New Devon attraction welcomes 20,000th visitor and looks forward to many more

A new East Devon attraction has attracted its 20,000th visitor as it prepares for a busy summer season. Seaton Jurassic was only opened in early April but its mix of quirky displays and interactive exhibits aimed at families already seems to be a hit. Owned by East Devon District Council and operated by the charity Devon Wildlife Trust, Seaton Jurassic has brought visitors and the attention of the nation's media to the town of Seaton.

One glowing review in The Guardian newspaper spoke of the journey through prehistoric time that visitors to Seaton Jurassic could enjoy as being "educational entertainment at its very best", before giving the attraction a star rating of 9 out of 10. The Independent newspaper also gave Seaton Jurassic a big thumbs-up before advising visitors to "come soon before the crowds catch on."

But high numbers of visitors don't seem to worry Seaton Jurassic's manager is Mike Ruiter, who said:

"It's been a busy first few months since our opening and so much has happened. We had a very special guest, HRH the Princess Royal, join us for our opening and since then we haven't looked back. We've now welcomed more than 20,000 visitors through our doors. The reactions and feedback from people have been wonderful. People seem to be really enjoying Seaton Jurassic, its exhibition galleries, gardens, shop and café."

Visitor numbers so far has seen Seaton Jurassic surpassing expectations. Devon Wildlife Trust had estimated that 15,000 people would pay to enter the attraction in its first three months, but this target was comfortably beaten. Mike Ruiter added:

"We have had people from as far as London and Falmouth visiting for the day. Many local families have become repeat visitors taking advantage our offer of paying once for an annual pass. One family told us they had returned 10 times! To me this highlights the interest in the Jurassic Coast and its magnificent natural environment. What we offer at Seaton Jurassic is a great way for people to begin to discover the story of this fascinating coastline."

East Devon District Council's Leader, Councillor Paul Diviani, said:

"I am delighted at the public's response to Seaton Jurassic and it is immensely rewarding to see the enjoyment they are getting out of this unique visitor attraction. But most importantly, the success of Seaton Jurassic will contribute hugely to the regeneration of Seaton itself, both inwardly through the local community and by attracting businesses to invest in the town. With its spectacular Jurassic Coast setting and wonderful natural assets, Seaton has an exciting future ahead."

Visitors to Seaton Jurassic over the summer holidays can expect to be entertained at a series of special events. Falconry displays, sea stories, talks about Seaton in World War Two and a chance to help build a giant sea monster are all on offer. All are free (entrance charge to Seaton Jurassic applies). For the full calendar of Seaton Jurassic events and to plan your visit go to www.seatonjurassic.org 

Seaton Jurassic can be found on the Underfleet, Seaton, EX12 2WD, next to the Seaton Tramway. It has a pay and display car park just 100 metres from its entrance and excellent public transport links with the X53 Jurassic Coast bus stopping at its door. Further details about making a visit to Seaton Jurassic can be found at www.seatonjurassic.org

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Seaton Jurassic is owned by East Devon District Council and operated by Devon Wildlife Trust. 

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Tap link for more posts on Seaton Jurassic including the visit of  Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal on 14th April 2016.

Seaton Jurassic welcomes Princess Royal

Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal was in the East Devon seaside town of Seaton on Thursday 14th April visiting the town's newest tourist attraction, Seaton Jurassic.

She arrived by helicopter in the early afternoon following an earlier engagement at Dartmouth Royal Naval College.

On arrival The Princess waved to onlookers who had lined the streets around the town's Underfleet. She then spent an hour touring Seaton Jurassic's exhibition halls, meeting children from the local Seaton Primary School and representatives of the many organisations that have been involved in getting the £4.4million attraction off the ground.

The charity Devon Wildlife Trust is Seaton Jurassic's operator and its Chief Executive Harry Barton escorted the Princess on her tour. The charity's Harry Barton said:
 "It was such a pleasure to show Her Royal Highness around Seaton Jurassic. I was struck by how interested she was in the local area and the wonderful natural heritage we have in East Devon. Her Royal Highness was very impressed by the commitment from local people and volunteers helping Devon Wildlife Trust run the Centre. I hope it encourages everyone to feel as proud of Seaton Jurassic as I am."

Seaton Jurassic is a flagship project for East Devon District Council, who own the centre. The Council's Leader Cllr Paul Diviani and its Chief Executive Mark Williams spent time with the Princess discussing the project and its importance to the town's economy. Cllr Paul Diviani said:
 "The Princess Royal was fascinated in how the project has evolved. We were very proud to be able to explain that East Devon District Council is the main funder of Seaton Jurassic which is already making a positive difference to the local economy. It is a unique project and we believe it will be a catalyst for the further regeneration of the area."

The Princess concluded her visit by unveiling a plaque which formally marked the opening of Seaton Jurassic. Afterwards, in a short speech, Her Royal Highness offered her congratulations to all the partners involved and said:
 "Seaton Jurassic is a real achievement and you have set a fine example in what you have done here. I would like to think that others will follow."

