Top Things to do in South West England
What to do and see in South West England, England: The Best Natural History Museums
Discover the best top things to do in South West England, United Kingdom including West Bay Discovery Centre, Dinosaurland Fossil Museum, The Collection, Ilfracombe Museum, Lyme Regis Philpot Museum, Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, Braunton Countryside Centre, The Etches Collection, Museum of Jurassic Marine Life, The Etches Collection, Lulworth Heritage Centre.
Restaurants in South West England
1. West Bay Discovery Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
A treasure trove of information about West Bay in a beautifully restored Methodist Chapel on the beach. There is something to interest all ages and the interactive activities are particularly popular with families. A fun way to learn about the Jurassic coast, forces of nature, shipbuilding, tourism, local industry, trails and walks and information about the filming of Broadchurch. We have a range of visitor information and a small gift shop that includes quality local products. We are operated by a local charity and mainly run by volunteers, admission is free but donations are invited to help with our running costs. PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE/FACEBOOK FOR WINTER OPENING HOURS
Reviewed By Noo473
Visited here this morning for the first time and was very impressed by everything in there. Although only a small building, it is well set out and full of interesting artefacts, pieces of local history and wonderful old photographs all creating a snapshot of West Bay and it’s past. It brought back memories of monthly visits made, as children, to visit a Great-Aunt who lived in The Old Shipyard. Very friendly and approachable staff which all added to the ambience. Thank you very much; have already recommended it to friends!
2. Dinosaurland Fossil Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 417 reviews
A traditional museum with more than 10000 specimens on permanent display.
Reviewed By IainSpirit - Southampton, United Kingdom
We went here the day before heading to the beach fossil hunting. The collection is huge and you could spend days looking at the displays, we had a very excited 7 year old determined to see what was next so we didn't spend as much time as we would have liked. Do remember its a private collection and not the natural history museum so you could walk round it in a 5 - 10 minutes. Having said that there are literally thousands or tens of thousands of individual exhibits and being a private collection the owners are incredibly passionate and knowledgeable with every single piece each having a back story. I would have loved to have gone without covid and spent a lot more time learning. Even with COVID the owner made us feel really welcome, spent time chatting and even spent a lot of time giving us advice on where to head to the following day. The building is Mary Anning's old church converted into a Dino Museum so you really get a great atmosphere and there are wow's everywhere you look well worth the money.
3. The Collection
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
4. Ilfracombe Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 438 reviews
A local independently-run museum with an eclectic flavour, Ilfracombe museum has eight rooms filled with treasures. We have natural history specimens from around the world and plenty to see about Ilfracombe's past. Come and experience a museum that is unique and family-friendly. Children can explore our insect, bat and spider specimens, have a go at a dinosaur quiz, or send Morse code messages. Try your hand at brass rubbing, or browse our great value gift shop. We also have extensive photographic and family history resources for Ilfracombe. Our museum is a perfect all-weather attraction and can be easily accessed by wheelchair. Pay parking in car park outside the museum. Children under 16 FREE, £5 for adults, £4.00 concessions. Annual season ticket £7.50
Reviewed By Golfbabes - Trowbridge, United Kingdom
I Was very sceptical about visiting as it’s tucked away and looks small. But once inside it’s like a tardis. Excellent museum lots of local exhibits and very interesting. Staff friendly and helpful. Well worth the small fee. Perfect on a wet day.
5. Lyme Regis Philpot Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 445 reviews
"A delightful and remarkable museum, a gem" - Sir David Attenborough. Extended in 2017, discover 185 million years of history at this charming and friendly museum with stunning views of Lyme Bay. Families are very welcome - it's free for children to visit and there is plenty to keep them busy in the new interactive geology gallery and learning centre. There are fossils galore, and you can combine your visit with a fossil walk to really make the most of your day out. Inside you will find a wonderful interior and displays that tell fascinating stories about fossil collecting and geology on the Jurassic Coast, and the personalities who played a key part such as renowned fossilist Mary Anning. You will also find displays about the artists and writers inspired by Lyme including John Fowles and Jane Austen along with the story of the famous Cobb, the Civil War and every aspect of the town's rich history. Please check website for seasonal opening times and for entry prices.
Reviewed By ticus15
In an old quirky building originally designed as a museum this holds a wealth of artefacts about the history of Lyme and also famous people associated with it. It’s major exhibition are the fossils found in the nearby cliffs with much information about them. They are stunning and well displayed. Children are catered for with questionnaire sheets. The entry ticket lasts for a year so you can keep returning.
6. Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 758 reviews
The Centre provides information on fossils, fossil hunting and the local coastal and marine wildlife. Facilities at the centre include interactive computers, hands on displays, marine tanks and a video microscope, all of which can help you to discover more about our stretch of the coastline. You will always find a helpful warden or volunteer who can help you identify your fossil finds. The Centre also has disabled access. Our Jurassic Theatre shows a short film on 'The Jurassic Coast and Finding fossils at Charmouth' (adults £1, children 50p). We also have a shop stocked with books for all levels, including some of our own publications, toys and souvenirs. Throughout the year we run guided fossil hunting walks and rockpooling walks along the local coastline. The Centre also has an extensive education programme. For information about the activities we have to offer to school groups please see our Primary Schools and Secondary Schools sections.
Reviewed By HKBracken - Oxford, United Kingdom
We loved this. Amazing fossil hunting guides who were patient, encouraging and enthusiastic (especially Dan) have turned my little girl into a modern day Mary Anning. We found a load of fossils and our children (5&4) are now completely fired up potential palaeontologists (as are their Mum and Dad). Thanks very much Charmouth Heritage Centre!
7. Braunton Countryside Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
The Braunton Countryside Centre helps visitors to appreciate and enjoy the North Devon Biosphere with Displays, Information, Guided Walks, Illustrated Talks, Events and Filmshows. Braunton Countryside Centre is an activity of the North Devon Environmental Trust (Charity No: 296707)
8. The Etches Collection, Museum of Jurassic Marine Life
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 202 reviews
A unique, modern museum of amazing fossils - the marine life of Jurassic Dorset. Learn about Life and Death in the Kimmeridgian Seas 157 million years ago during the age of the Dinosaur. We house the finest single collection of fossils, all found in Kimmeridge on the Jurassic Coast, interpreted in an interactive aquarium setting
Reviewed By K567KCsharons - Christchurch, United Kingdom
This museum (which also incorporates the village hall) is a an architectural and scientific gem. With amazing views over the very coast Steve etches collects his amazing fossil treasures, it is well worth a visit. Friendly helpful staff and we even saw the man himself working in his lab. Just proves what a passion in something can achieve.
9. The Etches Collection
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By jsellery - Wimborne Minster, United Kingdom
What a fab place, lots of onformation on all levels, loved the big roof screens and seeing dinosaurs come to life. Lovely staff and a great building. Well worth a visit
10. Lulworth Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By 123holidaymakers345 - Colchester, United Kingdom
We looked round the Visitor Centre on Friday. We found the staff friendly and informative. We had a long chat with one young man who was most knowledgeable about the local bird life and he supplied us with interesting information also giving us plenty of time to chat. The shop was well stocked with original gifts at reasonable prices. A great addition to this beautiful area.
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