In a nutshell
Even if militaria doesn’t get your engine revving, this attraction is well worth a visit, with its vast collection of vehicles in six well-organised halls. They tell the story of armoured warfare from the first world war and the first tank, Little Willie, to the present day, broken up by a number of tank-related activities to ease exhibit fatigue.
Fun fact
Tanks hit the spotlight – and central London – last month as 15 September marked the centenary of the first one rumbling into action at the Somme.
Best thing about it
The museum has made a potentially dull subject really engaging, with loads of extra stuff to appeal to kids (and big kids), including interactive exhibits, people making models, games, toys, crafts, dressing up and – best of all – rides in a real tracked vehicle (these cost an extra £3.50pp). There are also regular outdoor displays of tanks in action, firing ammunition before a delighted/terrified audience.
What about lunch?
There’s a restaurant serving snacks, cakes and hot meals at one end of the museum, and a cafe at the other, next to the indoor play area. Prices are reasonable: hot meals start from £3.15 for kids and £6.25 for adults, and sandwiches cost from £3.
Exit through the gift shop?
No, but it is right next to the entrance.
Value for money?
Yes – we spent most of the day there and still hadn’t seen or done everything. Adult £13, child (5-16) £7.50, family (2 adults, 2 children) £35 or (1 adult, 3 children) £29.
Getting there
A car is the best option – it’s a taxi ride from the nearest train station, at Wool.
Opening hours
10am to 5pm daily, except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day
Verdict: 9/10