Mike Ruiter is Seaton Jurassic's manager and said:
 "The Princess' visit has been a wonderful culmination to a busy opening three weeks at Seaton Jurassic. We've been delighted by people's response. We've had almost 10,000 people visit us and the feedback we are getting about the visitor experience we're offering, our café and shop have been very encouraging. My message to everyone out there is if you haven't already visited us, come and see what we're all about."

Seaton Jurassic is open seven days a week, 10am to 5pm. For more information go to www.seatonjurassic.org 

 Princess Royal giving her address at Seaton Jurassic - Photo copyright
Matt Austin/Devon Wildlife Trust (All rights reserved)

Top: Pupils from Seaton Jurassic await HRH arrival 

Bottom Left: HRH meets Seaton Jurassic's manager Mike Ruiter (left) and Devon Wildlife Trust Chief Executive Harry Barton; 

Bottom Right: HRH is shown Seaton Jurassic's time machine by its creator Lloyd Turner. 

Photos copyright Matt Austin/Devon Wildlife Trust (All rights reserved)

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Seaton Jurassic can be found on the Underfleet, Seaton, EX12 2WD, next to the Seaton Tramway. It has a pay and display car park just 100 metres from its entrance and excellent public transport links with the X53 Jurassic Coast bus stopping at its door. 

Tap link for further details about making a visit to Seaton Jurassic 

Seaton Jurassic is owned by East Devon District Council and operated by Devon Wildlife Trust.  

Seaton Jurassic to open doors for first time on Saturday 26th March

A £4million visitor attraction is set to open its doors to visitors for the first time this Easter.

Seaton Jurassic is based in the East Devon coastal resort of Seaton. It hopes to attract thousands of visitors to experience its unique telling of the story of life and particularly how it has evolved on the Jurassic Coast over the past 250 million years ago.

Mike Ruiter, Seaton Jurassic's manager said:
'We are very excited about the prospect of opening. Our staff and local volunteers can't wait to greet the first visitors when we open our doors at 10am on Saturday 26th March. We think Seaton Jurassic offers a unique experience for visitors. They can certainly expect something very different to what already exists along the Jurassic Coast.'
 
In the past weeks trial sessions with invited guests have already proved Seaton Jurassic own take on local natural and geological history to be a hit with people of all ages.

Mike Ruiter said:
'We've had people tell us they were amazed by our interactive exhibits, wowed by the detail of them and what we've managed to fit into the space available.' Seaton Jurassic promises to take people on an adventure back across 250 million years to the beginnings of the Mesozoic period. It charts the struggles of local life to adapt and survive in changing and often hostile environments. Visitors are being promised 'time travel' and the prospect of coming face-to-face with the creatures and characters who have been part of the Jurassic Coast's story. But there's a more tranquil side to Seaton Jurassic. Visitors can also expect a café with two huge palm trees at their centre along with a menu of good food and drink sourced using local suppliers. A shop and wildlife garden completes the experience. Seaton Jurassic is marking its opening with a packed programme of entertainments and events. On Saturday 26th March there will be storytellers, face painters and more. Sunday 27th March sees a Jurassic-themed Easter Egg Hunt. While on Easter Monday 28th March a special expert-led guided walk will unlock the secrets held in the rocks of the local landscape. These events signal a spring and summer programme the full details of which people can see at www.seatonjurassic.org 

Seaton Jurassic is owned by East Devon District Council. Councillor Paul Diviani, Leader of East Devon District Council, said that the centre - at the very heart of the world-renowned Jurassic Coast - marks another step in the regeneration of the town. He said: 

'Seaton Jurassic is a top attraction which will bring in thousands of visitors and, in turn, will boost the economy of Seaton and East Devon too.' 'We're very proud to be the main funder of such a unique project and we believe it will be a catalyst for the further regeneration of the town itself.' The operator of Seaton Jurassic is Devon Wildlife Trust. 
The charity's Chief Executive Officer, Harry Barton, said: 
'Seaton Jurassic is a project that has been more than a decade in the making. Seeing it for real, brand new, dramatic and sparkling in the spring sunshine, is an absolute thrill. And like all great treasures, the best bits are inside! I am just so grateful for all the support from the local community. I really hope they are as proud of the end result as I am.' 

Seaton Jurassic will open its doors for the first time at 10am on Saturday 26th March. Entry costs £8 for adults and £5 for children, with family tickets priced at £18. The entry fee covers return visits for a year. Seaton Jurassic can be found on the Underfleet, Seaton, EX12 2WD, next to the Seaton Tramway. It has a pay and display car park just 100 metres from its entrance and excellent public transport links with the X53 Jurassic Coast bus stopping at its door! 

Young people enjoy Seaton Jurassic's interactive displays at a recent trial day  

Photos copyright Matt Austin (All rights reserved)

 Further details about making a visit to Seaton Jurassic can be found at www.seatonjurassic.org Seaton Jurassic has received generous support from Devon County Council, Heritage Lottery Fund, Coastal Communities Fund, Seaton Town Council, Garfield Weston Foundation, Fine Family Foundation, Seaton Visitor Centre Trust, Blue Marine Foundation and Jurassic Coast Trust.