Tank Driving in Northamptonshire

What Can I Expect

Go tank driving in Northamptonshire! These half and full day experiences combine superb tank driving with a good dash of military manoeuvres in the Northamptonshire countryside. It's time to get camo'd up!

On the half day session you get to drive three of the vehicles and attend an armoury demo. On the full day, you will be participating in the complete programme of four drives and four events (including clays, survival skills etc), making this easily our most comprehensive tank driving day out ever.

So what sort of military monsters will be lined up for you to drive at this amazing centre in Northamptonshire? Check out the ‘Menu’ tab for the full details on the likes of the Gvozdika and 432 tanks and other military monsters in the fleet.

There's a very real motive to your missions as well. Throughout your experience you will be competing for the coveted title of Best Tank Driver. The winner gets to crush a vehicle in the biggest tank you've ever seen, the 55 ton Chieftain. Now that's what we call a finale!

With over 100 military vehicles on site, it's a great opportunity for spectators to do more than just stand on the sidelines, as they get to ride in vehicles and observe the demonstrations and talks too.

Some of the vehicles have been used in films such as Black Hawk Down and Band of Brothers, as well as TV shows like ScrapHeap Challenge and Salvage Squad. Oh and it's not just the vehicles that are authentic, the team of instructors are all ex-forces too, so make sure you stand up straight to avoid an army-style rollicking when you go tank driving in Northamptonshire!

Availability

Half Day

• Selected Saturdays in January and between May and September
• Session times are 09:00-13:00 or 14:00-18:00

'The Full Monty' Day

• Generally the last Saturday of each month from April to October (excluding August)
• Arrival time 08:00 with the car crush scheduled for 17:00

Suitable For

• Minimum age is 12
• Minimum height is 5ft
• A good, general level of fitness is required
• A driving licence is not required

Spectators

• Spectators are welcome (advance booking required)
• Minimum age 7
• Opportunity to take pictures with the vehicles and instructors

• Half Day  £20 and includes rides and armoury talk along with refreshments
• 'The Full Monty' Day  £35 and includes rides in a F432 Armoured Personnel Carrier, along with lunch

Anything Else

• On the day there will be up to 48 participants on the half day and 72 on the full day
• You will be split into smaller groups rotating around the activities
• Complimentary premium gift packaging from Into The Blue
• Camouflage suit and helmet will be provided for drivers
• You are advised to bring Wellington boots and gloves
• The operator reserves the rights to substitute other vehicles depending on conditions

Menu

The Vehicles:

Russian 2S1 Gvozdika Tank - this Russian monster is fully amphibious with a mighty 300bhp turbo v8 engine, it also has a bigger gun than the chieftain, don't you know!

Lance Missile Carrier - a massive tracked vehicle with a Detroit diesel engine. The alloy body and high powered engine make an exciting combination that will climb anything. Used by the British armed forces to launch tactical nuclear missiles.

Springer - The British Army beach buggy commissioned by a General who was obviously a surfer dude! Fantastic suspension and great to drive. Just back from Afghanistan and still smelling of Napalm. Great on the purpose built race track.

F432 Armoured Personnel Carrier - the 432 is a lever steering automatic and can reach an off road speed of over 30 mph. It is powered by a Rolls Royce straight eight and served as everything from a battlefield van to a minelayer rocket launcher, troop carrier to mortar firer. The squaddies' favourite.

The Activities:

Woodland Survival - with an ex-Marine leading the group, you will set off on a mission into the woodland to see if you've got what it takes to survive outdoors.

Flintlock and Cohorn Mortar Shooting - an insight into 17th century armoury where you get to fire off real mortars and flintlock muskets.

Armoury Talk - spend time with a time-served former mercenary/battalion sniper who will give you a fascinating peek into the world of firearms.

Clay Pigeon Shooting - test your marksmanship with a stealth silenced 12 bore shotgun. An experienced instructor will help hone your shooting skills.