ABOUT THE COLLECTION
The Muckleburgh Military Collection is located on the site of the former Royal Artillery Anti-Aircraft Training Camp at Weybourne on the scenic North Norfolk coast and offers visitors a unique insight into Britain’s military past.
The camp itself dates back to the Second World War, when Weybourne played a vital role in the defence of the nation. After being used for a short time during World War I, it was reopened in 1936 as a full-time training facility for anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) personnel, with between 250,000 and 300,000 recruits passing through over the next decade. The early Cold War period saw the camp become a permanent AAA range and a radar-training base, before its final closure in 1959.
When visiting the Museum today you will come across a central feature in the first display room which is a detailed model of how the camp would have looked in June 1941, when Winston Churchill made the first of two visits here.
HOW IT ALL STARTED
The Collection was first opened to the public in 1988 by Sir Michael Savory and his father, Squadron Leader Berry Savory, who was passionate about preserving military history.
Sir Michael, who originally used to collect stamps as a small boy had from a very early age a fascination with tanks and military vehicles.
The collection started out with around 30 military vehicles and has grown steadily over time, today holding more than 140 artillery pieces, tanks, and other machines and military memorabilia.
A good number of the vehicles at Muckleburgh are kept in running condition on the 300-acre site.
Today, visitors can explore an extensive display of tanks, armoured cars, artillery, and machine guns, with many of the vehicles carefully maintained in working order. From time to time, these vehicles are also demonstrated in action, bringing history to life. The museum also showcases an impressive array of missiles, land warfare models, and naval exhibits, reflecting the breadth of Britain’s armed forces.
The Collection is also the custodian of several specialist archives and displays, including the Suffolk and Norfolk Yeomanry Collection, which contains uniforms, weapons, photographs, and documents charting the history of these local regiments. In addition, there are dedicated exhibits on RAF Reconnaissance and Air Sea Rescue, as well as Marine Craft, illustrating the important but often overlooked aspects of wartime service.
Beyond its vast array of vehicles and weapons, the museum is committed to preserving rare and historically significant artefacts for future generations. Each exhibit tells a story—whether of local men and women who served, of technological innovation in warfare, or of the sacrifices made during times of conflict.
The Muckleburgh Military Collection is more than a museum; it is a living memorial to Britain’s military history and a reminder of the resilience and dedication of those who served.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Muckleburgh Military Collection.
CONTACT US
For general enquiries, including donations, media and museum information please email muckleburgh@aol.com
For tank driving questions please email tank.drive.muckleburgh@gmail.com
Alternatively please call the Shop : 01263 588 284 during our open hours: 10am - 5pm