Dinosaur Expeditions Conservation and Palaeoart Centre
Community-run fossil centre at Dinosaur Farm near Brighstone with dinosaur fossils, palaeoart, children’s activities and a fossil shop.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Dinosaur Expeditions, Conservation and Palaeoart Centre opened in 2013 at Dinosaur Farm on the Military Road near Brighstone. It took over the site of the earlier Dinosaur Farm Museum and was set up by former staff of that museum through Dinosaur Expeditions CIC, a community interest company. Dinosaur Farm is where at least 30 per cent of a brachiosaurus skeleton, described as the most complete of its kind in Western Europe, was found in 1992.
The centre houses a growing collection of scientifically important fossils, with displays of Isle of Wight and international dinosaur fossils and an exhibition of palaeoart, which is art showing prehistoric life. It also has children’s activities and a fossil gift shop.
The company aims to teach local people and visitors why the island’s fossil heritage should be managed sustainably, and it encourages the retention of important finds. It also runs guided fossil-hunting trips at several locations on the Isle of Wight throughout the year.
Highlights
- Isle of Wight and international dinosaur fossils
- Palaeoart exhibition
- Children’s activities and a fossil gift shop
- Site where a large brachiosaurus skeleton was found in 1992
- Guided fossil-hunting trips available
Permanent exhibition
- Dinosaur fossils and palaeoart – Displays of Isle of Wight and international dinosaur fossils together with an exhibition of palaeoart.
- Founded
- 2013
- Operated by
- Dinosaur Expeditions CIC
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £7.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | £6.50Seniors aged 65 and over, children aged 5 to 17, students and concessions |
| Children & teens | £6.50free up to age 4 · Ages 5 to 17; children aged 0 to 4 are free. |
| Seniors | £6.50Aged 65 and over. |
| Students & apprentices | £6.50Student and concession ticket. |
| Groups (10+ people) | £6 per personPrice per person for groups of 10 or more. |
| Families | £25Two adults and two children. |
| Grandparent’s ticket (2 seniors and 2 children) | £20 |
| Experience ticket, adult (admission and public fossil-hunting trip) | £15Subject to availability of a public fossil-hunting trip; contact the centre first. |
| Experience ticket, senior, child or concession | £10 |
| Experience ticket, family (2 adults and 2 children) | £45 |
| Experience ticket, grandparent’s (2 seniors and 2 children) | £35 |
| Experience ticket, group of 10 or more (per person) | £10 |
Experience tickets combine centre admission with a public fossil-hunting trip, which must be confirmed with the centre before buying.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | £25 · Two adults and two children. |
- Family tours & workshops
The centre offers children’s activities, and the fossil-hunting trips are open to families.
Getting there & parking
The centre is at Dinosaur Farm on the Military Road (A3055) near Brighstone.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
A fossil gift shop is part of the centre.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The company also runs guided fossil-hunting trips at several beaches on the Isle of Wight throughout the year; places are booked by email. |
