Tanks, Trucks and Firepower Showground

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Located just off the A426 near Dunchurch, Rugby in Warwickshire, the Tanks, Trucks and Firepower Showground is the driving force behind one of the Midlands' most explosive annual events — the Tanks, Trucks and Firepower Show, held every August Bank Holiday weekend. This high-octane celebration of military history roars to life with over 300 historic and modern military vehicles on display and in action.

From nimble CVR(T)s like the Scorpion, Spartan, Scimitar, and Samaritan to heavyweight legends such as the Challenger I, Chieftain, and Warrior tanks, the lineup is a feast for any military enthusiast. You'll also find an impressive collection of rare prototypes and privately owned vehicles not often seen in public.

But this isn't just a place to watch — it's a place to do. The showground is home to immersive, year-round military driving experiences, offering you the chance to get behind the controls of genuine ex-army machines. Whether you're navigating a rugged course in a military-spec Land Rover, commanding an Alvis Spartan, or firing a Scorpion tank's 76mm gun, it's a hands-on adventure built for thrill seekers and history fans alike.

Beyond the vehicles, the venue comes alive with battlefield re-enactments, explosive pyrotechnics, aircraft flyovers, and family-friendly interactive zones. Whether you're a dedicated military buff or just after an unforgettable day out, this one-of-a-kind destination delivers action, history, and excitement in equal measure.

Take command of an ex-military 4x4 and put your driving skills to the test on an Off-Road Driving Experience designed to challenge both you and the vehicle. These adrenaline-charged experiences put you behind the wheel of tough, battle-ready machines like the Leyland DAF T244 GS — built to handle the harshest conditions with ease. Want to take things up a gear? Upgrade your adventure with a thrilling passenger ride in a GKN Sankey FV432 armoured tank for the ultimate military day out.

Climb into the cab of a genuine Leyland DAF T244 GS army truck and navigate steep inclines, deep mud, and uneven ground on a purpose-built track. With expert guidance, you'll master techniques once taught to soldiers, learning how to handle these heavy-duty machines with skill, precision, and nerve. It's a hands-on taste of military driving power that you won't find just anywhere.

Looking for even more action? Add a tank passenger ride in a mammoth GKN Sankey FV432 Armoured Personnel Carrier to your experience. After conquering the course in your military 4x4, hop into a fully operational armoured tank and feel the raw power as you're taken on a thrilling ride across a battlefield-style landscape. Two incredible experiences — one epic adventure.

Ideal for families, groups, or anyone not quite ready to drive, the Tank Passenger Ride lets you experience the ride of a lifetime inside the mighty Alvis Spartan CVR(T). Buckle in as this fully operational armoured personnel carrier rumbles across the showground's rugged off-road terrain. You'll feel every bump, jolt, and rev of the engine from the heart of the action — no driving required.

Ready to take the wheel? Hop into the driver's seat of a CVR(T) Alvis Spartan — a lightweight, fast and highly manoeuvrable tracked vehicle once used by the British Army. Under expert instruction, you'll learn how to handle this 8-ton beast across a real battlefield-style course. With top speeds of around 50mph, it's surprisingly quick and a perfect blend of history and high-octane fun. No previous tracked vehicle experience? No problem — everything is covered step-by-step.

For the ultimate military thrill, the Scorpion Tank Firing Experience is as real as it gets. Climb inside the legendary FV101 Scorpion — once the fastest tracked vehicle in the world — and take it for a spin. Then comes the main event: firing its powerful 76mm gun at static targets under close supervision. It's loud, intense, and utterly unforgettable.

Double the firepower and double the excitement with this shared experience. You and a partner will both get the chance to drive and fire the Scorpion tank, swapping roles and taking plenty of photos along the way. It's the ultimate bonding adventure — perfect for birthdays, military fans, or ticking off a serious bucket list goal.

Minimum age and height requirements usually apply (typically 16+ for Tank Driving Experiences), but be sure to check the 'Suitable for' section on each package for exact details. Every experience begins with a full safety briefing, walkthrough, and all necessary protective gear to ensure your adventure is both safe and thrilling from start to finish.