Dinosaur Isle Renovations Near Completion As Half-Term Fossil Activities Go On Tour

Renovation work at Dinosaur Isle is now in its final stages – but families are still being invited to enjoy a packed programme of prehistoric activities this February half-term.

The museum is currently completing upgrades to its roof and visitor spaces, funded by a £498,000 grant from Arts Council England and £180,000 from Isle of Wight Council.

When it reopens next month, visitors can expect brighter spaces, improved heating and air conditioning, and an overall enhanced experience.

While finishing touches are made, Dinosaur Isle’s popular fossil walks will still go ahead, giving budding palaeontologists the chance to explore the Island’s ancient coastline with expert guides.

Upcoming walks include:

• Monday 16 February – Meet at 3pm at Lazy Wave Café

• Tuesday 17 February – Meet at 3pm outside the museum on Culver Parade, Yaverland

Spaces are still available on both dates.

Walks cost £7 for adults, £4 for children and £5 for concessions, with family tickets also on offer.

To make sure nobody misses out during half-term, the Dinosaur Isle team will also be hosting a series of free pop-up sessions in Island libraries.

Visitors will be able to handle real Isle of Wight fossils, explore specimens under an interactive microscope, bring along their own finds for identification, and learn about the landscapes and creatures that shaped the Island millions of years ago.

Free drop-in sessions are planned at:

• Monday 16 February – Lord Louis Library, 2pm–4pm

• Tuesday 17 February – Ventnor Library, 2pm–4pm

• Wednesday 18 February – Ryde Library, 2pm–4pm

David Button, Curator and General Manager at Dinosaur Isle, said the team didn’t want half-term to pass without giving families a chance to connect with the Island’s prehistoric past.

David Button said:

“Although the museum doors aren’t quite ready to reopen, we didn’t want half-term to pass without giving families the chance to connect with the Island’s incredible prehistoric past.

"So instead, we’re bringing Dinosaur Isle to the community.

“These walks and pop-up sessions are a brilliant way for people of all ages to explore fossils, ask questions, and experience a taste of what’s to come once the refurbished museum reopens.

"We can’t wait to welcome everyone back very soon.”