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Dinosaur Isle Museum with Hovertravel
Discover Britain’s First Purpose-Built Dinosaur Museum
Dinosaur Isle in Sandown offers a unique blend of education, excitement, and hands-on learning for visitors of all ages. Designed in the shape of a giant pterosaur, the museum is home to life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, stunning fossil displays, and real scientific discoveries from one of the UK’s most fossil-rich coastlines.
From roaring T-Rex replicas to genuine prehistoric skeletons found right here on the Isle of Wight, Dinosaur Isle brings natural history to life in an accessible and engaging way. Whether you’re visiting with children, planning an educational trip, or exploring the Island’s famous “Dinosaur Coast,” this museum is an essential stop for anyone curious about the prehistoric world.
Easy Access with Hovertravel
Travelling to Dinosaur Isle is fast, simple and stress-free with Hovertravel. Our hovercraft is the quickest way to reach the Isle of Wight, taking you from Southsea to Ryde in just 10 minutes.
Once you arrive at Ryde, Dinosaur Isle is only a short bus ride away using Southern Vectis services that run directly to Sandown. It’s a smooth connection from start to finish, giving you more time to enjoy your day and less time worrying about travel arrangements.
No long ferry queues, no complicated transport planning, just quick, easy island travel.
Book Your Crossing
What to Expect at Dinosaur Isle
There’s something engaging for every age group at Dinosaur Isle. Highlights include:
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Life-Sized Animatronic Dinosaurs
Experience moving, roaring prehistoric giants in their recreated natural habitats.
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Real Isle of Wight Fossils
See amazing fossil discoveries found along the Island’s south-eastern coastline.
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Hands-On Exhibits
Interactive displays that let children learn through touch, play and exploration.
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Walk-Through Prehistoric Scenes
Atmospheric settings showing how dinosaurs lived, hunted, and survived.
Why Travel with Hovertravel?
Hovertravel is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the Isle of Wight, offering:
- The quickest Solent crossing at just 10 minutes
- Straightforward connections from Ryde to Sandown
- One simple booking for travel and attraction packages
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff with local expertise
- A smooth, reliable experience trusted by travellers for over 50 years
Make your dinosaur adventure simple, enjoyable and efficient from start to finish.
Plan Your Visit
Dinosaur Isle is open year-round, with special events, themed days and educational activities taking place throughout the year. Opening hours vary seasonally, so we recommend checking the museum’s official timetable before travelling.
Book your hovercraft travel today and enjoy a prehistoric adventure made easy with Hovertravel.
Step Back into the Age of Dinosaurs
Uncover the Isle of Wight’s prehistoric past at Dinosaur Isle, home to fascinating fossils, life-sized dinosaur displays and hands-on exhibits for all ages. It’s a must-visit family attraction that brings millions of years of history to life on one of the UK’s richest dinosaur coastlines. Plan your adventure and reach the Island in under 10 minutes with Hovertravel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your visit includes access to animatronic dinosaurs, interactive exhibits, fossil walks and informative displays about the Island’s prehistoric discoveries. It’s designed to be both fun and educational for all ages.
Yes. Many exhibits are interactive and designed specifically for younger visitors. Children especially enjoy the life-sized dinosaurs, hands-on displays and fossil-themed activities.
Once you arrive via Hovertravel, simply take a Southern Vectis bus directly from Ryde to Sandown. Services run regularly and stop close to the museum entrance.
Hovertravel offers a range of accessibility support services. If you or a member of your group require assistance, please contact our team ahead of your journey so we can help provide a smooth and comfortable experience.
Absolutely. Sandown, Yaverland and nearby beaches are some of the best fossil-hunting locations in the UK. Museum staff can often provide advice on safe and responsible fossil collecting.