/ Isle of Wight Trip Activities / Face the Giants of the Past
The Dinosaur Museum provides a thrilling and interactive highlight for any school group on a residential stay in the heart of Dorset. As the only museum in the UK solely dedicated to the world of dinosaurs, it offers youngsters a unique opportunity to walk among life-sized reconstructions and skeleton casts. The atmosphere is designed to be immersive, using sight, sound, and even smell to transport pupils back millions of years. It is an ideal setting for exploring Dinosaurs and Prehistoric life in a way that is both academically rewarding and genuinely exciting.
What sets this attraction apart is its commitment to tactile learning. Youngsters are actively encouraged to engage with the displays through "feely boxes" and touchable specimens, including real fossilised dinosaur skin and bones. This hands-on approach makes complex subjects like Fossils, Rocks & Soils accessible and memorable, as pupils can feel the textures of the past for themselves. The museum serves as a perfect introduction to the wider geology of the region, helping students understand how environmental changes over deep time shaped the very cliffs they may be exploring during their trip.
Beyond the scientific discovery, the museum is a fantastic spark for Literature & Creative Writing. The sheer scale of the T-Rex and the intricate details of the Triceratops models provide an incredible sensory stimulus for descriptive work and storytelling. Centrally located in Dorchester, the museum is easy to incorporate into a busy itinerary. A visit here ensures that youngsters return to their base with a newfound appreciation for Animals, Habitats & Biodiversity and the incredible natural history that lies right beneath their feet on the Jurassic Coast.
Here's some of the most frequently-asked questions about school visits to The Dinosaur Museum, posed by teachers and other group leaders
The museum is famous for its hands-on approach, but youngsters are asked to be respectful of the fragile skeleton casts and original fossils. Large groups may be split into smaller teams to ensure everyone gets a turn at the interactive stations.
The primary emergency exit is the main front door. In the event of an alarm, teachers must lead pupils outside immediately and gather at the designated assembly point at the nearby Town Pump for a full headcount.
A first aid kit is kept behind the main reception and gift shop counter. While staff can assist in an emergency, school groups are required to have their own designated first aider and a mobile medical kit for the duration of the visit.
Hand sanitising stations are located at the entrance and exit. Students are encouraged to use these before and after using the "feely boxes" or touching the tactile displays to ensure high standards of hygiene are maintained.
There are toilets on site.
Please leave large rucksacks and bags on the coach as some of the galleries are quite tight for space.
