Name: The Dinosaur Museum
Rating: 5.0

The Dinosaur Museum

The Dinosaur Museum, Icen Way, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1EW, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

Welcome To The Dinosaur Museum presenting dinosaurs in Dorchester, the county town of Dorset, in southern England. The Dinosaur Museum is the only museum in mainland Britain dedicated purely to dinosaurs.

See dinosaur skeletons, walk among life-size reconstructions including Stegosaurus and T-Rex, and learn through hands-on interactive displays. Hear the sounds and even smell the breath of a T-Rex as you explore Jurassic Dorset. Learn from the pioneers of fossil discovery including Mary Anning and Richard Owen and explore the rich dinosaur heritage of the Jurassic coast by seeing and touching our real fossil displays including dinosaur heads, teeth, eggs and even Poo!

Price starts from £15.00 for Adults(18 years and over), £11.00 for Children and free for Children under 3. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Interactive Learning: The museum features "feely boxes" and dinosaur puzzles that encourage children to engage directly with the exhibits rather than just looking.
Immersive Audio-Visuals: Hear the sounds and even smell the breath of a T-Rex as you walk through the Jurassic Dorset displays.
Educational Foundation: Learn about the history of paleontology through the work of pioneers like Mary Anning and Richard Owen.
Jurassic Heritage: Explore the rich dinosaur heritage of the local Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What to See

Life-Size Reconstructions: Walk among impressive, full-scale models including the terrifying T-Rex and the plant-eating Stegosaurus. These reconstructions are designed to be visually striking and are a highlight for children who want to see "real" dinosaurs up close.
The Excavation Pit: This dedicated hands-on area allows children to play the role of a paleontologist. Kids can dig for their own fossil discoveries in a sand-filled pit, making it a great way to burn off energy during the visit.
Real Fossil Displays: The museum showcases an extensive collection of authentic fossils. You can see and touch real dinosaur heads, teeth, eggs, and even fossilised dinosaur "poo," which is consistently a hit with younger visitors.
Multimedia & Quiz Trails: Enhance your visit with free fun sheets that help children solve dinosaur puzzles as they move through the museum. Successfully completing the trail often earns young explorers a Dino Hunters Achievement Certificate.
The Victorian Schoolhouse Setting: The building itself is an exhibit. Being housed in a former Victorian school gives the museum a unique, historic atmosphere that stands out from modern, purpose-built venues.

Facilities

Toilets: Available on-site for visitors.
Buggy Parking: The museum is located in a listed Victorian building with narrow stairs; it is recommended to leave large buggies in the car if possible.
Food Options: There is no café on-site, but the museum is minutes away from the numerous cafes and restaurants in Dorchester town centre.
Gift Shop: A well-stocked shop sells dinosaur models, books, fossils, and clothing.

Pro-Tips for Families

Timing Your Arrival: The museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Arriving on a weekday morning is recommended to avoid school trip crowds.
Accessibility Warning: The museum is housed in an older building with narrow staircases; it may be challenging for visitors with limited mobility or very large pushchairs.
Parking: The museum is pedestrian-signposted from all main town centre car parks, such as the "Top of Town" lot.
Combine Tickets: While the museum offers unlimited re-entry for the season, consider planning your visit for a day when the weather is poor, as this is a compact, primarily indoor activity.

FAQ

Is The Dinosaur Museum worth it for toddlers? Yes, it is well-suited for toddlers who enjoy visual dinosaur models and interactive elements like the excavation pit, though parents should be mindful of the narrow stairs if they are bringing a pushchair.
How long does a family visit to The Dinosaur Museum take? Most families find that between 1 and 1.5 hours is enough to comfortably view the exhibits, complete the quiz trail, and enjoy the hands-on displays without feeling rushed.
Where is the best place to park for The Dinosaur Museum? The "Top of Town" car park or the Fairfield car park are the most convenient options, as the museum is a short, well-signposted walk from these central locations.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love:

The interactive nature of the exhibits, especially the excavation pit and the "feely" boxes.
The sense of accomplishment children get from completing the quiz trail and receiving a certificate.
The focus on local Jurassic Coast history, which links the museum to the wider region.

What Visitors Don't Like:

The compact size of the building means it can feel small during peak times.
The narrow stairs and lack of lift access can be difficult for families with very young children in large prams.

What to see

Detailed Inventory of Museum Collections

Stegosaurus Reconstruction: A full-scale model of the famous plate-backed herbivore.
Tyrannosaurus Rex Model: A life-sized reconstruction that includes sound and sensory elements.
Brachiosaurus Display: A model showcasing the scale of these massive long-necked creatures.
Fossilised Dinosaur Eggs: Rare specimens showing how prehistoric life began.
Dinosaur Teeth Collection: A selection of real fossils displaying the sharp features of various predators.
Coprolite Specimens: Authentic fossilised dinosaur dung, a firm favourite for educational "gross-out" fun.
Mary Anning Memorabilia: Displays detailing the work of the famous fossil collector who lived nearby.
Richard Owen Exhibits: Information on the Victorian naturalist who coined the term "Dinosaur."

Beyond the Main Attraction

The Teddy Bear Museum: Located very close by, this museum offers a completely different, nostalgic experience perfect for a second stop in Dorchester.
The Tutankhamun Exhibition: Another popular historical attraction in the town centre for those interested in ancient civilizations.
Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum: A highly interactive local history site where families can explore the cells and courthouse.
Brewery Square: A short walk away, this area offers modern shops, dining, and outdoor spaces.

New for 2026

Expanded Re-entry Perks: All standard admission tickets now include unlimited free re-entry to the museum throughout the entire 2026 season, valid until 31st October 2026.
Enhanced Interactive Trails: The "Great Dinosaur Hunt" has been updated for 2026, offering new challenges and puzzles for children to solve as they navigate the museum galleries.
Year-Round Accessibility: The museum has maintained its commitment to being a dog-friendly attraction for 2026, welcoming well-behaved dogs on leads throughout the galleries alongside their owners.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

Website

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adults: £15.00
Children: £11.00
Children under 3: FREE.

Pricing URL: https://www.thedinosaurmuseum.com/admissions

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The museum does not currently list standard commercial birthday party packages. For private event or group booking enquiries, please contact the museum directly at 01305 269741.

Every day: 10am to 4pm.

Address: The Dinosaur Museum, Icen Way, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1EW, UK

Post Code: DT1 1EW

Council: Dorset

County: Dorset

By Road: Dorchester is on the A35 from Bournemouth to Bridport road where it meets with the A354 from Weymouth and the A37 from Yeovil. It is within comfortable reach of the M27, M3 and M5. Once in Dorchester park in the town centre or Fairfield car parks.
By Rail: There are excellent rail links by Intercity on the London Waterloo to Weymouth line stopping at Dorchester South. Dorchester's other station - Dorchester West Station – is on the Great Western line that links Bristol to Weymouth. The Museum is about 15 minutes walk from either station.
By bus or coach: There are good direct bus services to Dorchester from Weymouth, Poole Salisbury, Yeovil, Bridport, Lyme Regis, Blandford and Axminster. There are daily longer distance National Express coach links to Dorchester from London Victoria (via Southampton), from Liverpool (via Birmingham), from Plymouth (via Exeter) and from Blackpool (via Manchester and Birmingham).
Parking: Use one of the town centre car parks they are all only a short walk away. There is a fairly small car park just around the corner in Allington Terrace, just off Icen Way. The main town centre car parks off Acland Road, near Waitrose, are only a couple of minutes walk away.