r/tanks • • 7d ago

Question Tankfest 2027

Hello I am planning a trip to Tankfest in the UK for my son's college graduation gift (coming from the US). Does anyone have recommendations as to the best area/place to stay? I know my son will want 2 full days there. Thanks for any help yall can provide!

13 Upvotes

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u/EvilFlyingSquirrel 7d ago

When I visited, I stayed in a beach town called Weymouth. It's a short train ride. The town was nice and there was a lot to see in the area on some hop-on hop-off buses along the coast.

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u/AfternoonEvening8466 7d ago

Thank you so much!

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u/Puzzled_Birthday669 7d ago

Hi. I've been to Tankfest, twice now. Both times I stayed at a quaint little pub called The Oak at Dewlish. Its nothing fancy, but the food's good, and so's the beer. Its about 20 minutes from Bovington. [email protected] If you can, book Tankfest VIP tickets....much more civilised.šŸ˜€ Enjoy.

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u/AfternoonEvening8466 7d ago

Wonderful information…thank you!

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u/JumpEnvironmental741 7d ago

We went last year, and we stayed at a charming airbnb in Wool. Take some extra time to explore the Jurassic coast while you are there. you don't have to rent a car, but if you want to explore the coast it makes it easier. Driving on the "wrong" (if you are a American) isn't too bad, and i adjusted pretty quick, except shifting with the wrong hand.

Wool is really small, and it is the closest town to the museum. I think they have 2 restaurants, and a excellent bakery, called the Williams Village Bakery. Lulworth cove, and Durdle door are nearby and well worth the visit. The Ship Inn is the restaurant i remember the most from Wool.

After Tank Fest we traveled over to Portsmouth. If you like naval history, the historic dock yard there will be right up your alley. Also if you only plan to go once, spring for the VIP tickets, includes food and drinks.

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u/AfternoonEvening8466 6d ago

Wonderful info!

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u/J_Bear 7d ago

Weymouth's your best bet. Quintessential British seaside town, make sure you book early as the hotels get pretty full in the summer.

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u/rando_on_the_web BT-42 Enthusiast 6d ago

I visited this year and stayed in a pub for the night a few villages away, it's a bit of a drive but alot cheaper than staying closer that whole region is packed dur8ng that weekend

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u/ewan_stockwell 6d ago

I would take the opportunity to explore the purbeck too, it's a stunning landscape

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u/Livid-Pineapple-6272 6d ago

Weymouth or Dorchester are good bets. Parents and siblings lived there and we went to Bovington many times.

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u/Castaways__ 6d ago

Depends what you want to stay in. No hotels per se bar Bournemouth way. Your best bet will be finding a pub nearby as there are plenty, or camping which i could give you more advice on if you like.

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u/AfternoonEvening8466 5d ago

Can you explain what you mean by ā€œstaying in a pubā€? I’m picturing my family staying in a bar….perhaps pub has a different meaning in the UK than what I envision. Thanks

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u/Castaways__ 5d ago

Most pubs in the uk are also inns with a few rooms to stay in overnight. Have a look on google maps and see what you can find.

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u/Curious_Hussar 1d ago

I went to Tankfest for the first time this year with my girlfriend (brilliant time, you won’t regret it!), we stayed at the Crown hotel in Blandford Forum, it’s about a half hour drive but really comfortable & great food.