rule enforcement and the guidance on what to bring were improved, it would be a perfect event.

Overall, it was truly a memorable night. The staff were incredible and atmosphere special. I would recommend to anyone who loves history.

When you first step foot onto the expansive grounds of the UK's National Tank Museum during Tankfest, it's hard not to be awestruck by the sheer magnitude of the event. This isn't your ordinary museum outing; this is an immersive, dynamic experience that puts you right into the heart of tank history. For that reason, Tankfest/Tank Museum has earned a full five-star rating.

There's a staggering variety of tanks on display, a feast for the eyes that can't be found anywhere else in the UK. It's an astounding collection that reflects the expansive history of these formidable machines, from the renowned Tiger tank to a range of obscure models you're unlikely to encounter elsewhere. The working Tiger tank is a particular highlight, a rarity that's been meticulously maintained and brought back to life for special tiger days. But it's not just about the tanks that the museum owns. Tankfest also sees the arrival of additional tanks on loan, unique specimens that are brought in to enhance the richness of the display.

Tankfest isn't just a static exhibition, it's a lively event that extends far beyond the museum's regular offerings. You'll find plenty of stalls to peruse, a variety of food options to satisfy any appetite, and even displays of active British military vehicles. These modern marvels add a contemporary layer to the museum's historical narrative, offering a tangible connection to the present and future of military technology.

The event also presents an excellent opportunity to explore the restoration boneyard, which is open throughout the year. Here you'll witness firsthand the painstaking work that goes into reviving these metal giants, a testament to the museum's dedication to preserving this unique aspect of our history.

The surprise appearance of the Red Arrows was the cherry on top of an already unforgettable day, an awe-inspiring demonstration that added another dimension to an event already brimming with excitement.

Tankfest is an unmissable experience for any tank enthusiast. It offers a unique opportunity to delve deep into tank history, to see up close the machines that have played such pivotal roles in our past. Whether you're a lifelong tank fan or a curious newcomer, Tankfest at the UK's National Tank Museum is a trip worth making.

The Tank Museum in Bovington offers an extraordinary journey through armored warfare history, with tanks, The Tank Museum in Bovington offers an extraordinary journey through armored warfare history, with tanks, vehicles, and artifacts surrounding you at every turn. The collection spans conflicts from both World Wars through to modern conflicts, featuring vehicles from around the globe.

Highlights from the collection, including a Chinese tank with its distinctive red star marking, and the famous "Fury" tank from the movie by that name. And the only working Tiger Tank, in the world, from WWII. The museum's main halls showcase an incredible density of armored vehicles, with German tanks in their original camouflage schemes prominently displayed alongside military vehicles throughout history and from many nations.

The Experience The museum's massive warehouse-style buildings house what appears to be hundreds of tanks in various states of restoration and display. The sheer scale is overwhelming - row upon row of armored vehicles packed into enormous halls where you could easily spend an entire day exploring. The mix of interactive displays and static exhibits brings the history of armored warfare to life, with some vehicles positioned to allow close-up inspection.

Getting There: The 3-hour journey from London via public transport plus a 15-minute taxi ride is definitely worthwhile for military history enthusiasts. The rural Dorset location adds to the authentic military atmosphere.

Perfect Ending: Finishing the day at a local pub with venison shanks and cold pints provides the perfect way to decompress after absorbing so much military history. The local Dorset countryside pubs offer hearty fare that complements the day's historical immersion.

Verdict: This world-class collection makes Bovington a must-visit destination for anyone interested in military history, engineering, or simply impressive machinery. The journey from London is well worth the effort.