Shhh! Dinosaur Isle introduces weekly ‘quiet hour’ for a calmer museum

Visitors to Sandown’s Dinosaur Isle will soon be able to enjoy a more peaceful prehistoric experience, thanks to a new initiative launching this summer.

Starting Wednesday 2 July, the museum will introduce a ‘quiet hour’ every Wednesday from 9am to 10am, offering a calmer environment for those who prefer their dinosaurs a little less... vocal.

During this hour, all roaring sound effects and pre-recorded narrations in the galleries will be switched off.

The exhibits themselves — ranging from life-sized dinosaur reconstructions to real fossil specimens — will remain fully accessible, just without the usual background noise.

The idea is to create a more inclusive and relaxed atmosphere, particularly for visitors with sensory sensitivities, young children, or anyone who simply enjoys a quieter start to the day.

After 10am, the sounds return bringing the roars and rumbles of the ancient world back to life.

“We know that loud sounds can be overwhelming for some visitors,” said Sue Wilkins, retail manager.

“Quiet hour is our way of making Dinosaur Isle more welcoming to everyone — because even the fiercest dinosaurs deserve a moment of calm.”

Located on Culver Parade, Dinosaur Isle is a treasure trove of the Island’s rich prehistoric past.

Highlights include the fearsome Neovenator, the armoured Polacanthus, and the towering Iguanodon — many of which were discovered right here on the Isle of Wight, one of Europe’s top dinosaur discovery sites.

And don’t miss Comptonatus Chasei, the most complete dinosaur skeleton found in Britain in the last 100 years — now proudly on display after its discovery at Compton Bay.

Rain or shine, the entire exhibition is indoors, making it the perfect all-weather adventure for curious minds of all ages.

Summer opening hours

Throughout July and August, Dinosaur Isle will be open daily from 9.30am to 5pm, with last admissions at 4pm. On Wednesdays, doors open early at 9am for quiet hour.

Standard admission fees apply, and no booking is required.