CHARLWOOD ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE
Buckle Into Britain’s Sports Tank: 20 Minutes Inside an Alvis CVR(T) Spartan
A high-speed, 20-minute passenger ride that kits you out in a jacket, helmet and ear defenders for a short, adrenaline-led run in an Alvis CVR(T) Spartan at Gatwick.
Buckle Into Britain’s Sports Tank: 20 Minutes Inside an Alvis CVR(T) Spartan.
Hop into the back of a modern CVR(T) Spartan and feel the tooth of a 4.2‑litre, Jaguar‑sourced engine as an aluminium armoured scout car surges across the grounds; the Tank Passenger Ride at Gatwick compresses the raw theatre of tracked performance into a compact, 20‑minute thrill that puts riders in the turret, the commander’s seat or packed into the rear for a genuine taste of tracked agility and speed.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
The Alvis CVR(T) Spartan — a sports tank
This aluminium‑fabricated APC is driven by a 4.2‑litre, 6‑cylinder petrol engine (the same lineage as the Jaguar E‑Type) delivering over 200 horsepower, and a gearbox that lets the Spartan reach well over 50 mph — engineered for speed and fingertip control rather than brute force.
Positions, pace and a proper adrenaline hit
On a roughly 20‑minute run you can ride in the back, take the commander’s seat or even stand in the turret — wherever you are, the Spartan’s compact, performance‑first layout and potent engine promise an immediate, breath‑taking experience.
Briefing and kit-up before you climb aboard
Before you go, staff will kit you out with a camp jacket, helmet and ear defenders and run a quick briefing so you’re ready to climb into the 8‑ton vehicle and enjoy the ride.
What the day feels like
What the 20‑minute tank run feels like
A quick briefing and gear‑up precede a compact, intense sequence: you board the Spartan, take your place — often elevated enough to look out over the vehicle — and then the tank demonstrates why it’s nicknamed the ‘sports tank’, charging with surprising speed and agility for a tracked armoured vehicle.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this experience suits — and who should sit this one out.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Organisers provide a camp jacket, helmet and ear defenders; wear clothing suitable for climbing in and out of a vehicle.
A camp jacket, helmet and ear defenders will be supplied as part of the pre‑ride kit‑up.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the experience last?
The passenger ride runs for approximately 20 minutes.
Where do we meet?
Meet at the Gatwick Aviation Museum on Lowfield Heath Road in Charlwood (Gatwick).
What are the age and height limits?
Minimum age is 12. Minimum height is 5 ft and maximum height is 6 ft 4 in; weight should be in proportion to height.
Is any protective gear provided?
Yes — participants are kitted out with a camp jacket, helmet and ear defenders before the ride.
Are there medical or fitness restrictions?
You should be in reasonable health and able to climb in and out of the vehicle; the experience is not suitable for those with epilepsy, heart complaints or for pregnant people.
Can I ride if I’ve been drinking or using drugs?
No — anyone deemed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to participate.