The Tank Museum

Looking for something to do when the weather isn’t playing ball?

The Tank Museum at Bovington is one of the best-known attractions in Dorset and makes an excellent day trip from Lulworth. Home to around 300 tanks and armoured vehicles, the museum tells the story of tanks and the people who served in them, from the First World War through to modern conflicts. 

It’s particularly good for families, but you certainly don’t need to be a tank enthusiast to enjoy it. The exhibitions are designed to bring the history to life, with plenty to see, interactive elements and stories behind the machines.

And importantly for a Lulworth holiday, much of the experience is indoors.

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Where is The Tank Museum?

The Tank Museum is in Bovington, Dorset, just a short drive inland from Lulworth.

The address is:

The Tank Museum
Linsay Road
Bovington
Wareham
Dorset
BH20 6JG

There is free parking at the museum. 

Get directions to The Tank Museum

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What’s at The Tank Museum?

There is a huge amount to see.

The collection contains around 300 military vehicles, with exhibitions covering the development of tanks and armoured warfare from the First World War onwards. 

The museum’s large exhibition halls include vehicles from some of the most important conflicts of the last century, alongside the stories of the soldiers and crews who used them.

You can see famous tanks from the First and Second World Wars, as well as later Cold War and modern vehicles.

It’s the kind of place where you can spend much longer than you initially expect.

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How long do you need?

Allow at least four hours.

The Tank Museum itself recommends allowing around 4–5 hours for a visit, and its own visitor information says the average visitor spends more than four hours exploring. 

If you’re visiting with children, I’d avoid trying to combine it with too many other attractions on the same day.

There’s plenty to see, and rushing through it would rather defeat the point.

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Our tip: check what’s on before you go

Don’t assume every visit to The Tank Museum is the same.

There are regular talks, tours, live displays and special events throughout the year. Standard talks are included with admission, while some additional experiences require booking. 

If you’re visiting because you particularly want to see tanks in action, check the events programme before you book.

Special events such as Tiger Day can be particularly popular, while the museum also runs vehicle displays and other activities throughout the year.

See what’s on at The Tank Museum

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Is The Tank Museum good for children?

Yes — and you don’t need a child who is obsessed with tanks to enjoy it.

There are interactive elements and plenty of huge machines to look at, and the museum has deliberately developed its family offering.

There’s also soft play, an outdoor play area and family-friendly facilities, so younger visitors have plenty to break up the museum experience. 

For families staying in Lulworth, I’d put this high on the list for a rainy day.

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Is it good for adults too?

Definitely.

The scale of the collection is impressive even if you’re not particularly interested in military history.

For anyone who enjoys history, engineering, vehicles or simply seeing things you wouldn’t normally get close to, there’s a lot here.

The stories behind the vehicles are also a major part of the experience, rather than the museum simply being a collection of tanks to look at.

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What does it cost?

The Tank Museum currently offers 20% off adult and child admission when tickets are booked online. Every full-price admission ticket also includes a free annual pass, allowing you to return during the following year. 

Current admission (August 2026):

• Adult: £19.60 online / £24.50 on the door
• Child (3–15): £4.80 online / £6 on the door
• Concessions: £12.25 on the door
• Under 3s: Free
• Carers: Free

Prices checked August 2026.

Check current prices & book The Tank Museum

I’d definitely book online if you know you’re going — the saving is substantial.

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When is The Tank Museum open?

The museum is generally open 10am–5pm, although there are some planned closure dates throughout the year. 

Because opening arrangements and special events can vary, check the museum’s current visitor information before travelling.

Check opening times

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Food and facilities

You don’t need to leave the museum for lunch.

There is a main restaurant, the Open Book Café and seasonal food options, with drinks, snacks and meals available. There is also a museum shop and family facilities including soft play. 

So if you’re planning a four- or five-hour visit, there’s no need to rush off to find somewhere else to eat.

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Accessibility

The Tank Museum has a strong focus on accessibility, with facilities designed to make the museum accessible to a wide range of visitors.

It also runs Quiet Mornings for visitors who prefer a calmer environment, with sounds and interactive elements switched off during designated sessions. Sensory backpacks are also available. 

If accessibility is important to your visit, it’s worth checking the museum’s current accessibility information before travelling.

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Can you visit The Tank Museum and Lulworth on the same day?

You can, but I’d give The Tank Museum most of a day.

If you’re only staying in Lulworth for a couple of nights, I’d probably choose either the museum or the coast rather than trying to squeeze both into one day.

For a longer stay, however, it’s an excellent way to vary your trip.

You could spend a sunny day exploring Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and the Jurassic Coast, then keep The Tank Museum in reserve for a rainy or cooler day.

That’s one of the reasons I think it’s such a useful recommendation for people staying around Lulworth.

Explore Things to Do in Lulworth

Other places to visit nearby

The Tank Museum is close to several other attractions, so you can combine it with other parts of your Purbeck trip if you have the time.

Monkey World is nearby and makes another good family day out.

The Blue Pool is another option if you’d rather spend some time outdoors.

And of course, you can head back towards Lulworth for the coast, pubs and restaurants.

Explore more Day Trips from Lulworth

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