The Isle of WightThe Isle of Wight is known as the ‘Dinosaur Capital of the UK’, officially given this name by the Natural History Museum thanks to the huge number of fascinating ancient creatures whose remains have been discovered there. This popular holiday destination on Britain’s south coast once served as home to a wide range of dinosaur species, including the fearsome predator Neovenator, and Iguanadon, one of the first dinosaurs to ever be identified by science. Any dinosaur fan, young or old, paying a visit to this amazing island won't want to miss out on their opportunity to explore the many prehistoric attractions and activities available. While these attractions aren't currently open, why not take the time to plan your future dream holiday?

DINOSAUR ISLE MUSEUM

Situated in the seaside town of Sandown, Dinosaur Isle is a spectacular museum – housed in a building intended to evoke the shape of a soaring pterosaur – which serves as a showcase for the incredible dinosaur discoveries that have been made here. Life-sized models of the dinosaurs Neovenator, Eotyrannus, Iguanadon, Hypsilophodon, and Polacanthus are on display, as well as a futuristic robot dinosaur that guests can control and a whole range of other interactive exhibits.

Of course, you can also look at a collection of the original fossils that have been found on the Isle of Wight, and you can talk to expert palaeontologists and watch them preparing new specimens. It’s an experience no dinosaur fan would want to miss while visiting the Isle of Wight.

JURASSIC JIM FOSSIL SHOP

A fossilLocated in the resort village of Shanklin, the Jurassic Jim Fossil Shop sells all kinds of fantastic geological products, including gemstones, crystals, minerals, and of course fossils. But it’s no simple storefront – the shop has an excellent reputation for friendliness and welcoming families, with the owner, ‘Jurassic Jim’ himself, being on hand to answer questions, talk you through the collections on display, and help aspiring palaeontologists find a fossil to take home. And the prices are reasonable, with items starting at just 50p so there’s something to suit all budgets.

Dinosaur Expeditions CIC

Want to find out more about discovering your own fossils? Take a trip to the Dinosaur Expeditions CIC visitor centre, which has a range of fossil exhibits, dinosaur art, and kids’ activities, as well as educational resources about how to responsibly collect fossils in the variety of great locations around the Isle of Wight.

Not only that, but if you’re looking to get a real head-start on finding fossils, they offer a number of guided fossil hunts throughout the year, perfect for any budding palaeontologists (of any age!) to enjoy.

Blackgang Chine

Fossils and museum pieces are all well and good for educational purposes, but for something a little more immediate, you can come face-to-face with life-size animatronic dinosaurs at Britain’s oldest amusement park, Blackgang Chine.

Tyrannosaurus rexKnown as the ‘Land of Imagination’, this attraction offers a range of exciting and interactive theme worlds, including Underwater Kingdom, Pirate Cove, Fairyland, and – most importantly for our purposes – ‘Restricted Area 5’, an exciting enclosure where you can meet a range of full-size moving dinosaurs, including the largest animatronic T. Rex in the country, a Triceratops family, and an awe-inspiring Argentinosaurus, which is bigger than a double-decker bus! Fans of Jurassic Park will be thrilled – it’s a great place for an exciting day out.

Whatever your level of interest in dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures, you’re sure to find an attraction to suit on the Isle of Wight, the ‘Dinosaur Capital of the UK’. For more on fossil hunting please go to Dinosaur Days Out in Dorset.