New ‘Leon Garner Fossil Collection’ opens celebrating a lifetime of fossil-hunting and discovery
From 15th February, visitors to Jurassic Discovery will have the unique opportunity to visit the Leon Garner Fossil Collection, a remarkable new exhibit showcasing the lifelong passion of fossil-hunter, Leon Garner (1941-2024). This collection, never accessible to the public before, will be housed within the Jurassic Discovery exhibition and is included with entry to the animatronic Last Day of the Dinosaurs experience.
Leon Garner’s fascination with fossils began in childhood, as he explored the Jurassic Coast with his father Ron and brother Stefan. From hunting shark teeth at Bracklesham Bay to fossil expeditions in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, Leon’s dedication to discovery spanned decades. His adventures, from sneaking into the Natural History Museum to camping in tin huts above the Lyme Regis cliffs, are now part of an exhibition that celebrates both his personal journey and the wider story of fossil collecting.
The collection also features an exploration of the legacy of Mary Anning, the pioneering fossil collector of Lyme Regis, placing Leon’s contributions within the broader history of paleontological discovery.
Jenny Nunn, Chief Executive of Jurassic Discovery, said: “We are incredibly proud to unveil the Leon Garner Fossil Collection, offering visitors a glimpse into the extraordinary life of a man whose passion for fossils never faded. His story is one of curiosity, adventure, and a deep love for discovery—something we hope will inspire the next generation of fossil-hunters.”
The Leon Garner FossilCollection was generously donated to Jurassic Discovery by Leon’s sister, Karenina Bennett, and Megan Rodgers, following his death in 2024. This incredible donation ensures that Leon’s lifelong passion for fossil-hunting will be preserved and shared with the public and inspire future generations.
Karenina Bennett, Leon Garner’s sister, added: “Leon’s fascination with fossils shaped so much of his life, and this collection is a wonderful tribute to that. I think he would be delighted at the outcome, as is his older brother, Stefan, and as am I. His collection tells the story of his adventures, his dedication, and his sheer determination to uncover the past. We are so pleased that others can now share in his lifelong passion.”
“Leon had wanted his collection to go to a museum and had expressed his wish to assist in education in terms of donating his microscopes. In his later years, he began to try to find a home for it all as an entire collection, but this had been problematic. Generally, only some items were wanted due to specialisation, or most of it would never have seen the light of day again. That’s why I’m so pleased that Jurassic Discovery has taken on the complete collection.”
The Leon Garner Fossil Collection will also play a key role in expanding Jurassic Discovery’s educational offering, forming the basis for new learning sessions designed for schools and educational groups. These sessions will provide hands-on experiences, helping students engage with real fossils while learning about the history of palaeontology and the rich geological heritage of the Jurassic Coast. This initiative is part of Jurassic Discovery’s wider commitment to education and outreach, which has recently been strengthened by an £88,600 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Discovering Seaton’s Jurassic Past and Present project. This funding will support further developments, ensuring that the site continues to inspire curiosity and discovery for future generations.
The Leon Garner Fossil Collection will be on permanent display at Jurassic Discovery, offering an exciting new experience for visitors of all ages.
Jurassic Discovery has been awarded £88,600 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the new project: ‘Discovering Seaton’s Jurassic Past and Present’. This project will connect Seaton’s rich natural and geological heritage, providing unique learning opportunities and encouraging environmental stewardship for residents and visitors alike.
Opening in 2024, Jurassic Discovery currently offers an exciting new animatronic Dinosaur Exhibition called ‘The Last Day of the Dinosaurs’ which is now home to dinosaurs purchased from the Natural History Museum, London. The new attraction also offers a dinosaur-themed Soft Play, and Café which opened in March last year. The building was purchased from East Devon District Council and is now operated by Seaton Tramway.
