Norfolk Tank Museum, Norwich
The Norfolk Tank Museum, previously known as Turrets and Tracks, is a captivating repository of armored fighting vehicles and military artifacts located near the village of Forncett Saint Peter, just 10 miles (16 km) south of Norwich. Specializing in British Cold War vehicles, the museum's collection boasts around 30 military vehicles and an extensive array of small arms, making it a must-visit for history and military enthusiasts alike.
Among its highlights are the prototype Centurion AVRE 165, the only remaining Crossley-Kégresse 20-30 cwt half-track, and a replica British First World War Mark IV tank built for the Channel 4 show Guy Martin's WWI Tank. This replica, known as Deborah II, was constructed by the museum in collaboration with JCB and Chasetead and completed in just six months. It honors the original Deborah, which was damaged during the Battle of Cambrai in 1917, and now resides in Flesquières, France.
The museum was founded in 2011 by Stephen MacHaye, whose passion for military equipment began in childhood. MacHaye’s private collection started in the early 1980s and served as the foundation for the museum. Its centerpiece, an Alvis Saladin, acquired in 1995, remains on display today. In 2018, the museum achieved charitable status, further cementing its role in preserving military heritage.
With its combination of rare vehicles, fascinating history, and a hands-on approach to restoration, the Norfolk Tank Museum offers a unique insight into the evolution of military engineering and the stories behind these formidable machines.
Among its highlights are the prototype Centurion AVRE 165, the only remaining Crossley-Kégresse 20-30 cwt half-track, and a replica British First World War Mark IV tank built for the Channel 4 show Guy Martin's WWI Tank. This replica, known as Deborah II, was constructed by the museum in collaboration with JCB and Chasetead and completed in just six months. It honors the original Deborah, which was damaged during the Battle of Cambrai in 1917, and now resides in Flesquières, France.
The museum was founded in 2011 by Stephen MacHaye, whose passion for military equipment began in childhood. MacHaye’s private collection started in the early 1980s and served as the foundation for the museum. Its centerpiece, an Alvis Saladin, acquired in 1995, remains on display today. In 2018, the museum achieved charitable status, further cementing its role in preserving military heritage.
With its combination of rare vehicles, fascinating history, and a hands-on approach to restoration, the Norfolk Tank Museum offers a unique insight into the evolution of military engineering and the stories behind these formidable machines.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Norwich. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Norfolk Tank Museum on Map
Sight Name: Norfolk Tank Museum
Sight Location: Norwich, England (See walking tours in Norwich)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Sight Location: Norwich, England (See walking tours in Norwich)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Walking Tours in Norwich, England
Create Your Own Walk in Norwich
Creating your own self-guided walk in Norwich is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Norwich Introduction Walking Tour
The Iceni tribe predated the Romans in the village of Caistor, near the area of present-day Norwich. In 60 AD an uprising led by Boudica had been put down and Caistor became the Roman capital of East Anglia. Anglo-Saxons settled the town of Northwic in the 4th century. By the 10th century Northwic became Norwich, a prosperous trading center.
William the Conqueror arrived with a bang in 1066.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
William the Conqueror arrived with a bang in 1066.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Norwich's Haunted Buildings
The long and sometimes bloody history of Norwich has left its mark on the city in the form of spooky happenings. Indeed, nearly half of the local population have reported experiencing throughout their life something paranormal. Add to this a mildly alarming number of UFOs spotted on the outskirts of Norwich, and you get one of, if not the most haunted area in the UK.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Needless to say that in a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles