The best dinosaur attractions and days out 2024

The UK’s best dinosaur attractions provide a great day out for fans of the Jurassic era, offering visceral thrills and educational insight in equal measures. From the sheer size and scale of these extinct monsters to the way in which they vanished from the face of the earth, dinosaurs have fascinated us humans for decades. And no matter where you are in the UK, you’ll never be far away from a dino-based theme park or a museum filled with prehistoric remains.

To help you fill your diary, we’ve put together a list of the best dinosaur attractions in the UK right now, providing all the information you need (map links, 2024 prices, etc) to plan a great family day out. Cue the dramatic music – it’s time to start your adventure…

By booking through Kids Pass, Boundless members can get special deals at two of these attractions – Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park in Devon and Dino Falls Adventure Golf in Greater Manchester. If you haven’t signed up for Boundless yet and you want to start saving money, visit our membership page – on joining, the benefits include a free 12-month membership with Kids Pass.

The best dinosaur attractions in the south of England

Natural History Museum, London

Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD (find it on Google Maps)

Photo: Kotomi

Free entry.

The Natural History Museum’s most famous dinosaur – Dippy the Diplodocus – may be on tour at the moment (see ‘The best dinosaur attractions in the Midlands and the East of England’ further down the page to find out where he currently is), but there’s still plenty to see in the museum’s permanent dino exhibition. Among the highlights are the first fossil from a T-Rex ever found, the skull of a Triceratops, plus the skeletons of an Iguanodon and a Baryonyx – one of the largest meat-eaters ever unearthed in Europe.

World of Dinosaurs, Hertfordshire Zoo

White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne EN10 7QA (find it on Google Maps)

Adults (aged 16 and over) from £23.50, children (aged 2-15) from £21.50, under-2s free, seniors (aged 60 and over) from £20, accessibility tickets (inc. carer) from £20.

Part of Hertfordshire Zoo – a great day out in itself – the thrilling World of Dinosaurs features 30 life-size animatronic monsters dotted around acres of stunning woodland. Meet a whole host of snapping and snarling beasts, from cunning Velociraptors to the imperious T-Rex. For budding archaeologists, there’s a Dino Dig area – and don’t forget to take a ride on the Rex Express dinosaur train.

Lost Kingdom, Paultons Park

Romsey SO51 6AL (find it on Google Maps)

Adults and children over 1m tall from £43.50, children under 1m tall free.

One of England’s best-loved theme parks, Paultons Park boasts several zones, including Peppa Pig World and the US-flavoured Tornado Springs. For dinosaur lovers, there’s Lost Kingdom, which features not only life-like animatronic beasts, but a range of dino-themed rides. From the soaring Flight of the Pterosaur to the exhilarating Splash Lagoon log flume, there’s plenty to keep thrill-seekers happy.

Crystal Palace Dinosaurs

Thicket Road, London SE19 2GA (find it on Google Maps)

Free entry.

This iconic collection of sculptures has been surprising and entertaining dinosaur fans for 170 years. Opened in 1854, the permanent exhibit in London’s Crystal Palace Park saw enthusiastic visits from none other than Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. While the sculptures aren’t entirely accurate by today’s scientific standards, they’ll still make a big impact on those who love all things Jurassic.

Jurassic Coast

Devon and Dorset (find it on Google Maps)

Free entry.

Stretching from Orcombe Point near Exmouth to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage, the Jurassic Coast is famous for its fossils. Many still tumble from the cliffs of this World Heritage Site, prompting a stream of amateur palaeontologists to scour the beaches below. Caution is key, especially when dealing with cliffs and tides – the safest beaches are located between Charmouth and Lyme Regis.

Dinosaurs in the Park

Danson Park, Bexley DA6 8HL (find it on Google Maps)

18 May – 9 June

General admission (aged 3 and over) from £8.80, under-3s free, concessions from £7.20, group ticket for 4 people from £33.60.

