We’d just spent the morning at The Deep in Hull, which is hands down one of the best aquariums in the UK. After wandering through tunnels of sharks and rays, we found ourselves with a bit of time left on our parking ticket. Rather than waste it, we decided to explore the nearby Old Town and spotted Dinostar – The Dinosaur Experience.
Now, I’ll admit, I wasn’t expecting too much. It looked more like a little family attraction than a major museum, but curiosity (and a sign advertising £4 entry) got the better of us. If you’re travelling through Hull, especially with kids in tow, you’ll likely see it too. So here’s my honest, traveller’s-eye review of what Dinostar is really like, whether it’s worth the stop, and how to make the most of it.
First Impressions
Walking in, it quickly became clear that Dinostar is designed with children in mind. The décor, the interactive bits, and the enthusiastic dinosaur models all scream family fun rather than serious science. Don’t go expecting a Natural History Museum or a full-scale scientific exhibit.
Most of the displays lean heavily on the Jurassic Park vibe rather than detailed palaeontology. There are fossils (some genuine, some replicas), but the focus is on keeping little ones engaged with models they can touch and colourful facts presented in a child-friendly way.
For us as adults, it wasn’t mind-blowing. But for £4, it wasn’t a bad way to kill an hour, especially after a more intense, information-heavy visit to The Deep.
What You’ll Find Inside
Here’s a breakdown of what stood out:
- Models and Replicas – From life-size dinosaur skulls to hands-on fossil casts, it’s all very tactile. Kids are encouraged to touch and play, which is a nice change from “don’t touch” museum rules.
- Film References – If you’re a Jurassic Park fan, you’ll notice nods to the movies. It does feel more entertainment-focused than educational, which might disappoint those looking for real scientific depth.
- Interactive Bits for Kids – Simple puzzles, dig pits, and touchable exhibits keep younger visitors busy. Parents get a bit of a breather while the children scramble about.
- Compact Layout – Don’t expect to spend all day here. It’s a small museum and most adults will be done in 30–60 minutes, though kids may stretch it out longer if they’re dinosaur-mad.
How to Get There
Dinostar is tucked away in Hull’s Old Town, just a short walk from the waterfront. If you’ve already been to The Deep, it’s less than ten minutes on foot, so it makes a handy add-on.
By Campervan
If you’re travelling by campervan (like we were), parking can be the biggest headache. Here are a few tips:
- The Deep Car Park – This is where we parked. It’s large enough for campervans if you stick to the outer edges. The bonus is that it’s within easy walking distance of both The Deep and Dinostar.
- Street Parking – The Old Town has some paid street parking, but it’s tight for larger vehicles and not something I’d recommend for vans.
- Overnighting – Hull isn’t the most camper-friendly city for overnight stops. If you want a proper base, look at nearby campsites on the outskirts and bus in. Alternatively, consider stopping overnight at seaside towns like Hornsea or Bridlington, which are much more relaxed about campervans.
Scenic Routes
If you’re coming from further afield, the drive over the Humber Bridge is worth the small toll fee. It’s an impressive sight and a nice way to enter the city, especially on a clear day when you can see for miles across the estuary.
Who Dinostar Is Best For
After spending time there, I’d say Dinostar is best suited for:
- Families with younger children – Kids under ten will love it. They can touch things, pose with dinosaurs, and feel like little explorers.
- Jurassic Park fans – If you enjoy the films, you’ll appreciate the references dotted around.
- Travellers with spare time – If you’ve just been to The Deep or are wandering the Old Town and want to fill an extra hour, it’s a cheap option.
Who it’s not really for:
- Adults or teens looking for serious science or in-depth exhibits.
- Travellers who expect a full day out. This is more of a side attraction than a destination in its own right.
Insider Tips
- Go after The Deep – It works well as a follow-up activity if you’re already in the area. Don’t make it the main reason to drive into Hull.
- Check opening times – It’s not always open daily, so check ahead before planning it into your trip.
- Keep expectations realistic – Think of it as a fun, quirky little stop rather than a major museum.
Contact & Visitor Info
Here’s all the practical info in one place:
- Address: 28–29 Humber Street, Fruit Market, Hull, HU1 1TH
- Phone: +44 1482 320424
- Email: info@dinostar.co.uk
- Website: dinostar.co.uk
Opening Times (check the website for seasonal updates):
- Saturday & Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm
- School Holidays: Open daily, typically 11 am – 5 pm
Dinostar in Hull won’t blow your mind if you’re an adult traveller, but for £4 entry it’s hard to complain. We weren’t hugely impressed, but it passed an hour and added a bit of variety to our day.
For families with young children, though, it could be a real highlight. The interactive displays and movie-inspired models are perfectly pitched for kids who love dinosaurs. For travellers like us, it’s more of a filler activity than a destination – but that’s not a bad thing.
Would I go back? Probably not, unless I had little ones in tow. But if you’re nearby and fancy something light-hearted after a bigger attraction like The Deep, it’s worth popping in.
Have you been to Dinostar in Hull? Did you love it, or did you find it a bit too child-focused like we did? Share your thoughts in the comments – I’d love to hear how others found it. And if you’re planning a trip to Hull, check out my other reviews for more ideas on making the most of your visit.