A Dorset Christmas at The Tank Museum
Saturday 14 November – Sunday 15 November 2026
The Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset(BH20 6JG)
For one weekend this November, The Tank Museum at Bovington in Dorset becomes a Christmas market for the whole family. The 100-plus local stalls sit alongside Dorset Team, a Dorset-wide group of makers and creatives, so the gifts are independent: sea glass jewellery, handmade socks, liqueurs, fudge, art, toys and even thriller novels. At midday Santa and his elf roll in aboard an armoured vehicle, then stroll the site meeting children, collecting Christmas lists and posing for photos. Younger visitors can follow a festive trail round the museum or burn off energy in the soft play, while the Bournemouth and District Concert Band plays seasonal music. There is festive food in the Restaurant and Café, the museum Shop is open both days, and every ticket brings a free annual pass.
Get the full visitor guide
When this market goes live, you'll get an interactive map, live schedule with reminders, real-time announcements, stall listings, and offline access — all on your phone, no app download needed.
What to expect
Date & times
Saturday 14 November – Sunday 15 November 2026
Getting there
The Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset (BH20 6JG for sat nav)
Dogs
Information coming soon
Accessibility
Available: Wheelchair accessible, Accessible toilets, Accessible parking / blue badge parking. Not confirmed: Step-free access, Accessible viewing areas.
Stalls
Stall list coming soon
Live schedule
Full timetable available when market goes live
Interactive map
Site map with GPS location available when market goes live
Live announcements
Real-time updates available when market goes live
Accessibility
Confirmed:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking / blue badge parking
Not confirmed:
- Step-free access
- Accessible viewing areas
Notes
The museum says most of it is on a single level, with ramps or lifts to higher floors, and that it is fully pram accessible. There are several accessible toilets around the museum, without a changing bench or ceiling track hoist. There is ample disabled parking on hard standing near the entrance, and a limited number of wheelchairs are available to use at the museum.
Frequently asked questions
When is A Dorset Christmas at The Tank Museum?
It runs on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November 2026, from 10am to 4pm on both days.
Where is it?
At The Tank Museum, Linsay Road, Bovington, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6JG.
How much are tickets, and how do I book?
Booking online through the museum's website saves 20%. For 2026 an adult (16 and over) ticket is £19.60 online or £24.50 on the door, and a child (3 to 15) ticket is £4.80 online or £6 on the door. Concessions are £12.25 on the door only, for veterans, students and people on means-tested benefits. Under-3s, serving military, carers, annual pass holders and members are free. Every ticket comes with a free annual pass, and the museum says annual passes and memberships are valid for the event and that tickets include free returns for a year.
Is there parking, and how do I get there?
The museum has a large free car park on site, with overflow parking when it is needed. Brown tourist signs mark the way when you approach from Dorchester, Blandford, Weymouth and Poole. The nearest station is Wool, 1.5 miles away; the museum says it is about a 30-minute walk, and that there is a shuttle bus from the station on its special event days. Local bus services run seasonally and can change.
What is there to see and do?
More than 100 local stalls sell crafts, art, toys, gifts and more from independent makers. The Tank Museum Shop is open all weekend, with models, books, clothing and homeware for military history fans. The Bournemouth and District Concert Band plays, and there is other live entertainment.
What is there for children?
Santa and an elf arrive in an armoured vehicle at 12pm. Children can then meet Santa as he walks around the site, give him their Christmas list and have their photo taken. There is also a festive trail for children around The Tank Museum, and a soft play area for little ones.
Is there food and drink?
Yes. The Tank Museum Restaurant and Café serves festive food and drink during the market. The museum's general visitor guidance also says you are welcome to bring your own food, and that it has picnic areas inside and outside.
Are dogs allowed?
The Tank Museum does not allow dogs inside the museum, other than trained assistance dogs, and the museum is indoors apart from its arena displays. The museum has not said where the market stalls stand or whether dogs may come to them. Trained assistance dogs, including guide dogs, hearing dogs and support dogs, are welcome and must stay on a lead. Emotional support dogs are not permitted inside the museum at this time.
Is it accessible for wheelchair users?
The museum says most of it is on a single level, with ramps or lifts to higher floors, and that it is fully pram accessible. There are several accessible toilets around the museum, though they have no changing bench or ceiling track hoist. There is ample disabled parking on hard standing near the entrance. A limited number of wheelchairs are available to use at the museum.
How do I have a stall?
Stallholders apply through the trade page of the Dorset Team website. The museum has not published stall fees or a closing date.
Is this your market?
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