We’d just come out of The Deep in Hull, which is still one of the best aquariums we’ve visited anywhere in the UK. After a couple of hours wandering through tanks of sharks and rays, we realised we had time left on the parking ticket. Rather than sit in the van waiting for it to run out, we headed into the Old Town and noticed Dinostar – The Dinosaur Experience on Humber Street.
I’ll be honest. I wasn’t expecting much. From the outside it looked like a small, family-run attraction rather than a major museum. But the £4 entry sign caught our eye and curiosity did the rest. If you’re passing through Hull, especially with children, you’ll probably notice it too. Here’s what it’s actually like and whether it’s worth building into your day.
First impressions
As soon as we stepped inside, it was clear who this place is for. Dinostar is designed around children. The bright displays, the hands-on exhibits and the enthusiastic dinosaur models all lean towards family fun rather than academic detail.
It is not a rival to a national museum. Most of the displays carry more of a Jurassic Park feel than a serious palaeontology focus. There are fossils on show, some genuine and some replicas, but the emphasis is on colourful information boards and models that children can touch rather than read in depth.
As adults, we moved through it fairly quickly. It did not leave us amazed, but for £4 it felt reasonable. After the more intense, information-heavy experience at The Deep, it was actually quite a gentle contrast.
What you’ll find inside
The layout is compact and easy to follow. You will not get lost and you will not need a map.
Models and replicas
There are life-size skulls, fossil casts and plenty of tactile displays. Children are encouraged to touch things, which makes a difference. It feels relaxed rather than precious.
Film references
If you enjoy Jurassic Park, you will spot nods to the films. The tone is more entertainment-led than educational, which may not suit everyone but keeps younger visitors engaged.
Interactive elements
There are simple puzzles, digging areas and hands-on sections where children can busy themselves. It gives parents a chance to step back for a few minutes while the kids explore.
A small footprint
It is a small museum. Most adults will see everything in 30 to 60 minutes. Dinosaur-obsessed children may happily stretch that longer, but it is not a half-day attraction.
Getting there
Dinostar sits in Hull’s Old Town, a short walk from the waterfront and less than ten minutes on foot from The Deep. It works well as an add-on if you are already in the area.
By campervan
We parked in The Deep car park, which is large enough for campervans if you use the outer edges and avoid the tighter central bays. From there, everything is walkable.
Street parking around the Old Town exists but spaces are tight. I would not recommend attempting it in a larger van.
Hull itself is not especially camper-friendly for overnighting. If you want a proper base, you are better off looking at campsites on the outskirts and travelling in. Seaside towns such as Hornsea or Bridlington tend to feel more relaxed when it comes to campervans and can make a better overnight stop.
The drive in
If you are approaching from the south, crossing the Humber Bridge is worth the small toll. On a clear day you can see right across the estuary, and it makes for a memorable way to arrive in the city.
Who it suits
After spending time there, I would say Dinostar works best for:
- Families with younger children, especially under ten
- Children who like hands-on exhibits and posing with models
- Jurassic Park fans who will enjoy the references
- Travellers with an hour to fill near The Deep
It is less suited to:
- Teenagers or adults looking for in-depth science
- Anyone expecting a full day out
Practical details
Address
28–29 Humber Street, Fruit Market, Hull, HU1 1TH
Phone
+44 1482 320424
Email
info@dinostar.co.uk
Opening times
Saturday and Sunday: 11 am to 5 pm
School holidays: typically open daily, 11 am to 5 pm
It is not always open every day outside school holidays, so it is worth checking before you plan your visit.
Final thoughts
Dinostar did not blow us away, but it was not trying to. For £4, it filled an hour and added something different to our day in Hull.
If you are travelling with young children, it could easily be a highlight. The interactive displays and film-inspired models are pitched at exactly the right level for that age group.
For us, it felt like a side stop rather than a destination. I would not drive into Hull just for Dinostar, but if you are already visiting The Deep or exploring the Old Town, it makes sense to pop in.
Would we go back? Probably not unless we had children with us. But as a small, straightforward addition to a bigger day out, it does what it says on the tin.