New Devon Attraction ‘Jurassic Discovery’ Launches ‘Walk with Dinosaurs’ Exhibition

The brand new visitor attraction, Jurassic Discovery, launched its fantastic new exhibition, 'Last Day of the Dinosaurs,' on 27th July 2024, and was opened by Professor Paul Barrett from the Natural History Museum. Located in Seaton, East Devon, this immersive, walk-through experience transports visitors to the Cretaceous Period, offering a journey to discover the final days of the dinosaurs.

The new attraction launched during Seaton Tramway’s ‘Natural Seaton Festival’ weekend to stunned audiences. Families of all ages experienced what it might be like to ‘walk with dinosaurs’. Featuring life-like animatronic dinosaurs that bring the prehistoric giants back to life, visitors were captivated as they moved through realistic scenes depicting the diverse ecosystem that existed 66 million years ago, right up until the dramatic events that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs. A short video explains the theory of what happened on that fateful day.

“What a fantastic display, so realistic, they really do watch you congratulations to everyone involved, this will hopefully bring lots of people in to admire it”
Alix Raven-Sarai, Facebook

“Well done Seaton Tramway, the Dinosaurs at the Jurassic centre are brilliant. So pleased to see the centre back in full use and a wonderful tourist attraction for the town. Well worth a visit”
Carole Seaward, Facebook

The exhibition will be open daily, offering multiple entry sessions throughout the day to ensure everyone gets a chance to explore this incredible new attraction. Fans of Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, Velociraptors & more will be able to get up close with the ‘real’ creatures!

This new permanent exhibition on the Jurassic Coast is designed to be both entertaining and educational. Guests will learn about different dinosaur species, their habitats, and behaviours through displays and informative exhibits. The state-of-the-art animatronics, purchased from the Natural History Museum, London, offer a realistic glimpse into the past, making history come alive for every visitor.

Professor Paul Barrett, from the Natural History Museum London, joined Jurassic Discovery to officially open the new attraction and said: "It's terrific to see Jurassic Discovery opening in Seaton and telling the story of the last dinosaurs, alongside a message that we can avert our own current environmental disasters if we take better care of our planet".

Jurassic Discovery, operated by Seaton Tramway, is committed to boosting the local economy and community, with a significant investment in acquiring the building, as well as animatronic dinosaurs. The new exhibition is expected to attract visitors from near and far, creating numerous job opportunities and solidifying Seaton’s status as a top tourist destination.

Seaton Tramway acquired the old Seaton Jurassic building which had been closed since 2021, with a successful purchase in January 2024 marking a significant milestone in the Tramway's 54-year history and introducing a new attraction to East Devon and the Jurassic Coast. The centre opened again as the new Jurassic Discovery attraction in March, offering a dinosaur-themed Soft Play & Café, with great success. 

Jenny Nunn, CEO of Seaton Tramway & Jurassic Discovery, said:  “We are excited to unveil 'Last Day of the Dinosaurs' at Jurassic Discovery. This exhibition is not just about fun & entertainment; it’s about connecting people with the rich history of our planet, highlighting the magnificent Jurassic Coast on our doorstep and fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity. Our aim is to create an engaging, educational, and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.”

Melanie Rowe, Manager of Jurassic Discovery, added: "The success of our Soft Play & Café has been incredible, with families from all over enjoying the fun and relaxation it offers. We are beyond thrilled to add to this excitement with the opening of our 'Last Day of the Dinosaurs' exhibition. This new addition is breathtaking, and we can't wait for our visitors to experience the magic and wonder of these lifelike animatronic dinosaurs."

As an award-winning accessible attraction, Seaton Tramway is bringing all the knowledge and skills to Jurassic Discovery to ensure the new offer is also easy access for all. Seaton Tramway has recently won awards for Experience of the Year, Large Attraction of the Year, Accessible & Inclusive Tourism and Event of the Year.

Jurassic Discovery offers annual memberships for the exhbition and soft play, as well as joint tickets with Seaton Tramway to allow visitors to enjoy a full day out in Seaton.

For more information about 'Last Day of the Dinosaurs' and other attractions, including the Soft Play & Café, visitwww.jurassicdiscovery.co.uk.