North Yorkshire museum to showcase post-WWII military history with vehicle displays and veteran presentations
Eden Camp, the acclaimed modern history museum housed in North Yorkshire’s only remaining prisoner of war camp, has unveiled plans for an exciting new addition to its 2025 events calendar. The Modern Military Weekend, scheduled for June 21-22, will offer visitors an immersive exploration of military developments from the late 20th century to the present day.
The weekend event will feature presentations and live demonstrations by military veterans and volunteers, showcasing the evolution of weapons, equipment, and strategic thinking that have defined modern warfare. Visitors will journey through pivotal conflicts including the Falklands War, Gulf War, and various post-Cold War operations, gaining insights into how today’s armed forces have adapted to contemporary challenges.
Rare Military Vehicles Take Center Stage
A major highlight of the weekend will be the display of post-WWII military vehicles, offering visitors rare access to machinery that has shaped recent military history. The showcase will include Eden Camp’s own collection of Falklands-era Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) units, alongside various Land Rover variants that have served as the British Army’s workhorse for eight decades.
Other notable vehicles on display will include the heavyweight Abbot Self-Propelled Gun, the nimble Fox armoured car, and an American Humvee, providing visitors with hands-on opportunities to explore these significant pieces of military hardware.
Educational Mission Continues
Paula Peace, Director at Eden Camp, emphasized the museum’s commitment to comprehensive military storytelling. “At Eden Camp, we’re passionate about telling the full story of our military past, and that includes modern history,” she said. “The new Modern Military Weekend allows us to shine a light on the incredible technological advances and complex realities faced by armed forces in recent decades.”
The event builds upon Eden Camp’s established mission to make British military and social history engaging and accessible to the public. The museum’s unique setting—built within a former prisoner-of-war camp from 1942—provides an authentic backdrop for exploring military life across different generations.
Adding to the weekend’s appeal, the Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA) will maintain a presence on Sunday, offering information about their lifelong support services for current and former British Armed Forces members and their families.
Visitor Information and Pricing
Advance booking is recommended to take advantage of family discounts and avoid queues. Adult tickets are priced at £17 when booked in advance or £19 on the day, while children’s tickets cost £14 in advance or £15 at the gate. Children under five enter free, and family tickets are available along with group discounts.
Eden Camp, located near Malton, welcomed over 100,000 visitors in 2023 and recently received £224,000 in UK Shared Prosperity Funding through North Yorkshire Council to restore its original 1942 POW huts. The museum’s collection includes historic military vehicles, thousands of military artifacts, and an archive containing over 103,000 documents, artifacts, and photographs.
The museum has earned recognition as the Best Educational Day Out for three consecutive years at the SME Northern Enterprise Awards and typically hosts over 25,000 children annually for formal educational visits.
More information about the Modern Military Weekend is available at edencamp.co.uk/whats-on/modern-military-weekend/.
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