Dorset is world famous for its Jurassic Coast and as the home of the writer Thomas Hardy. Less well known but with a presence on the world stage is the Tank Museum – one of only three military museums in the UK with a collection designated as being of national importance.

It's also Dorset's largest museum, and its boast that it's the home of the tank is well founded.

This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the start of World War II and the establishment of The Royal Armoured Corps – an extraordinary group of men who continue to work in extreme conditions. While the technology of the tank has moved on, its inherent dangers, close confines and demands differ little from its predecessors.

Fittingly, 2009 it also marks the completion of a stunning £16.5 million lottery-funded redevelopment of the museum. The project, At Close Quarters, has been some 10 years in the making. It has enhanced the museum's ability to conserve, preserve and exhibit its vehicles and the huge collection of documents, images and medals which bring to life the human stories behind the machines.

Its new 5,000 sq m exhibition hall has become home to the Tank Story – quite literally, Little Willie to the Challenger II, with the latest interactive computers illustrating the story along the way.

Specially created TV displays feature veterans' interviews and historic footage of the vehicles in action. Visitors can also try their hands at military signalling, see how they look in period Tank Corps uniforms, and test their knowledge with quizzes.

The new exhibition is open from April 4, to coincide with the 70th anniversary of The Royal Armoured Corps.

Already at the museum is the Trench Experience, which gives visitors the chance to walk in the footsteps of a soldier from World War I, with all the sounds and smells recreated.

Around the Discovery Centre are about 300 vehicles representing more than a 100 years of history. The careers of some illustrious members of the corps – including Lawrence of Arabia, who was based in Bovington for a time under the alias of T E Shaw – are also explained.

The most moving experience of the museum is undoubtedly For Valour – its innovative interactive medal display. Visitors can choose a medal to view and discover the personal story behind it, putting a face to the act of courage which won the award, like the Victory Cross won by Cecil Sewell which forms part of the museum's collection – as does Sewell's tank.

But the ultimate fascination for many visitors is the Tank Arena. A new state-of-the-art control tower now sits over the museum masterminding manoeuvres and pyrotechnic explosions in the arena.

The new banked spectator areas mean visitors who coincide their visit with a live action display can get closer to the action than ever before. There are live displays every weekday during May and October half-terms, as well as the Easter and summer school holidays.

For a small additional charge you can also grab a ride on the Tank Museum's very own converted M548 tracked vehicle. This year there will also be tank rides on April 23 and October 15 (pre-booking essential), when you can drop into the commander's seat of a battle tank and be thundered around the museum's arena.

Or with a bigger budget, try a Tank Experience Day and learn to drive a 432 armoured vehicle, navigating the two-mile cross country circuit which is usually the exclusive territory of the Army.

For more details, visit www.tankmuseum.org