Oxford University Museum of Natural History - Dinosaur Section
Visit date: 15 March 2026
Admission Price: Free to enter
If you’ve got kids who love giant teeth, massive skeletons and the mysteries of prehistoric life, the dinosaur displays at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History are well worth a visit.
From the moment you walk into the museum’s spectacular Victorian hall, you’re surrounded by natural history wonders, but for dinosaur hunters the real excitement starts when you reach the fossil displays. The museum has a special claim to fame in dinosaur history as it houses fossil material from Megalosaurus, the first dinosaur ever scientifically described back in the early 1800s. That means you’re standing right where the science of dinosaurs really began.
Kids love dinosaurs because of their size and power, and the museum does not disappoint. Towering skeleton casts and fossil specimens help visitors picture what these animals looked like when they roamed the Earth millions of years ago.
The scale of the bones is what will grab younger children’s attention first. Standing beneath the skeletons will give them a sense of just how enormous some dinosaurs were. It’s the kind of moment where you’ll expect to hear plenty of “WOW!” and “Look at that!”
For older children and teenagers, the displays go a bit deeper. Information panels explain how scientists reconstruct dinosaurs from fossils, how bones are identified, and how discoveries in places like Oxfordshire helped shape modern palaeontology.
One thing the museum does particularly well is making science approachable. The dinosaur exhibits combine real fossils with clear explanations, which helps children understand that dinosaurs are not just movie monsters and they are part of real scientific research. One of the most engaging parts of the visit wasn’t even inside. Stepping outside onto the museum lawn, I followed the cast footprints of a Megalosaurus trackway. The three toed impressions stretch across the grass, and children were actively stepping from print to print, almost retracing the dinosaur’s movements. It’s a simple but powerful way to connect physical activity with scientific understanding, and it clearly leaves an impression.
Dino Dave’s Verdict
This isn’t a flashy, theme park style dinosaur experience. Instead, it offers something more lasting. A genuine connection to the origins of dinosaur science, brought to life through real specimens and thoughtful displays. What makes this dinosaur section stand out is the historical importance. Seeing fossils connected to the very beginning of dinosaur science adds something special.
It may not be the largest dinosaur gallery in the UK, but the combination of genuine fossils, scientific history and engaging displays makes it a fantastic educational stop for families.
If you’ve got a young palaeontologist in the family, this museum will absolutely spark their curiosity.
Things to consider
Opening Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:45 PM).
Duration: It is not a full day venue, expect to spend about 2 hours here.
Parking: There is no general visitor parking at the museum and carparks within walking distance to the museum can be quite pricey.
Public Transport: The museum is about a 20 minute walk from Oxford train station or a short bus ride.
Accessibility: A step free entrance is located on the right side of the building. Lift access is available to all floors, and the museum provides manual wheelchairs and foldable stools to borrow.
Café: Located on the first floor mezzanine.