By Parkdean Resorts on 23/07/2019
Whether you’re a budding palaeontologist or the kids are big fans of Jurassic Park, this list of fantastic dinosaur attractions will keep the whole family entertained.
The UK is home to several amazing dinosaur parks, where you can see models of these life-size beasts in where we understand to have been their natural habitats. If geology is more your thing, then there are plenty of amazing fossil hunting spots along the stunning seaside coastline.
If it’s raining then don’t worry, there will be plenty of indoor attractions to visit to learn all about the world of dinosaurs and even get up close and personal with incredible fossils and dinosaur skeletons on display.
Here are our favourite dinosaur days out in the UK!
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park
Combe Martin, North Devon EX34 0NG
Get close to living critters as well as these prehistoric monsters at this amazing attraction. Located seconds from the A39 in Devon, the Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park is more than just a great day out – you’ll need a couple of trips to fully make the most of this place.
The Dinosaur Park is home to a selection of terrifying animatronic dinosaurs, including the ferocious T-Rex and the lesser known Neovenator, which was believed to be an inhabitant of the Isle of Wight.
The Dino Express train ride gives you the experience of being on-set of a Hollywood movie, and even a simulation of a real earthquake! Being only 20 minutes from Ruda Holiday Park, the Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park is high on the ‘to do’ list when staying in Devon.
Amazing animatronic dinosaurs! - Image Courtesy of Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park
Dinosaur Isle
Culver Parade, Sandown PO36 8QA
A fantastic indoor attraction for all weathers, Dinosaur Isle is an interactive geology museum offering a chance to get up close with a huge collection of genuine fossils. Experience the sheer scale of these creatures with re-constructions of dinosaur skeletons, animatronics and plenty of activities for the whole family.
Dinosaur Isle also hosts a series of ‘fossil walks’, which will have the whole family searching for dinosaur bones and fossils. This walk is dog-friendly and you can also take a pushchair - but there are some bumpy and narrow paths so take caution!
If you’re staying on the Isle Of Wight and you’re looking for an opportunity to experience the Isle’s pre-historic roots, Dinosaur Isle is the place for you.
This attraction isn’t far from Landguard, Nodes Point or even Lower Hyde Holiday Parks, so why not treat the dinosaur fans in your family to a day-trip to remember?
Hypsilophodon model at Dinosaur Isle – Image courtesy of Dinosaur Isle
ROARRR
Lenwade, Norwich, Norfolk, NR9 5JW
ROARR! monster-sized park has everything a dino-fan could want. Regardless of the weather, you’ll find something to do at this fantastic attraction, which boasts indoor and outdoor activities all-year round.
Explore the Dinosaur Trail and Deer Safari or take on the Jurassic Park-inspired Lost World Maze. There are event ‘Raptor Racing’ cart tracks for the thrill-seeking little ones!
An amazing tree-house adventure park has to be seen to be believed. The ‘Pterodactyl’s Nest’ is a great way to wear out the kids while they learn about the region’s pre-historic roots.
Keep your eyes peeled on the Visit Norfolk website, where you’ll find a great range of events including Dinos at Night, where visitors can experience the dinosaur fun in the twilight hours, and the truly terrifying Primeval events, which take place over the Halloween period.
You can see the animatronic beasts around the park as well as being able to meet Dinosaur Adventure’s own T-Bone and Eotyrannus - who roam the park at peak times. This is ideal for families with children of any age. We’d definitely recommend putting a trip to Dinosaur Adventure on the agenda if you are staying at a holiday park near Norfolk such as Cherry Tree or Summerfields.
One of the animatronic beasts at Dinosaur Adventure in Norwich
Jurassic Crazy Golf at Warmwell Holiday Park, Dorset
Weymouth, Dorset, DT2 8JE
Jurassic crazy golf at Warmwell Holiday Park will take you back millions of years to when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Enjoy the exciting Jurassic trail as you test your mini golf skills. This themed crazy golf course is brand new for 2021 and the kids are sure to love it!
If you're holidaying at Warmwell this year then don't miss out on some prehistoric fun that the whole family can get involved with.
Torquay’s Dinosaur World
3 Victoria Parade, Torquay TQ1 2BB
Dinosaur World is an indoor exhibition, which can be appreciated by every member of the family. Dare to put your head in the jaws of a real T-Rex skull, discover ancient fossils, or even uncover your own in the excavation area.This exhibition is filled with photo opportunities, plus the chance to interact with a triceratops! Dinosaur World is push-chair friendly, wheelchair- friendly, and even dog friendly (as long as they are kept on a lead).
In case you want to come back you can buy a ‘Paleo Pass’ giving you re-entry in to the attraction for the duration of the pass. Ideal for something to see while on a day out to Torquay, especially those interested in finding out more about dinosaurs. The attraction is just minutes from Torquay Holiday Park, and a short drive from Challaborough Bay, so undoubtedly worth a look if you’re holidaying in Devon.
The kids will love Torquay’s Dinosaur World – Image Courtesy of Torquay's Dinosaur World
The Dinosaur Park
Great Wedlock, Gumfreston, Tenby SA70 8RB
The Dinosaur Park is both a dinosaur park AND an adventure theme park. The attraction’s central feature is the ‘Jurassic Journey’ tour around Tenby’s trademark Dinosaur inhabited woodland area. Kids can also get in to the archaeological spirit in the ‘dino dig’.
Outside you will find the astra slide, water bubbles and even a dino-themed crazy golf course. Don’t forget to check out the ‘Tubey Ride’ which is a dry rubber-ring slide. A fun day out for the whole family during your stay in South Wales, just 14 miles from Pendine Sands Holiday Park!
Courtesy of The Dinosaur Park, Tenby
The Dinosaur Museum
Icen Way, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1EW
First opened in 1984, The Dinosaur Museum in Dorchester is a one-stop shop for everyone pre-historic. Only 7-miles from the Jurassic Coast, there’s no better place to immerse yourself in the world of dinosaurs.
Brace yourself to witness life-sized reconstructions of these amazing creatures including the Stegosaurus and the T-Rex. With a range of interactive displays and educational displays, this attraction is a great choice for kids of all ages. You can even make your own dinosaur discoveries in the excavation pit!
Tickets are available for The Dinosaur Museum online along with information about the events hosted by this family-friendly attraction. Visitors to Warmwell Holiday Park can reach the museum in less than 15 minutes by car.
“Dippy” the Diplodocus paid a visit to The Dinosaur Museum from the Natural History Museum - Video courtesy of The Guardian
Dinosaurland Fossil Museum
Coombe Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3PY
Budding geologists will love the next attraction on our list. With over 12,000 specimens on display, there’s plenty to explore at this awesome museum. Not only are there thousands of fossils to examine, Dinosaurland Fossil Museum is also home to a lump of dinosaur dung weighing a whopping 73kg!
You’ll see fossils and remnants of creatures you never knew existed, from subsea carnivores to forest-dwelling herbivores. Once you’ve spent the day learning everything there is to know our pre-historic ancestors, why not head out to the Jurassic Coast and see what you can find? There are still plenty of fossils to find on nearby Monmouth and Lyme Regis beaches. Dating back over 200 million years, these areas are abundant with amazing Jurassic artefacts!
Lyme Regis beach is abundant with fossils - Photo © susie peek (cc-by-sa/2.0)
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