A limited-run event, Dinosaurs in the Park starts its UK tour in Bexley before moving on to Manchester (19 July – 4 August) and Northampton (16 August – 1 September). Dino fans are in for a roaring good time – as well as 40 life-size animatronic creatures from the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods, there’s a Dino Fun Zone packed with activities, from dinosaur-themed rides to an archaeological dig.

Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park

Ilfracombe EX34 0NG (find it on Google Maps)

Adults (aged 16 and over) £17.49, children (aged 3-15) £14.99, under-3s free, adult concessions £14.99, child concessions £7.49.

Boundless member offer: If you book your tickets through Kids Pass (a 12-month subscription to which comes free with a Boundless membership), you can get £2 off per person

Alongside the real animals at this Devon attraction, there’s a whole range of extinct creatures to encounter. Thrill-seekers will love the Dino Express Train, complete with earthquake effects and cascading water, and there’s also a fossil museum to explore. Since Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park is located in sub-tropical gardens in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there’s plenty for the more gentle at heart to enjoy, too.

Torquay’s Dinosaur World

Victoria Parade, Torquay TQ1 2BB (find it on Google Maps)

Adults £7.95, children aged 3-16 £7.95, under-3s free, seniors £7.95, military/NHS £6.95, disabled and carers £5.95, groups of 8 or more £6.95.

One of the few indoor attractions on this list, Torquay’s Dinosaur World offers a great day out for fans of these fascinating beasts – whatever the weather. There’s plenty to see and do, with everything from life-size dino replicas to an interactive quiz. If you’re brave enough, you can even have your photo taken with your head inside a terrifying T-Rex fossil skull!

Dinosaur Valley, Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park

Pixash Lane, Bath Road, Keynsham BS31 1TP (find it on Google Maps)

Adults from £14.95, children aged 2-16 from £14.95, toddlers (under-2 and walking) £9.95, babes in arms free, registered carers assisting full-paying disabled visitors £8.75.

Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park is packed with activities, ranging from children’s rides to wildlife encounters. One of the most popular parts of the park is Dinosaur Valley, home to the largest collection of animatronic dinos in the South West. You’ll meet a range of imperious beasts, including a Stegosaurus, a Triceratops, a Brachiosaurus and a 15-metre-high T-Rex!

Dinosaur Isle Museum

Culver Parade, Sandown, Isle of Wight PO36 8QA (find it on Google Maps)

Museum: Adults (aged 16 and over) £8, children aged 3-15 £5, under-3s free, family tickets from £19.50, concessions £5

Public fossil walk: Adults (aged 16 and over) £7, children aged 3-15 £4, under-3s free, family tickets from £18, concessions £5.

According to the Natural History Museum, the Isle of Wight is the Dinosaur Capital of Britain. That statement is reflected in the Dinosaur Isle Museum’s vast collection. Modelled on a giant Pterosaur, this popular attraction features over 40,000 dino-related specimens, including more than 1,000 fossil finds. Kids can explore life-sized models of famous Isle of Wight dinosaurs, including the ferocious Neovenator. Plus there’s a robotic dinosaur that they can control

The best dinosaur attractions in the Midlands and the East of England

Dippy in Coventry

Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry CV1 5QP (find it on Google Maps)

Photo: Herbert Art Gallery & Museum

Free entry (enhanced tickets £8).

Probably the most famous dinosaur in the UK, ‘Dippy’ – a plaster-cast replica of a diplodocus skeleton – was first unveiled to the public way back in 1905, when he became a permanent fixture at London’s Natural History Museum. More recently, this 26m-long attraction has been touring some of the country’s other museums – and for the foreseeable future, you can catch him at Coventry’s Herbert Art Gallery & Museum. Don’t miss your chance to see this bony beast in all its glory.

Gulliver’s Dinosaur and Farm Park

Livingstone Drive, Milton Keynes MK15 0DT (find it on Google Maps)

Adults £12.50, children over 90cm £12.50, children under 90cm free, concessions £7.50.

