Jurassic Discovery at the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival
Josh Castree·20/06/2026·0 comments
Over the weekend of the 13th & 14th June, Jurassic Discovery attended the famous Lyme Regis Fossil Festival, hosted by Lyme Regis Museum and Lyme Regis Town Council. The team came along for the first time as a sponsor and exhibitor to the festival, with a display on the Marine Parade seafront.
Our shop came too, with all things dinosaur and fossil themed. The team was also there to shout out about all things Jurassic Discovery, telling everyone about our exciting ‘Last Day of the Dinosaurs’ Animatronic Exhibition, with models straight from the Natural History Museum, in London.
Photo: Rob James / Lyme Regis Fossil Festival – Spike the Ankylosaur interacting with festival goers
Festival goers were introduced to a brand new member of our team at Jurassic Discovery… Spike, the baby Ankylosaur! This new walkabout dinosaur was only two days old, when it made its first debut at the Fossil Festival. Spike made several appearances around the seafront and was an instant hit with kids, parents and everyone else. He can jump, he can wave and he takes a great picture with your family, if you can get him to stand still!
Spike will be making appearances at Jurassic Discovery in the future, and we will have more news on how that will work, once he gets settled in his new home.. and makes friends with the other dinosaurs, of course. You can also follow his adventures on our Tiktok or instagram pages. https://www.tiktok.com/@jurassicdiscovery https://www.instagram.com/jurassicdiscovery
We offered free charm making at our stand which was super-popular with families looking to take a moment away from the very hot sunshine.
We asked some of our team attending the festival what they enjoyed most about their weekend in Lyme Regis.
Photo: Rob James / Lyme Regis Fossil Festival – Mel ready to start meeting festival goers!
“We spent our weekend meeting the next generation of palaeontologists on our stand at the Fossil Festival. The love of the Jurassic Coast from families who attended the event was contagious!
The knowledge of the children we met regarding dinosaurs was phenomenal and we all had so much fun and learnt so much from the children we met – I was truly astounded by how much I was informed about Ankylosaurs following Spike’s arrival.
The biggest thing I realised is that looking after the planet is in safe hands with the next generation!””I took away that looking after the earths distant past is in safe hands with the next generation!”
Melanie Rowe, Jurassic Discovery Manager
Photo: Mel and Kerry at our stand at Lyme Regis Fossil Festival
“What I took away from the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival was the joy of discovery. Seeing the children’s enthusiasm whilst learning about coprolites (fossilised poo), Dinosaur teeth and what they tell us about prehistoric life. I especially enjoyed how the festival brought history to life, reminding us that every fossil has a story to tell and that learning can be both educational and fun. Children making dinosaur charm bracelets and bag charms and their enjoyment, made the experience more memorable. I loved it.”
Photo: Rob James / Lyme Regis Fossil Festival – Families making charms
“From small objects like fossils, there is a big story to be told and that’s what holds the magic for me. Speakers from around the globe attend the famous Lyme Regis Fossil Festival and I was able to attend five talks from the many being held over the weekend. Of particular stand-out interest were Giant Pterosaurs hosted by Dr David Unwin, whose talk captivated the whole audience of young and old, expert and amateur fossil hunter. Dr Unwin is one of the best presenters I have seen for a while with his easy relaxed style. Tom Sharpe, so knowledgeable, never ceases to enthrall audiences with latest research on Mary Anning, one of the greatest paleontologists of all time. Finally, I was intrigued to hear from speaker Carla Tomas, curator of palaeontology at the Museu de Lourinha, about the amazing dinosaur and marine reptile fossils they’re uncovering from Portugal’s Jurassic Coast.”
Jenny Nunn, Chief Executive of Jurassic Discovery
Josh Castree at Lyme Regis Fossil Festival with Spike the Ankylosaur waving at the camera
“Seeing so many people interested in the same subject brings a real sense of community, and supports palaeontology, fossil hunting and everything in between. To meet people of all ages, who showed interest and curiosity was a real delight. I also had the great privilege of introducing Spike, the Ankylosaur to everyone as his ranger. The excitement he added to everyone’s day was fantastic, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how he fits in at Jurassic Discovery.”
You can see more of the amazing dinosaurs by visiting Jurassic Discovery’s Last Day of the Dinosaurs Exhibition. More news on when Spike will be making appearances will be announced soon. If you missed out on our shop, our gift shop is open daily from 9:30 in Seaton.
Photo: Lyme Regis Fossil Festival – Marine Parade and the Beach
