Military Manoeuvres in Bristol
This day out gives you plenty of time to drive military vehicles on a challenging purpose built course near Redhill in Bristol. This four hour tank-fest gives you the chance to play soldiers and take the controls of four different mean military monsters.
After arrival at the beautiful 17th century site you will enjoy complimentary refreshments and a safety briefing, before splitting into small squads and heading out with your instructor to meet the 20th century heavy metal to prepare for your drives in these magnificent military vehicles.
Instructors will tell you just how to drive each military vehicle and give you guidance on the best way to tackle the purpose built tank courses contained within this private 300 acre estate. You will then get ready to rumble as you take turns with your crew to handle the controls and drive each military vehicle. Rev up those mighty military engines and drive through, across and over the numerous dips, ditches, mud and water obstacles which lay before you.
Your drive military vehicles day ends with a debrief, more refreshments and the presentation of a personalised certificate.
On the day you may be driving any of the following military vehicles:-
Abbot Self Propelled Gun - a 17 tonne beast designed to deliver shells a distance of 10 miles and carry up to four fully kitted troops into battle.
FV432 Armoured Personnel Carrier - this robust 15 tonner is powered by an eight litre Rolls Royce engine, luckily you don't have to pay extra for the diesel! With caterpillar tracks and a skid steering you will find this vehicle surprisingly easy to manoeuvre.
Stalwart Six Wheel Drive - the Stalwart FV623 is an amphibious all terrain vehicle. It can travel at speed across the most demanding terrain and has the ability to travel through deep water.
Sultan Command Vehicle - first entering service around 1972 this tracked vehicle is light and highly mobile powered by a 4.2 litre Jaguar engine.
Scout Car - used as a light reconnaissance vehicle the Daimler Ferret remains one of the most successful British military vehicles to date. It has a 4.2 litre six cylinder Rolls Royce engine. Made for over 40 years many are still in military use today.
Snow Cat - the Snow Cat is an articulated tracked vehicle that has a traditional steering wheel. The fact that it pivots around it's centre makes for a very unusual driving experience, it's very agile and capable of tackling terrain that would have 4x4's running for cover.
Experience summary: Allow spending around five hours on site, you will be part of a squad of six spending an hour with each of the four military vehicles being used on the day, in total you will spend 40 minutes at the controls. Whilst others drive you will be able to ride as a passenger. There may be up to a maximum of 24 participants on the day.
Availability: These drive military vehicle sessions are usually available twice a month on weekends from April to October. Specific vehicles cannot be guaranteed and may differ slightly on the day.
Requirements: Minimum age is 18 years and you need to be healthy enough to climb up into some of the vehicles. Maximum height is 6'5", maximum weight is 18 stone. A driving licence is not required to drive these military vehicles. Transport is provided to take you around the site, so there is minimal walking involved.
Location: The venue is a private 300 acre estate south west of Bristol, with good access from the M5/A38.
Spectators and Facilities: This drive military vehicles activity is not suitable for spectators. Toilets and tea/coffee are available on site.