If you’re looking for a family-friendly place to visit this summer, Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire has plenty to entertain the whole family. As well as the stunning palace, expansive grounds and adventure play areas, for a limited time you can encounter life-sized dinosaurs in the Dinosaurs Are Forever exhibition. 

The exhibition by artist Jay Jay Burridge has been created in partnership with the Museum of Natural History, University of Oxford, and features five life-sized sculptures of the first dinosaurs to have been scientifically named – the Megalosaurus.

Dinosaurs Are Forever exhibition

Discovered in Oxfordshire in 1824, Megalosaurus helped to shape our understanding of the natural world and paved the way for modern palaeontology. Quarry workers in the nearby village of Stonesfield uncovered the fossils, some eighteen years before the label dinosaur, meaning terrible lizard, was coined. 

The five Megalosaurus statues have been designed to be fully articulated, using modern materials, for a contemporary 21st-century take on these ancient beasts. 

While the installation is impressive, if you have a gaggle of dino-mad children excited by the prospect of seeing the prehistoric creatures, be sure to manage expectations. It isn’t an up-close and hands-on experience, as the sculptures are behind ropes and well away from little (or larger) hands. The five sculptures are installed in a small area of the south lawn, rather than being scattered around for visitors to find as they wander, but they do make an impact as you approach. 

Dinosaurs are Forever Exhibition Blenheim Palace

Once you’ve had your dose of dinosaurs, the kids can blow off some steam exploring the 2,000 acres of grounds with walled gardens and water terraces, getting lost in the maze and making friends with the animals at the mini farm. 

When energy starts to wane, head to the walled garden and explore the butterfly house. The miniature train runs from the palace to the walled garden, which the kids will love! If you’re visiting at the weekend, there’s a chance to meet some of Blenheim’s Shire horses at the stables in the West Courtyard.

Add an Adventure Play pass to your tickets, and kids will find a play area with ropes, nets and tunnels to scramble, climb and explore. 

Tickets start from £15, and the Dinosaurs Are Forever exhibition can be seen until November 1st 2026.

Sam Huff
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