There’s plenty for young visitors to do at the Gulliver’s Dinosaur & Farm Park in Milton Keynes. At this double attraction, reptile fans can explore the Lost World of the Living Dinosaurs, where 32 different kinds of animatronic dinosaurs roar and move around the park. Plus, there are dinosaurs to ride on, a river cruise, an observation tower and a reptile and bug centre. When they’ve had their fill of all things dinosaur, kids can visit the neighbouring Farm Park to pet animals, ride tractors and visit fluffy chicks.

ROARR!

Lenwade, Norwich NR9 5JE (find it on Google Maps)

Adults £23.95, children over 90cm £23.95, children under 90cm free, concessions £19.55, essential companions free.

A herd of lifesize dinosaurs, including a T-Rex, a Stegosaurus and a Triceratops, awaits on ROARR!’s woodland trail. Budding palaeontologists can dig for fossils and bones, while there are a variety of play areas guaranteed to tire out kids of all ages, including an award-winning indoor soft-play centre, a ‘stone age road race’ circuit, a splash zone and an outdoor adventure playground.

The best dinosaur attractions in the north of England

Hoo Zoo & Dinosaur World

Hoo Farm, Telford TF6 6DJ (find it on Google Maps)

Photo: Hoo Zoo & Dinosaur World

Adults (aged 16-60) from £16.95, children aged 2-15 from £15.95, under-2s free, seniors (aged 60 and over) from £15.45, concessions from £15.45, family of 4 from £64, family of 5 from £75, carers free.

Boasting what it describes as “Britain’s most realistic dinosaurs”, this Shropshire attraction is a delight for fans of bygone beasts. Over 30 can be found on Dinosaur World’s woodland trail, ranging from the usual favourites to lesser-known creatures such as the Ornitholestes and the Placerias. For a special treat, you could book yourself on the VIP Jurassic Experience (£80 for two people), which comes with a range of exciting extras.

Ark Wildlife & Dinosaur Park

West Fen Lane, Stickney PE22 8BD (find it on Google Maps)

Adults (aged 16 and over) £12.95, children aged 2-15 £9.50, under-2s free, family of 2 adults and 2 children £40, extra children with family ticket £7 each, seniors/disabled/carers/military £10.95.

“Bursting with exotic wildlife and close encounters” is how this award-winning Lincolnshire attraction is described on its official website – and they don’t come much more exotic than dinosaurs… Not only will you encounter a whole cast of roaring animatronics – from a Dilophosaurus to a T-Rex – but there’s also a dino dig where you can uncover a Velociraptor fossil, dino-themed quad bikes and a dinosaur treasure hunt.

Dino Falls Adventure Golf

Trafford Golf Centre, Old Park Lane, Manchester M17 8PG (find it on Google Maps)

Adults £9, under-16s/students/seniors £7, family of 2 adults and 2 children £28, family of 2 adults and 3 children £33, spectators £4, concessions available

Boundless member offer: If you book your tickets through Kids Pass (a 12-month membership that comes free with a Boundless membership), up to six paying guests each get a free drink – either a tall Starbucks hot drink, an ice-cold Slushy or a bottle of pop – with an average saving of £8*.

If you’d like to combine your love of dinosaurs with a bit of sporting activity, then Dino Falls Adventure Golf is just the ticket. Featuring two Jurassic-themed 18-hole courses – Brave the Volcano and Ride the Rapids – this popular outdoor attraction is a hit with families. Just be wary as you take your shot – there could be a prehistoric monster lurking in the bushes.

The best dinosaur attractions in Scotland

Dino Park and Soft Play

Hetland Garden Centre, Carrutherstown, Dumfries DG1 4JX (find it on Google Maps)

Photo: Dino Park and Soft Play

Dino Park: Adults (aged 14 and over) £5, children aged 1 and over £10, under-1s free, family of 2 adults and 2 children £28, concessions £4.50.

