If your kids love dinosaurs, then they’ll have fun at the Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock. Entry is free which makes it a low cost trip and it’s perfect for a short visit on a dry or damp day.
We were lucky enough to have a sunny day so decided to explore the dinosaur garden first. Hidden in a small, walled garden, it’s perfect for mini explorers. You’re greeted by a life size Meglosaur. The garden is full of Jurassic plants. These are ones which would have existed when the Meglosaur walked in Oxfordshire and includes the Monkey-puzzle tree.
A highlight of the Jurassic Garden at the Oxfordshire Museum are the four fossilised footprints of a Meglosaur, the marks made in a muddy landscape 168 million years ago. My eldest placed his foot next to one of the prints to compare sizes.
Outside the walled Jurassic garden is a lovely green space, perfect to spread a rug on and enjoy a picnic while the kids run around. There’s also a pleasant café if you fancy grabbing a sandwich or drink.
Inside, the museum is not huge but is packed with lots of things to see and do. We loved the Dinosaur Gallery. Initially it seems a small room, but it’s packed with all things dinosaur to keep kids occupied. Dress up in dinosaur costumes, feed the meat eater for a loud roar, jigsaws, drawing and even a dinosaur puppet theatre are all on offer.
There are also a variety of interesting rooms from the Victorian age to inventions and they’re suitable for kids of all ages.
There is no parking at the museum but there are some spaces on the surrounding streets which are free for a few hours if you’re lucky, or use the public car park in Woodstock.
