The Experience
Feel the power of real military machines in action.
The Half-Day Tank Driving Experience offers a morning or afternoon packed with adrenaline-fuelled activity. It’s the only tank experience in the UK that lets you drive multiple military vehicles and compete for the chance to crush a car with a genuine Chieftain Main Battle Tank.
You’ll begin with the Heavy Armor challenge, taking the controls of a British Abbot tracked self-propelled gun and the 432 APC - both still in active service. Next, you’ll move to Easy Company, where you'll drive either the Springer ATV or the British Stormer SAM tracked vehicle. Both are fast, rugged and ready to test your skills over rough terrain.
Finally, the Armory Tour gives you the chance to examine real handheld weapons from the British Army arsenal, guided by a former sniper who brings the stories behind the kit to life.
Each driver is scored on their performance. The top scorer finishes the day in style - by flattening a car with the Chieftain tank in front of the crowd.
Activities start from 8am, with teams rotating through each session and refreshments available in the Mess Hall. This experience is ideal for anyone who wants to try something bold, competitive and completely different.
Climb in, switch on and take command of your half-day tank mission.
Your Half Day Tank Driving Experience includes:
- Heavy Armor – The driver wil operate our British Abbot tracked SPG (still in service) and then our British 432 APC (still in service) across our course
- Easy Company – The driver will operate our 4×4 Springer ATV (still in service) or our British Stormer SAM Tracked Vehicle (still in service)
- Armory Tour – The driver gets an introduction to the various hand held weapons used in the British Army by our former British Army sniper
Vital Information
No previous tank or military driving experience is required. Nobody will be required to drive beyond their capabilities. To help us maintain our excellent safety record, participants must exercise due care at all times and follow the instructions and advice of our instructors.
The whole day starts with drivers being on site from 8am onwards. The drivers are then put into teams and rotated from activity to activity with the car crush scheduled as the Grand Finale. Tea and coffee is available in our Mess Hall.
Please note no dogs allowed on site.
The Weather
The weather should not affect this experience, but any cancellations are for your own safety.
Session Length
The experience will last the full day.
Numbers
Your voucher is valid for one person to enjoy this Half Day Tank Driving Experience, but you can always contact our customer service to book another voucher for a friend.
Spectators
Family and friends of the drivers are welcome to come along and spectate on the day for £30 per person and need to be aged 7 and above to be on site – please book in advance of the day.
Spectators get to ride in the FV432 APC’s which are used as taxis on the day and are included in the talks and demonstrations, and refreshments.
What To Wear
All drivers should wear long trousers, long sleeved jumpers or coats and sturdy walking boots with ankle support. Please also bring waterproofs if you have them in wet conditions, a change of clothes and shoes would not go a miss for your home ward journey. The ground can become particularly muddy during inclement weather. Spectators should wear comfortable but durable clothing in line with the weather conditions on the day.
Availability
Half Day packages are usually available on 3 Saturdays between May and September (dates scheduled in January) and have sessions from 9am to 1pm or 2pm to 6pm.
Location
Helmdon, Northamptonshire.