The Biggest Short Break in History ! Our travel and features editor, David Powell, takes a two night break in Dorset where he discovers a unique collection of military vehicles at The Tank Museum…… Heading off to Dorset The tank was invented by the British in 1915 and since then it’s been a driving force in history. From the first tank ever built, “Little Willie” through to the mighty Challenger 2 of present day, the massive collection at Bovington is a sight to see. I must admit it had been some time since I last visited Dorset and when I learned that The Tank Museum had teamed-up with a local Country Hotel for a short break, the opportunity to visit this world famous attraction was too good to miss. Dorset, on the South Coast, is a mixture of picturesque seaside towns including Bournemouth, Poole, Swanage and Weymouth, further inland there’s delightful market towns set amidst rolling countryside and of course, to the West, the “Jurassic Coast”, a popular and important world heritage site. The Springfield Country Hotel My base for the two night leisure break was the Springfield Country Hotel Leisure Club and Spa in Wareham, Dorset, ideally situated for my tank day. This is a family run hotel, easily spotted by the presence of friendly and attentive staff all working together as a team. The family has successfully combined the atmosphere of a country house with all the facilities you would expect of a modern hotel. Nestling at the foot of the Purbeck Hills, the hotel has 6 acres of landscaped gardens, comfortable lounge areas, two bars and the leisure club and spa. There’s an indoor pool, sauna’s, steam rooms and a fully kitted-out gym. The 67 en-suite rooms, include family rooms, ground floor rooms and a range of superior and executive rooms. My room, which was very comfortable and relaxing, came with a balcony enabling me to look out onto a large and delightfully landscaped pond area. Dinner at the Springer Bar and Restaurant was informal and very pleasant with a great menu choice from fresh local produce. Needless to say the food was excellently prepared and served. The Tank Museum The Tank Museum brings the history of tanks and tank crew to life with what is undoubtedly the world’s best collection of tanks. There’s over 200 vehicles here spanning 100 years and it’s incredible to see such a collection kept in pristine condition and hear the tales of tank servicemen who fought on the frontline. The Bovington based museum underwent a massive redevelopment completed in 2009. Costing £16.5 million the Heritage Lottery sponsored project, opened by the Queen, saw the inclusion of interactive features and the addition of The Tank Story and The Trench Experience. The Trench Experience The tank was developed and built to overcome the stalemate of trench warfare so it’s appropriate to start at this display which gives an insight into pre-tank warfare. It’s France, 1916 and here you can walk in the footsteps of a World War 1 soldier from the recruiting office to the front line. You’ll experience the mud and misery of the trenches and the dangerous conditions endured by the soldiers. Look out for the harrowing and moving sight of a young lad suffering from shell-shock and find out how the tank put an end to trench warfare once and for all. The Tank Story This 50,000 square metre, multi-media exhibition puts the development of the tank in context with global events and the experiences of former tank crews are presented in their own words. As you walk around, whether thoughts of The Somme, Tiananmen Square, D-Day or Desert Storm spring to mind, you’ll realise how relevant the tank has been throughout the years. Thirty five of the most important tanks in history are housed in state of the art displays, including the first tank, the feared German Tiger Tank and the modern Challenger 2. What I found most amazing after climbing aboard a WWII tank, was how the crew carried out their duties in an incredibly restricted space and the conditions they fought under. Tonnes of Fun The Tank Museum has 6 large halls and you will come face to face with tanks that have seen action in all the major wars of the 20th Century. I found it fascinating to see how the tank has changed since 1915. To stop and experience the cut-in-half Centurion tank with a superb audio visual feature is a must. The Tank Museum is a modern, well designed and immaculately kept attraction. There’s a shop on site and first floor restaurant. The purpose built Outdoor Arena attracts crowds of spectators during school holidays when live tank action, with lots of pyrotechnics, takes place. The extensive calendar of events that are held throughout the year at Bovington is available to view on their website. If you want to experience even more and perhaps get involved with tank riding experiences, accessing the extensive reference library, taking a “look behind the scenes”, or leading a group visit of 10 or more, then give The Tank Museum team a call first. More Information SPRINGFIELD COUNTRY HOTEL, Grange Road, Wareham, Dorset. BH20 5AL Tel: 01929 552177 Website: www.springfield-country-hotel.co.uk THE TANK MUSEUM, Bovington, Dorset. BH20 6JG Tel: 01929 405096 Email: info@tankmuseum.org Website: www.tankmuseum.org David has produced a short 2.5 min video review of his stay and visit to the museum and this can be seen by clicking on this link http://bit.ly/cHNqP8 ______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Sean BEAN Chris HEMSWORTH No one can be trusted when it comes to... CASH Released on DVD on 1 March 2010 Momentum Pictures presents an explosive new feature that asks us in these hard economic times, what would you do for CA$H? CA$H is the dynamic new work from director Stephen Milburn Anderson (South Central) and stars British superstar Sean Bean (Red Riding, Outlaw), Chris Hemsworth (Star Trek XI, Thor), Victoria Profeta (Push) and Mike Starr (Black Dynamite). 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