On this half day tanks experience in Northamptonshire, you'll be driving a variety of armoured vehicles and tanks on purpose-built offroad tracks. You'll actually be competing for the title of best driver, with the winner getting to crush a vehicle in the biggest tank you've ever seen!
The first tank you'll be tackling is the Abbott Gun Tank. This is a self-propelled tank with one of those classic fully rotating turrets at the rear with a hefty 105mm gun, boasting some serious fire power. You won't be firing this baby, but you will be driving this agile tank which can reach some serious speed. Then it's on to the Hagglunds people carrier, a fully tracked articulated vehicle capable of carrying up to 17 over rough and ready terrain, that looks like a big, beefy truck.
Finally you'll have a go at driving the 432 Armoured Personnel Carrier. This APC weighs in at 15 tonnes, runs with Rolls Royce multi-fuel 240bhp engines and despite being a big tank, can travel at up to 32mph. Away from the tanks, you'll be invited to take part in one of the ground activities offered, including an SAS-style woodland trek, a workshop on armoury with an ex-SAS soldier or step back in time to discover 18th Century armoury with a demo and talk.
Once the scores have all been totted up, the best driver on this half day tanks experience in Northamptonshire will be honoured with the chance to crush a vehicle with the almighty Chieftain tank. At 56 tonnes, this beefcake of a tank is almost as impressive to watch as it is to drive!
Half days last approximately three hours and provide around half an hour of drive and ride time split over three different vehicle driving sessions, you will also take part in a selection of themed military activities. There may be up to 30 other participants on half days, you will be split into smaller groups and rotate around the activities. The lucky winning driver from each session will drive the Chieftain Tank Car Crush.
Half days are available running on the second Saturday of May, July and September.
The venue is near Brackley in Northamptonshire with good access from both the M40 and M1.
The minimum age is 12, minimum height is 5'0". A driving licence is not required. You must be of a reasonably level of fitness to take part. A camouflage suit and helmet will be provided for drivers. You are advised to bring Wellington boots and gloves as the site can get very muddy.
Spectators are welcome (min age 7) and benefit from passenger rides in military vehicles as they are transported to get the best views of the action, they can usually also observe the themed activities. A fee of £15 (payable on the day) for half days applies and includes rides, armoury talk and refreshments. Spectator places will need to be booked with the supplier. For the drivers, refreshments are available. There are covered facilities in the event of bad weather and you can see most of the action. Cameras are welcome as there are lots of great photo opportunities.