Dinosaurland Fossil Museum, Lyme Regis, Dorset
Dinosaurland Fossil Museum is an absolute must for fossil fanatics and dinosaur devotees, so do go if you've got those sorts with you on your large group holiday in the South West. The museum is tucked away in the narrow streets of Lyme Regis, one of the most charming towns on the Jurassic coast, and has over 12,000 specimens on permanent display - like, wow! The ground floor is taken up with an enormous collection of fossils found along the beaches of Dorset and East Devon; some are up to 200 million years old, and they range from the enormous Ichthyosaur to the tiniest fish and ammonites. Make sure you see the fascinating exotic fossils; real Chinese dinosaurs, Russian trilobites and perhaps best of all, a 73kg lump of dinosaur poo! Go upstairs and there’s plenty to find out about on a vast geological timeline; in the Natural History Room you’ll find a plethora of modern day shells, skeletons and taxidermy.
On the way out get yourself a souvenir from the shop, though deciding what to take home with you won’t be easy as there’s such an incredible amount of fossils and crystals, as well as jewellery and toys. Well worth a visit, and it’s nice to spend a couple of quiet hours here, away from the hustle and bustle on the seafront.
Check the website for the latest opening hours
T: 01297 443541 All information correct at the time of writing