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The South West has plenty of dinosaur-themed activities – perfect for celebrating International Dinosaur Day. Looking for inspiration? Our guide explores everything to do in the South West this International Dinosaur Day, including how to get to each location with South Western Railway.
What is International Dinosaur Day?
International Dinosaur Day is a day to learn about dinosaurs, taking place on 1 June 2023. People celebrate by going fossil hunting, visiting museums, reading their favourite dinosaur books and hosting dinosaur-themed parties.
Jurassic Coast
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Dorset’s Jurassic Coast is the perfect place to celebrate your love of dinosaurs, with plenty of dinosaur-related history and activities. It stretches over 95 miles, with dramatic coastal views and picturesque sightseeing areas.
Stations along the Jurassic Coast include:
- Bournemouth
- Weymouth
- Hamworthy
- Holton Heath
- Wareham
- Wool
- Moreton
- Dorchester South
- Upwey
- Poole
Dinosaurland Fossil Museum
Head to Lyme Regis to begin your dino-themed day at Dinosaurland Fossil Museum. Admire the spectacular collection of marine fossils in all shapes and sizes, including the Diving Ichthyosaur and the Langdon Ichthyosaur. Then, head to the Time Gallery to discover how geologists date and identify rocks.
Jurassic Coast fossil beaches
The Jurassic Coast beaches are some of the best areas for finding fossils. Natural rock erosion constantly exposes new fossils from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous geological periods – some from around 250 million years ago! The best beaches to find fossils are East Cliff Beach and Monmouth Beach (both in Lyme Regis), Bowleaze Cove in Weymouth, St Oswald’s Bay near Lulworth, and Pirates Cove at the end of Pirates Lane in Wyke Regis.
London
Catch a train to London for International Dinosaur Day and enjoy everything the city has to offer! Our services take you to different parts of the capital, including London Waterloo, Clapham Junction and Vauxhall.
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is famous for its dinosaur exhibitions. Housing an impressive collection of fossils, including dinosaur bones, mammoth teeth, coprolites and amber, it’s one of the best places to see fossils in the UK. Why not go all out with an exclusive dino tour? These tours take place out of hours on Fridays and Saturdays, allowing you to explore the museum before the crowds arrive.
Jurassic Encounter Adventure Golf
Combine your love of dinosaurs with adventure golf for an action-packed day at Jurassic Encounter Adventure Golf. With nine life-size dinosaurs that move and roar, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you pass waterfalls, island greens and prehistoric caves! Jurassic Encounter Adventure Golf is a 17-minute walk from Raynes Park station, just a short train ride from London Waterloo.
Bournemouth
If you’re celebrating International Dinosaur Day in Bournemouth, you’ll find plenty to do – particularly for science enthusiasts. Catch a train to Bournemouth station to begin your fun-filled day out.
Science Zone UK
There are many dino-related activities at the Science Zone, a fun museum that explores the past and present. Admire the fossils and dinosaur models (including a life-size skeleton) in the Dinosaur Zone. You’ll then have the opportunity to dig your own genuine fossils using a chisel, brush and magnifying glass provided by the museum.
Bournemouth Natural Science Society
Bournemouth’s Natural Science Society houses one of the largest fully catalogued paleontological collections in the South of England – impressive! See fossils from millions of years ago, many of which are rare or extinct. The Jurassic Exhibit is the best place to start, with plenty of fascinating remains.
Dorchester
Dorchester is a historic town with a fantastic selection of museums, shops and restaurants. Catch a train to Dorchester South for easy access to the town centre.
The Dinosaur Museum
It’s only appropriate to start your day at the Dinosaur Museum, a place dedicated to the prehistoric world of dinosaurs. Walk among dinosaur skeletons, real fossil displays and life-size models of your favourite dinos, with interactive features throughout. You can even smell the breath of a T-Rex – if you dare!
Isle of Wight
Known as ‘Dinosaur Isle’, we can’t think of a more appropriate place to visit on International Dinosaur Day than the Isle of Wight. It’s easy to catch a ferry here from England. Hop on a train to Southampton Central or Portsmouth Harbour to access the ports. Remember to combine your train and ferry tickets for a discount!
Fossil hunting
There are many areas for fossil hunting on the Isle of Wight, whether you join a guided fossil walk or plan your own itinerary. Compton Bay and Downs is a great place to start, home to dinosaur footprints and fossilised oyster shells from over 125 million years ago! As the seawater erodes the cliffs, dinosaur remains have been known to fall onto the beach – so you never know what you might find.
Yaverland Beach is another brilliant area for fossil hunting, containing remains of dinosaur bone, oyster shells, water snails and wood from 90 to 123 million years ago.
Ventnor Botanic Garden
Ventnor Botanic Garden grows in the Ventnor Undercliff on the Isle of Wight’s south coast. Its subtropical climate and plant life make it a unique attraction on the island. On entry, you’ll collect a Walking with Dinosaur Plants Trail Map that will take you to various prehistoric plants, including Ginkgo trees, the Wollemi Pine and fossilised Cycads.
Dinosaur Isle
Celebrate International Dinosaur Day at Dinosaur Isle, the Isle of Wight’s purpose-built dinosaur museum in Sandown. With a collection of 30,000 geological specimens, many of which are fossils, it’s the best place to learn all about the island’s dinosaur history. Afterwards, enjoy the museum’s picnic area or head to the beach across the road.
Windsor
There are plenty of dinosaur-related activities to enjoy in Windsor on International Dinosaur Day. Hop on a train to Windsor & Eton Riverside to kickstart your day.
Natural History Museum, Eton College
Open on Sundays between 14:30 and 17:00, Eton College’s Natural History Museum is a free museum packed with dinosaur artefacts. It boasts a collection of fossils dating back to the Precambrian era, as well as skeletons from a Camarasaurus, an Allosaurus and an Iguanodon.
There are three different trails in the museum. In celebration of International Dinosaur Day, we recommend taking the Dinosaur Trail first!
DUPLO Dino Coaster, LEGOLAND®
Did you know that LEGOLAND® has its very own dinosaur-themed rollercoaster? Named the DUPLO Dino Coaster, this fun, family-friendly ride takes you around the track on the back of a LEGO dragon. With lots for kids to enjoy, visit LEGOLAND® this International Dinosaur Day. When you travel by train, you can save 10% on your entry with SWR Rewards.
Other activities in the South West
Can’t get enough of dinosaurs? You’ll be happy to know there are even more dino activities to enjoy across the South West! Here are our top picks:
- Grampy Rabbit's Dinosaur Adventure, Peppa Pig World in Paultons Park
- Jurassic Adventure Mini Golf, Wokingham
- Cole Museum of Zoology, University of Reading
- The Look Out Discovery Centre, Bracknell
- Off the Trail, Cobham
- Red House Museum and Gardens, Christchurch
- West Berkshire Museum, Newbury
Travel to your dino-destination with SWR
Whatever activity you choose this International Dinosaur Day, South Western Railway can help you get there. Discover cheap train tickets by travelling off-peak, and enjoy further discounts with a Railcard. If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave or a Family and Friends Railcard.
