Five places where you can drive a tank right now
Quad bikes, go-karts and high-performance cars – there are few driving experiences that money can’t buy, but now there’s a whole new world of adventurous driving experiences for those looking for the ultimate challenge.
From Dumfries and Galloway to Reading, and from Monmouthshire to Nottingham tank driving experiences are available across the country, and you don’t even need a driving licence to take the controls of one of these giant beasts (but many venues require tank drivers to be over 16, so it’s best to check before booking). You could even crush a real car, but don’t replicate the experience of one hapless learner driver in Germany. According to BBC Newsbeat, the driver accidentally cut up a British tank on the road leaving it no time to stop. The driver escaped unhurt, unlike the car, which needed more than £8,500 to make it roadworthy again.
All venues provide military-style outfits and helmets and offer safety training before letting you loose at the controls. Most tank driving centres allow spectators to ride in the armoured turret for a small additional fee, so mums and dads can bring the kids along to do a little backseat tank driving.
1 Galloway Tanks
In this picturesque area of south-west Scotland you can choose from a range of American and British vehicles including an armoured personnel carrier, a 6×6 truck and even an amphibious truck. Telephone 01988 600639
2 Juniper Leisure
Not far from Southampton, this venue offers a genuine Chieftain tank experience, and you can even crush a car if that’s your heart’s desire. Telephone 01794 367367
3 Armourgeddon
Based in Lutterworth in the Leicestershire countryside, this is the place to head for if you’re a paintball fanatic looking to move up a few levels. For less than £100 you can participate in a Tank Paintball Battle. Head to https://www.armourgeddon.co.uk/ or telephone 01858 880239
4 Tank School
Set in the Usk Valley, midway between Cardiff and Bristol, Tank School will teach anyone over the age of 10 to drive a tank. They also offer Tank Battle Experiences for thrill seekers. Telephone 07971 635189
5 Mini Tank Elite
Not far from Reading, Mini Tanks are suitable for children over the age of 8, making this the perfect choice for birthday party one-upmanship! Telephone 01344 286577
