It has been 20yrs since the Jurassic Coast was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status – the only natural UNESCO site in the UK. The dinosaurs can be found throughout the town, encouraging intrepid explorers to journey through the town and see all Weymouth has to offer.
Head to Bowleaze Cove, Lodmoor Country Park, the King’s Statue, Nothe Gardens and New Bond Street to discover these amazing Jurassic creatures. With QR codes at each point, visitors can learn all about the dinosaurs and the Jurassic Coast.
We Are Weymouth is working with local businesses as well as the Jurassic Coast Trust to develop a range of Jurassic activities throughout the coming months – fun for all the family, stay tuned for more information.
Visitors are encouraged to share pictures on Facebook and Instagram and tag @WeAreWeymouthUK @LoveWeymouth #WeAreExploring
Dawn Rondeau Chief Operations officer for We Are Weymouth said: “We were excited to pitch the idea of a Dinosaur trail to Dorset council in July 2021 when the government announced its fund to help high streets and towns recover from the effects of COVID, with the emphasis on encouraging visitors to the town. We have been working with Dorset council closely to bring this idea to fruition and are thrilled with the reception we have had on the first day of installation, with people from near and far planning to visit the town to ‘see the dinosaurs!’ What better way to welcome people back to our town than to use these resources to create a family- fun trail.”
Helen Heanes, Principal Economic Development Officer for Dorset Council agreed saying: “It is great to attend the installation of the dinosaur trail, and already see the incredible excitement and interest today. Thank you to the European Development Fund and Dorset council for releasing the funds to welcome people back to Weymouth and to the team at We are Weymouth for having the vision to implement this trail for the town.”
After a busy day hunting dinosaurs, admiring the coast, or digging for fossils it’s time to return to Weymouth’s Town Centre to enjoy the harbour at dusk, sit outside and enjoy a glass of wine, head to one of the award-winning restaurants, or stay later to experience fantastic live music.
The welcome back fund was a government initiative focussed on allowing local authorities in England to put in place additional measures to promote a safe environment for local trade and tourism, particularly in high streets as their economies reopened to support the return of customers to high streets and help the economy to ‘build back better’ from the pandemic. Part of the fund was ring-fenced to be used to provide support for coastal resorts across England as they prepared to welcome holiday makers back to Weymouth.
Great idea