What Can I Expect

Tank driving near Newcastle - fun, laughter, mud and dirt! We are offering a taster tank session for you, with a shared small group or an exclusive option for two. Locations are rotated (as trundling around in tanks does take its toll on the ground), but all are within 40-minutes of Newcastle and very easy to get to. 

The tank you'll be driving is a FV432 AFV (that's Armoured Fighting Vehicle, don't you know) and it is, relatively speaking, a light tank, weighing in at…15 tonnes!

Unique to this Newcastle tank experience is the fact that your pre-drive briefing is done in another FV432. So, whilst one tank is engaged in operations on the terrain, a second is parked up so you can explore all the controls in a static setting. Just getting in the driver's hatch is a bit of an obstacle course, as you either wriggle through from the crew compartment or climb in via the roof and down into the driving position.

And don't forget, it's all levers and brakes here - and there's no power assistance either. So, it's a combination of brute strength and control needed to guide your fully-tracked tank across the Northumbrian terrain. Your instructor will be taking up the vehicle commander position, overseeing you lot, the infantry. And when you're not driving, you will be a passenger in the FV432's crew compartment.

Back at base, you will be invited for a little look around the workshop, which houses an eclectic collection of military vehicles. There are some rarities in there too, including an M2 Bridging Ferry capable of carrying your FV432 on its back - and it's the only one of its kind in the North East.

Tank driving in Newcastle is with a great bunch of people. They love anything military (and preferably turbocharged) and seem to actually enjoy taking engines out of tanks in their workshop almost as much as they do taking guests out to drive them!

When Is It Available

• This experience usually takes place once a month on a weekend date throughout the year
• Weekdays may be requested 
• All dates are subject to minimum numbers being met for an experience to run
• Dates and session times are subject to availability and weather conditions

Suitable For

• Minimum age 15
• Under 18s must be accompanied by a participating or spectating adult
• Good upper body strength is required to operate the (non power assisted) steering levers
• Participants with a chest size larger than 56" may have difficulty accessing these vehicles
• Not suitable if you have back, neck or heart problems or during pregnancy
• Shared experiences require a minimum of 2 participants to take place, if minimum numbers are not being reached your date will be rescheduled

Spectators

• Spectators are welcome to join the introductory talk, ride as a passenger and view the centres vehicle collection for an additional charge of £25 per person (£15 for ages 8-15)