Armourgeddon Tank Driving

Climbing into the turret of a real tank and actually driving the thing isn't something you get to do every day, which is exactly why Armourgeddon Tank Driving exists just outside Leicester. This is proper hands-on stuff - you get behind the controls of actual military vehicles and take them across the grounds, feeling the weight and power of tonnes of steel beneath you.

It's the kind of experience that appeals to blokes who've watched too many war films, history enthusiasts who want to understand how these machines actually handle, and families after something genuinely different from the usual park attractions. Kids usually find it thrilling; adults often get a bit more respect for the engineering once they've felt how sluggish a tank actually turns.

You'll need to book in advance and expect to spend a couple of hours there for the full experience - longer if you're doing one of the extended packages. Not free admission, but then you're essentially renting a tank for the afternoon. The weather can make a difference; muddy days add to the authenticity but test your nerve a bit more.

Staying at one of the nearby parks - Brook Meadow or Valley View Escapes are closest at under three miles - gives you easy access for a half-day excursion. It works well as a break from standard caravan park routines, particularly if you're already in the area exploring Leicestershire. Best visited on a weekday if you want less queuing, though weekends will be busier with families doing exactly what you're doing.