Jurassic Discovery will act as a gateway to an exciting visitor experience. By linking Seaton Tramway, the Jurassic Discovery Garden, and broader local attractions such as Seaton Wetlands and the River Axe, the project will deepen public engagement with Seaton’s Jurassic Coast story and promote conservation efforts.
Key highlights of the project include:
Environmental Focus: Restoring and expanding the Jurassic Discovery Garden as a living exhibit that reflects prehistoric flora while serving as a vital habitat for wildlife.
Engaging Education: Collaborating with local schools, colleges, and specialist organisations to provide learning opportunities focused on climate change, biodiversity, and conservation.
Enhanced Accessibility: Developing sensory spaces and interactive installations to create an inclusive experience for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Community Involvement: Creating new volunteering, apprenticeship, and citizen science opportunities to engage local people and promote hands-on involvement in conservation.
Jenny Nunn, CEO of Jurassic Discovery & Seaton Tramway, said: “We are thrilled to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. This funding will enable us to preserve and enhance the incredible natural and geological heritage of Seaton while engaging our community in meaningful ways. The project reflects our commitment to education, conservation, and sustainability.”
The project, set to begin in January 2025, will run through until September 2026. It promises to position Seaton as a hub for heritage tourism while addressing key environmental challenges, such as climate change and biodiversity loss, through innovative interpretation and hands-on experiences.
In 2024, Jurassic Discovery received an incredible donation of over 1,500 individual fossils, enriching its collection with artefacts that span millions of years. A large selection of these fossils is being carefully curated for a brand-new public display set to open in February 2025. This generous donation will also form a key part of the funded project, contributing to new interpretation and learning opportunities at Jurassic Discovery. Visitors will have the chance to explore the specimens up close, deepening their understanding of the prehistoric world and Seaton’s unique connection to the Jurassic Coast.
Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. ‘Discovering Seaton’s Jurassic Past and Present’ is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
For more information on the ‘Discover Seaton’s Jurassic Past and Present’ project or to get involved, please visit https://bit.ly/JurassicDiscoveryNLHF or contact us at manager@jurassicdiscovery.co.uk
Seaton, Devon – Jurassic Discovery is thrilled to announce its most festive event yet – ‘Jurassic Christmas’, running from 23rd December 2024 to 5th January 2025. This family-friendly celebration is set to bring prehistoric cheer to visitors of all ages, blending the magic of Christmas with the wonder of the Jurassic era.
This unique experience will feature the dinosaurs from the popular ‘Last Day of the Dinosaurs’ exhibition dressed in festive attire. Expect to see your favourite dinosaurs donning scarves, Santa hats, and other cosy winter outfits, adding a whimsical twist to their usual fearsome appearance.
What’s on at Jurassic Christmas:
Dinosaurs in Christmas Gear: The iconic dinosaurs are getting into the Christmas spirit! Marvel at their festive transformations in the Last Day of the Dinosaurs exhibit.
Unique Photos for Christmas: Enjoy plenty of photo opportunities with the holiday-dressed dinosaurs.
Winter Warmers: Treat yourself to hot chocolate, mulled cider, and other seasonal delights available at the café.
Dino Soft Play: Enjoy a session in our Soft Play! Open late on select dates
Whether you’re looking for a fun family day out or a unique way to celebrate Christmas, Jurassic Christmas promises a memorable experience for everyone.
We are looking for volunteers to help develop our Jurassic Discovery Garden for the Dinosaur Exhibitions Grand Summer Opening!
We are following our landscape gardening plans to create an outdoor space that will reflect our fun, new Jurassic Discovery.
If you are green fingered and looking for something and somewhere a little different to use your skills as well as some great benefits when volunteering in the Seaton Tramway Team – please get in touch!
To find out more please call 01278 20375 Option 2, to speak to Mel
We know lots of you are looking forward to the release of our memberships and birthday offers, however we are committed to providing exceptional experiences that meet the highest standards of quality and enjoyment.
To ensure that our new offers live up to those standards, we are taking additional time to enhance and refine both the content of our packages and the systems that support them.
