
Dinosaur Isle
Explore a prehistoric world with animatronic dinosaurs and over 1,000 fossils in a unique pterodactyl-shaped building.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for footprints

Dinosaur Isle
Best Time
Best chance for footprints

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a prehistoric world with animatronic dinosaurs and over 1,000 fossils in a unique pterodactyl-shaped building.
"Highly recommended if you're visiting and like dinosaurs.
"
🎯 Low Tide for Footprints
Plan beach visits for low tide to see ancient dinosaur footprints!
♿ Accessible for All
Enjoy flat floors, disabled parking, and helpful staff for a comfortable visit.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fossil Collection
Discover nearly 1,000 of the best fossils, including the most complete UK dinosaur skeleton.

Life-Size Dinosaur Models
Encounter impressive models of Iguanodon, Polacanthus, and the fearsome Neovenator.

Fossil Preparation Lab
Watch staff and volunteers prepare real fossil finds, offering a true sense of discovery.

Dinosaur Footprints
An Corran Beach & Brother's Point
See ancient dinosaur tracks preserved in stone, best viewed at low tide.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Fossil Hunters
Accessibility and Family Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Low Tide for Footprints
Plan beach visits for low tide to see ancient dinosaur footprints!
♿ Accessible for All
Enjoy flat floors, disabled parking, and helpful staff for a comfortable visit.
💡 Interactive Learning
Engage with letter searches, tactile boxes, and smell stations for a fun experience.
💰 Blue Badge Parking
Free parking for blue badge holders; otherwise, payable parking is available.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Low Tide for Footprints
Plan beach visits for low tide to see ancient dinosaur footprints!
♿ Accessible for All
Enjoy flat floors, disabled parking, and helpful staff for a comfortable visit.
💡 Interactive Learning
Engage with letter searches, tactile boxes, and smell stations for a fun experience.
💰 Blue Badge Parking
Free parking for blue badge holders; otherwise, payable parking is available.
🎧 Sensory-Friendly Options
Free ear defenders available during sensory mornings and a weekly quiet hour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Dinosaur Isle is a highly recommended attraction for dinosaur lovers, praised for its impressive fossil collection, engaging interactive exhibits, and friendly, helpful staff. While some find the building and displays a bit dated, the educational value and hands-on activities make it a fun and accessible experience for families and enthusiasts alike.
"Amazing to see fossils and bones and animals that ruled the earth before us. Toilets in centre and lots of disabled access as floor flat gets busy when the kids off parking outside car park free for blue badge holders otherwise payable only a small car park staff very friendly and warm good for school holidays"
Matthew Brookes
"An engaging museum, with lots of interactive elements (my kids love the letter search). My youngest fell over on the way in and the staff were so helpful giving him some first aid. The shop is packed with stuff, so a nice place to visit for some treats."
Rebecca Thomas
"Brilliant place.
Staff are brilliant, full of information & very friendly, exhibits are both full of information & also interactive in places, cute fossil excavation areas for kids, lots of activities for younger kids to take part in. The main area has an active fossil station where the staff discussed things with patrons.
Highly highly recommended if you're visiting and like dinosaurs.
They also take blue light discount"
Arrun Hawkins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dinosaur Isle is located in Sandown on the Isle of Wight. You can reach the island via ferry from the mainland. Once on the island, Dinosaur Isle is well-signposted and accessible by car or public transport.
Yes, there is payable parking available outside the museum. For blue badge holders, parking is free.
Yes, Dinosaur Isle is accessible via public transport on the Isle of Wight. Check local bus routes for services to Sandown.
Indeed! You can find ancient dinosaur footprints preserved in stone at spots like An Corran Beach and Brother's Point on the Isle of Skye, best viewed during low tide.
Combine a visit to Dinosaur Isle with exploring beaches known for fossil discoveries and potential dinosaur footprint sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening times can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Dinosaur Isle website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on dinosaur isle opening times.
Admission prices can change. For current dinosaur isle prices and to potentially find a dinosaur isle discount code, visit their official website or inquire at the entrance.
While not always mandatory, booking dinosaur isle tickets in advance, especially during peak season or school holidays, is recommended to guarantee entry and avoid queues.
Yes, Dinosaur Isle accepts blue light discounts and is generally considered family-friendly. Check their website for any other special offers or group rates.
Dinosaur Isle offers a weekly quiet hour on Wednesdays from 9-10 AM, where sound effects are turned off for a calmer experience, making it ideal for visitors with sensory sensitivities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find nearly 1,000 fossils, life-size dinosaur models, interactive exhibits, and a fossil preparation lab where you can see real finds being worked on.