Dino Soft Play: Children aged 3 and over £8.50, children aged 1-2 £6.50

Combined family ticket for both attractions £45.

The leafy labyrinth at Dino Park in Dumfries hides 17 species of dinosaur, including a T-Rex, a Brachiosaurus and a Stegosaurus. Kids will love heading underground into a mine with a secret… Then they can hunt for dinosaur bones and identify their finds, before letting off steam in the treehouse playground or indoor soft-play area.

Dinosaur Kingdom, Landmark Forest Adventure Park

Carrbridge PH23 3AJ (find it on Google Maps)

Adults (aged 15 and over) from £31, children aged 4-14 from £29, toddlers (aged 3) from £14, under-3s free, seniors (aged 65 and over) from £29, super seniors (aged 75 and over) free, disabled adults from £15.50, disabled children from £14.50, essential carers free. Please note these are summer prices, applicable up to 27 October.

If you like your dinosaurs big and scary, then this spectacular attraction won’t disappoint. Dinosaur Kingdom is home to 22 realistic creatures, including a 20ft-tall T-Rex and others that are as long as three double-decker buses! Children will also get the opportunity to slide down their favourite dinosaurs, take part in a dino dig and have their picture taken with Jurassic legends.

National Museum of Scotland

Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF (find it on Google Maps)

Free entry.

A giant T-Rex guards the National Museum of Scotland’s Natural World galleries, where kids can also learn about the lives of animals from the Arctic to Australia. His friend (a Stegosaurus skeleton) presides over the interactive Adventure Planet gallery, where kids can get hands on and uncover their own dinosaur skeleton.

The best dinosaur attractions in Wales

Dinosaur Park, The National Showcaves Centre for Wales

Abercraf, Swansea SA9 1GJ (find it on Google Maps)

Photo: The National Showcaves Centre for Wales

Adults (aged 17 and over) £20, children aged 3-16 £16.50, under-2s free, adult disability/carers (aged 17 and over) £15, child disability/carers (aged 3-16) £11.50.

The stars of this Brecon Beacons attraction may be the three limestone caves that draw visitors from miles around – but the highlight for dinosaur fans is above ground. At the Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves outdoor dinosaur park, over 200 life-size models are set among woodland and waterfalls. Here, you’ll find a T-Rex, giant flying predators and a massive Brachiosaurus – a herbivore that weighed more than 15 elephants.

The Dinosaur Park

Gumfreston, Tenby SA70 8RB (find it on Google Maps)

Adults (aged 16 and over) £17.95, children aged 3-15 £16.50, toddler (aged 2) £11.50, under-2s free, seniors (aged 60 and over) £15.50, registered carers free.

There are surprises around every corner on The Dinosaur Park’s woodland trail, with 30 lifesize dinos hiding among the trees. But there’s so much more at this attraction besides – look out for themed rides, a dinosaur activity centre, a mini golf course and much more. There’s even a resident dinosaur band, for those who want to do some Jurassic jiving.

The best dinosaur attractions in Northern Ireland

Ulster Museum

Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AB (find it on Google Maps)

Photo: BangorArt

Free entry.

If you’re looking for a fun and free way to spend a few hours, then look no further than Ulster Museum. This busy family attraction features the only dinosaur bones in Ireland, weird and wonderful fossils discovered on Antrim’s Jurassic Coast, not to mention a huge variety of other, non-dino-related stuff. Prepare to be fascinated.

Do more with Boundless

If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus.

With Boundless, you get unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions including Kew Gardens and Wakehurst and WWT centres across the UK, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more. With Boundless Plus, you can enjoy additional benefits including unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites, National Trust for Scotland places, access to the Ramblers' extensive group walks and routes, and peace of mind with roadside assistance and local recovery by LV= Britannia Rescue.