What This Means for You:
Memberships:
The launch of our new membership tiers is being delayed. We are working diligently to upgrade these memberships, to give a smoother user experience.
Birthday Packages
The introduction of our birthday packages is also being postponed.
We aim to create unforgettable birthday experiences, and deliver joy and excitement in the most seamless way possible.
We understand this may be disappointing news, particularly for those eagerly anticipating these offerings. Please know that this decision was made with your best interests in mind.
Next Steps and Updates:
Part of the upgrade to memberships is waiting for our new payment gateway, so that we can move away from PayPal.
To stay up to date with any news or updates, please follow our social media channels and sign up to our newsletter.
We deeply appreciate your patience and understanding during this period. Our team is excited about the enhancements we are making and we can’t wait to share them with you.
Get ready as the much-anticipated visitor attraction Jurassic Discovery in Seaton, East Devon, announces the grand opening date of its Soft Play & Café on 29th March 2024!
Perfect for families and dinosaur enthusiasts, the Soft Play area offers fun for kids to explore, climb, and play. Meanwhile, adults can relax and recharge in the café, indulging in a full menu of hot and cold food and drinks.
When are you opening your Soft Play & Café?
Soft Play sessions will be available from 29th March and will be available to book soon. The Café can be enjoyed by all ticket holders.
How is it going to work?
Jurassic Discovery will offer four two-hour play sessions daily between 9:30am and 5:30pm. Tickets will be for 2 – 12-year-olds, those under 2 and adults enter for free.
Tickets can be booked online via jurassicdiscovery.co.uk.
Soft Play sessions are £6 per child. The off-peak price will be £5.
Off-peak pricing is available online only. We will accept walk-ins but at the full price.
Can I get a membership for my child?
Yes.
Soft Play Memberships, will allow a named child and accompanying adult entry to a pre-booked soft play session. It will grant holders 24 free pre-booked sessions a year – or two per month. Sessions after that allocation will be £1. If you don’t pre-book and you just turn up, it will be £1 per session. Memberships will also get cardholders 10% off in the Cafe and Gift Shop plus Seaton Tramway tickets. All prices and membership offers can be found on the website at jurassicdiscovery.co.uk
Where is Jurassic Discovery?
You can find Jurassic Discovery in Seaton, East Devon, next door to Seaton Tramway.
The full address is, Jurassic Discovery,
The Underfleet, Seaton
EX12 2WD.
Parking can be found in the neighbouring Underfleet car park. This is a council-run pay and display.
Are you only opening the Soft Play & Café?
Yes!
This is just the first part of the offer from Jurassic Discovery. Later this year, we will allow visitors to explore prehistoric wonders and the story of the Jurassic Coast. It will offer an immersive experience like no other, featuring life-like animatronic dinosaurs that bring history to life in the captivating Walk with Dinosaurs exhibition.
You will step into a world of giants and immerse yourself in the fascinating era of dinosaurs at Jurassic Discovery. The interactive exhibition, set to open in the summer of 2024, will take visitors on a journey through time, showcasing the incredible diversity of prehistoric life.
Whether you’re a seasoned palaeontologist or simply seeking a fun-filled adventure with the family, Jurassic Discovery promises an engaging, educational, and entertaining experience for all.
Make sure to mark your calendars for 29th March 2024, and be among the first to experience the excitement of Jurassic Discovery’s Soft Play & Café. Stay tuned for updates on the official website and social media channels as the countdown to the opening begins!
Seaton Tramway & Jurassic Discovery are thrilled to sponsor the new book written by Wayne Munday and illustrated by Eleanor Western
Inspired by the Jurassic Period of Britain and the fossil record of the Dorset coast designated by UNESCO as a natural World Heritage Site in the South West of England we travel back in time to between 201.4 – 143.1 million years ago.
Take an immersive journey through this stunningly illustrated book as we explore this fascinating world.
This will be available from Seaton Station, Colyton Station and Jurassic Discovery shops!
Seaton Tramway is excited to announce the successful purchase of the Seaton Jurassic building, marking a significant milestone in the Tramway’s 54-year history and introducing a new attraction to East Devon. The acquisition, finalised on January 5, 2024, paves the way for the launch of the new and innovative ‘Jurassic Discovery’ Centre.
Set to open in the Spring of 2024, Jurassic Discovery will initially welcome visitors with a family-friendly café and a soft play area designed for children aged 1-12, which will be a welcome return to East Devon, as Pecorama sold their soft play to Seaton Tramway in 2021. By the Summer of 2024, the centre will unveil an immersive dinosaur exhibition, featuring state-of-the-art animatronic exhibits from the Natural History Museum.
Following the unanimous decision by East Devon District Council (EDDC) to agree to the freehold disposal of the Jurassic Centre to Seaton Tramway, the centre, which closed in September 2021, is set for a reopening in Spring 2024. This new attraction will bring a significant boost to the local economy and community, creating numerous job opportunities.
Jenny Nunn, CEO of Seaton Tramway, expressed her enthusiasm:
“The council’s decision marks a new era for Seaton and its visitors. Jurassic Discovery isn’t just an attraction; it’s a leap into the world of dinosaurs and prehistoric life. Our plans include a Dino-themed soft play area for the young explorers and a cutting-edge visitor experience that narrates the story of dinosaurs, their extinction, and their connection to our current environmental challenges. We are committed to creating an engaging, educational, and entertaining space that resonates with all age groups.”
Councillor Paul Arnott, Leader of East Devon District Council said:
“Handing over the keys to Seaton Tramway, and a fresh start for the stewardship of this crucial attraction, is a great privilege. I’d like to take this last opportunity to thank the many volunteers who gave their all to the centre before, and I’m sure they’ll join me in wishing Jenny and her team the very best for the future. The Jurassic Discovery Centre could not now be in better hands.”
Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Climate Change and Environment, said:
“Well done to all involved in helping this purchase to go ahead. The building is a great asset to the town and I’m looking forward to Seaton Tramway breathing new life into it. Their plans to get the centre up and running sound excellent and it’s right that the unique heritage of the Jurassic coast should be recognised with an educational and fun attraction like this. I wish Seaton Tramway every success with its Jurassic Discovery venture. I’ve no doubt it will be popular and will prove to be an important addition to Seaton.”
Councillor Marcus Hartnell, Councillor Derek Haggerty, and Councillor Dan Ledger, East Devon District Council Ward Members for Seaton, said:
“We are delighted that Seaton Tramway will take ownership of the former Seaton Jurassic and reopen it as an exciting new attraction in 2024 that both locals and visitors can enjoy. Whilst it has taken time to get to this point, we have always wanted to ensure that the future of the building remained as a tourist attraction, raising awareness of our natural environment, boosting the local economy, and creating jobs. We wish Seaton Tramway the best of luck with their new venture.”
Jurassic Discovery will promote the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, exploring 65 million years and 95 miles of history. Seaton and its surrounding areas host a range of stories and fossil finds and the new attraction will bring them to an audience of all ages.
Seaton Tramway will continue its success of becoming a unique destination for schools and educational groups and will now include Jurassic Discovery within its offer. New learning and activity sessions are being developed with all key stage groups in mind and will explore subjects like Evolution, Geology, Climate Change and Mass Extinctions.
Seaton Tramway recently won the Large Attraction of the Year Award, Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award, Tourism Event of the Year Award and Experience of the Year Award at the Devon Tourism Awards in November. The team at Seaton Tramway plan to bring the same award-winning magic to the new attraction.
The new Jurassic Discovery promises to be more than just an attraction; it’s set to be a hub of education, community involvement, and environmental consciousness, discovering the past while enlightening the present.
You can keep up to date with all news and developments regarding the new attraction at www.jurassicdiscovery.co.uk