Absolutely! Kids can enjoy interactive elements like letter searches, tactile boxes, smell stations, and fossil excavation areas.
Yes, it's a great place for young children with many interactive and engaging exhibits. The quiet hour and ear defenders also cater to those with sensory needs.
Most visitors spend a few hours exploring the exhibits. The size of the attraction means it's a manageable visit, especially for families.
The active fossil station is where museum staff and volunteers prepare real fossil finds, allowing visitors to see the discovery process firsthand and ask questions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While specific dining facilities might be limited, there is a shop on-site that often sells treats and souvenirs. It's advisable to check their website for the latest information on food and drink options.
Picnic areas are often available at attractions like this, but it's best to confirm with Dinosaur Isle directly. Otherwise, there are usually cafes and restaurants in the nearby town of Sandown.
Information on specific dietary options is not widely available. If dining on-site, it's recommended to inquire directly. Sandown offers a variety of dining choices.
The shop is packed with dinosaur-themed items, from toys and books to educational materials and unique gifts, making it a great place to find treats.
Details about an on-site cafe are not consistently mentioned. Visitors often rely on the shop for snacks or explore dining options in Sandown.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside Dinosaur Isle for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially around certain exhibits.
Capture striking images with the life-size dinosaur models, the impressive fossil displays, and the unique pterodactyl-shaped building itself.
To protect the exhibits, flash photography may be restricted. Look for signage or ask staff if you're unsure about using flash.
Commercial photography usually requires prior permission. For personal use, you should be fine, but always confirm with the venue.
Visiting during off-peak hours or the quiet hour can provide fewer crowds for clearer photos. The natural light inside the museum can also be quite good.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Accessibility is a major plus, with flat floors and dedicated disabled parking. For a calmer visit, consider the Wednesday quiet hour or utilize the free ear defenders provided during sensory mornings. The nearby Sandown Seafront also offers beaches and mini-golf, making it a great addition to a family day out.
♿ Visitors with Mobility Needs
The staff are noted for being friendly and helpful, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable visit for all. The interactive exhibits are designed to be engaging without requiring strenuous physical activity, making it a pleasant experience for visitors of all abilities.
🦖 Dedicated Dinosaur Enthusiasts
Beyond the museum, exploring nearby beaches like An Corran for dinosaur footprints offers a chance to connect with the island's prehistoric past in a more natural setting. The sheer volume and quality of the fossils make it a rewarding experience for anyone passionate about dinosaurs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Prehistoric Past of the Isle of Wight
Many significant dinosaur discoveries have been made here, including the most complete dinosaur skeleton found in the UK in the last century, Comptonatus chasei. The museum proudly displays these finds, offering a tangible connection to the ancient creatures that once roamed the land. The presence of these fossils provides invaluable insights into the evolution and behavior of dinosaurs during the Cretaceous Period.
Beyond the museum, the island's coastline, particularly areas like An Corran Beach and Brother's Point, offers the chance to see actual dinosaur footprints preserved in the rock. These ancient tracks are a powerful reminder of the island's deep past and are best viewed during low tide, allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of giants.
Interactive Learning and Family Engagement
For younger visitors, the fossil excavation areas provide a hands-on experience, allowing them to simulate the thrill of discovery. The 'active fossil station' is a particular highlight, where visitors can observe museum staff and volunteers meticulously preparing real fossil finds. This visible lab offers a unique glimpse into the ongoing work of paleontologists and fosters a sense of real-time discovery.
The museum also prioritizes accessibility and comfort. They offer free ear defenders during sensory mornings and have a weekly quiet hour on Wednesdays to accommodate visitors with sensory sensitivities. This thoughtful approach ensures that Dinosaur Isle is an enjoyable and inclusive experience for every family member.
The Unique Architecture of Dinosaur Isle
This pterodactyl-shaped building houses an impressive collection, including nearly 1,000 of the island's best fossils. The design aims to immerse visitors in the world of dinosaurs from the moment they arrive, creating an engaging and memorable experience. The architecture complements the exhibits, making the visit feel like a journey back in time.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit