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
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!