The Tank Museum Dorset: A Surprisingly Brilliant Family Day Out
Discover why The Tank Museum in Bovington, Dorset, is far more than a collection of armoured vehicles – it’s an unforgettable day out packed with history, emotion, and a few surprises along the way.Mike’s Take: More Than Just Tanks and Turrets
When we visited this fascinating military museum in Dorset, I’ll admit — I was the one keen to go. History, engineering, military stuff… right up my street. Elaine? Let’s just say she was humouring me. Or so I thought. But within five minutes of stepping through the doors, she was hooked — reading the info panels, watching the videos, even asking questions about gearboxes (I’m not joking). She ended up narrating our YouTube video from the day, which we cheekily titled: “Mums Like Tanks Too.” Turns out, tanks aren’t just for the boys.
Brunch at the Tank Museum Dorset – Surprisingly Good!
We had left our nearby Holiday Park without breakfast so we kicked off the day with a hearty meal in the on-site restaurant — and it exceeded all expectations. Cold, damp, and hungry after leaving our nearby campsite in a downpour, we needed comfort food. And the all-day brunch delivered: a full English with chips. Not a crumb left. Warm, dry, and full, we were ready for the adventure ahead.
Elaine’s View: I Didn’t Expect to Love This
Thanks, Mike. Honestly, I didn’t think The Tank Museum was going to be my thing. I expected dusty engines and a lot of technical jargon. But I was completely wrong. Every tank had a story. Some were about innovation, others about human courage — and many highlighted the young men who climbed into these machines under terrifying conditions. It was moving, thought-provoking, and unexpectedly fun. There’s loads for families: interactive displays, tank-themed soft play, and incredibly immersive exhibits. The Cold War section was a standout for me — but the WWI trench walkthrough gave me goosebumps.
Standing in the Rain to Watch Tanks – Worth It
Yes, it was still pouring — but we braved the elements to watch the live tank display outside. And it was absolutely worth it. Seeing the tanks in motion, hearing the roar of the engines, and watching them clatter across the arena made it feel real in a way the static exhibits couldn’t. Afterwards, we explored a replica WWI trench. Damp, dark, and eerily authentic, it was a moving tribute to the conditions soldiers once endured.
Tank-Themed Treasures in the Museum Shop
And then there was the shop — easily one of the best museum gift shops we’ve ever browsed. Not just fridge magnets and postcards — but a full-on tank-themed treasure trove: model kits, mugs, puzzles, posters, books, and everything in between. If you’ve got a military history fan in your life, you could do all your Christmas shopping here in one go. It’s one of the best family days out we’ve had in Dorset.
Final Thoughts on Our Tank Museum Dorset Family Day Out
Whether you’re a tank enthusiast, a history buff, or simply on the hunt for a brilliant day out with the family — The Tank Museum in Dorset delivers. And if you’re lucky, like me, you might find your wife has a hidden passion for tanks. We’d highly recommend the Tank Museum Dorset for a unique family day out that mixes fun with history.”
