The Tank Museum

The Tank Museum displays more than 300 military vehicles from 26 countries across several exhibition halls that represent different eras of armored warfare. The vehicles range from early prototypes to modern battle tanks and document technical developments over more than a century.

The collection began in 1947 following a suggestion by Rudyard Kipling from 1923 and started as a modest display in a shed. The museum grew over decades and developed into one of the largest collections of armored vehicles worldwide.

The Royal Armoured Corps Memorial Room documents the lives of 13,000 soldiers who served since 1939, preserving their personal stories for future generations. Visitors can trace names and fates connected to the history of armored forces.

The museum welcomes visitors daily from 10:00 to 17:00 except December 24 through 26, and all exhibition spaces are fully wheelchair accessible. Guided tours and demonstrations are offered regularly and are included in the admission.

Tiger 131, the only operational German Tiger I tank in the world, stands at the center of the collection and is occasionally demonstrated in motion. This vehicle was captured in Tunisia in 1943 and remains technically functional to this day.

Location: Dorset

Inception: 1947

Official opening: 1947

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Fee: Yes

Operator: The Tank Museum

Address: The Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset, BH20 6JG

Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00; December 24-26 closed

Phone: +441929405096

Website: https://tankmuseum.org

GPS coordinates: 50.69520,-2.24361

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:55