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 walking past tanks of sharks, rays and other sea life, we realised we still had time left on the parking ticket.
Rather than sit in the van waiting for it to run out, we wandered towards Hull 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 may well notice it too. Here’s what Dinostar is actually like, who it suits, and whether it is worth adding to your day.
First impressions
As soon as we stepped inside, it was clear who Dinostar is mainly designed for. This is very much a child-focused attraction. The bright displays, hands-on exhibits and enthusiastic dinosaur models all lean towards family fun rather than detailed science.
It is not trying to compete with a national museum. Most of the displays have more of a Jurassic Park feel than a serious palaeontology focus. There are fossils on show, with a mix of genuine items and replicas, but the emphasis is on colourful information boards, models and things children can touch.
As adults, we moved through it fairly quickly. It did not leave us amazed, but for £4 it felt fair. After the more intense and 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 need a map, and you are unlikely to get lost or miss anything important.
Models and replicas
There are life-size skulls, fossil casts and plenty of tactile displays. Children are encouraged to touch things, which makes the space feel relaxed rather than precious. That is useful if you are visiting with younger children who do not want to stand still and read every board.
Film references
If you enjoy Jurassic Park, you will notice a few nods to the films. The tone is more entertainment-led than educational, which may not suit everyone, but it does help keep 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 at their own pace.
A small footprint
Dinostar is a small museum. Most adults will probably see everything in 30 to 60 minutes. Dinosaur-obsessed children may stretch that out for longer, but it is not a half-day attraction.
That is not necessarily a criticism. It works best when treated as a short extra stop rather than the main reason for visiting Hull.
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. That makes it easy to add on if you are already parked nearby or spending time around the Fruit Market 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, The Deep, the waterfront, Old Town and Dinostar are all walkable.
There is street parking around the Old Town, but the spaces are tighter. I would not recommend trying it in a larger van unless you already know the area or are confident manoeuvring in busier city streets.
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 for the day. Seaside towns such as Hornsea or Bridlington tend to feel more relaxed for campervans and can make a better overnight stop.
The drive in
If you are approaching Hull 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 film references
- travellers with an hour to fill near The Deep or Hull Old Town
It is less suited to:
- teenagers or adults looking for in-depth science
- anyone expecting a full day out
- visitors who prefer larger museums with lots of detailed interpretation
Practical details
Address
28–29 Humber Street, Fruit Market, Hull, HU1 1TH
Phone
+44 1482 320424
info@dinostar.co.uk
Opening times
Saturday and Sunday: 11 am to 5 pm
School holidays: typically open daily, 11 am to 5 pm
Dinostar is not always open every day outside school holidays, so it is worth checking before you plan your visit. This matters more if you are building a Hull day out around children, as turning up to find it closed would be frustrating if you have promised dinosaurs.
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 the right level for that age group, and the small size means it is not too tiring or overwhelming.
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, exploring the Old Town or walking around the waterfront, 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 in Hull, it does what it says on the tin.