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Should the latest “Walking with Dinosaurs” rekindle your childhood wonder or ignite the enthusiasm of your little one once more, I’m thrilled to share some titanic news!

If the new “Walking with Dinosaurs” has stirred up dinosaur-sized excitement within you, young or old, brace yourself for some awe-inspiring updates!

In this updated version, the highly realistic CGI monsters on the screen appear more authentic compared to their depiction 26 years ago, yet nothing can surpass the genuine experience – wandering where T-rex once trod, or gazing into the fossilized visage of a triceratops or pair.

…it’s quite astonishingly simple: here are five ancient vacation destinations that almost necessitated the creation of the term “roarsome”…

Dinosaur Provincial Park – Alberta, Canada

Alberta’s Badlands resemble the aftermath of a T-rex rampage on a massive chocolate cake, with its rough, uneven cliffs and swirled layers of mudstone. This Unesco World Heritage Site (albertaparks.ca/dinosaur) has yielded over 50 different dinosaur species, making it possible for even casual hikers to stumble upon fossils.

At this park, you have an opportunity to join fossil expeditions led by experts, allowing you to unearth 75-million-year-old fossils yourself. Although you can’t keep these finds, sharing the story at social gatherings will certainly give you a unique edge (“Did you enjoy your Maldives vacation? I discovered a hadrosaur femur during a dig.”).

Position yourself in the vibrant town of Drumheller, nestled comfortably next to the remarkable Royal Tyrrell Museum (tyrrellmuseum.com). The displays here are akin to movie sets straight out of Hollywood, yet they carry the authenticity and credibility of genuine scientific research.

Request a brochure and get inspiration for your next holiday

Lark Quarry – Queensland, Australia

In July, when the latest Jurassic World movie premieres in theaters, it may struggle to provide as much excitement as Lark Quarry, a place known for hosting the world’s unique dinosaur stampede event.

95 million years ago, deep within Queensland’s outback, a group of approximately 150 small, two-legged dinosaurs were suddenly attacked by a predator. Terrified, they fled and inadvertently etched over 3,000 footprints into the mud. Today, that once soft ground stands as a snapshot of history, offering a glimpse into our distant past much like standing on an ancient movie scene frozen in time.

Dinosaur National Monument – Utah/Colorado, USA

Located along the Utah-Colorado boundary, Dinosaur National Monument resembles an argentinosaurus sprawled out, essentially a compilation of prehistoric life’s most popular tracks (nps.gov/dino). The main draw of this national park is the Quarry Exhibit Hall, where over 1,500 dinosaur bones remain imbedded in the rock face – a gathering of stegosaurus, allosaurus, diplodocus, and many more Jurassic period favorites.

The heart of the region’s historical activity lies here. Driving along Route 191 will take you past Utah’s Prehistoric Museum, Jurassic National Monument, and the less formal Moab Giants (where life-sized dinosaur models seem to smile uncertainly at visitors). Finally, you’ll reach Moab, nestled between Canyonlands and Arches National Parks.

The center of the area’s old activity is located here. If you travel along Route 191, you will pass Utah’s Prehistoric Museum, Jurassic National Monument, and the more casual Moab Giants (with life-sized dinosaur statues that appear to smile awkwardly at visitors). You’ll eventually arrive in Moab, which is situated between Canyonlands and Arches National Parks.

At these locations, the breathtaking geology is an attraction in itself, yet what truly sets them apart is the abundance of fossils that are freely accessible to the public. You can stroll close enough to actually walk in the tracks left behind by dinosaurs.

Solnhofen – Bavaria, Germany

Although Solnhofen may not be widely recognized, it certainly deserves to be – as this is the location where the renowned almost-bird, archaeopteryx, was found. This delicate fossilized specimen, measuring about a foot long and adorned with feathers, has been instrumental in bridging the gap between dinosaurs and today’s birds for more than 150 years. Even now, it continues to captivate paleontologists.

Exceptionally well, the local limestone excels at preserving a variety of items, not just bones, but also feathers, fish, and soft tissue with astonishing detail. The Jurassic Museum in Eichstätt (https://snsb. de/en/jura-museum-eichstaett/) and Munich’s natural history collections offer outstanding exhibits, yet some nearby quarries provide an opportunity for you to engage in your own excavation.

Heed this forewarning: you’ll probably stumble upon fossilized fish instead of flying dinosaurs, but let’s face it, unusual occurrences have been known to take place in Solnhofen. Make sure to settle down in Eichstätt as well; a charming, historical town that houses the enigmatic and grandly named Willibaldsburg castle right in its heart.

The Bendricks – Barry, South Wales

Evidence shows that you don’t need to traverse continents to encounter dinosaur magic; Bendricks Bay, located near Barry and Cardiff, is a humble yet well-known gem. During low tide, you can stroll among hundreds of footprints from the Triassic era dinosaurs – some of the best preserved specimens in the UK.

The entire scene carries a quintessentially British charm: subtle signage, a car park partially covered in mud, and no apparent entrance fee. However, if you follow the coastal trail, you’ll come across three-toed imprints etched on a flat rock as if they were set yesterday.

Not only is this location conveniently close to both a quality fish and chip shop and a seaside tavern (and let’s not forget the famous Barry Island waterfront depicted in Gavin & Stacey), but it feels like you’ve stepped back in time – around 220 million years, that is. The difference? Now you can enjoy scampi fries and a cold pint of Brains bitter!

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2025-05-20 19:06