A SEASON of dinosaur-themed activities is roaring into Coventry as the nation’s favourite diplodocus could be enjoying its final summer in the city.
The packed prehistoric programme includes Lego dinosaurs, fossil-hunting and a city centre dino trail.
Dippy the Diplodocus could be leaving the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in 2026 – but since arriving it has led to a surge in dinosaur-themed activities in Coventry.
This year the venue is hosting Brick Dinos, which features Lego dinosaur sculptures designed in collaboration with palaeontologists, including a Pterodactyl, Masiakasaurus and more.
The exhibition is running until September 7 and provides the opportunity to uncover fossils at the interactive Dino Dig.
The Herbert is also hosting a free fossil display, in collaboration with Warwickshire Museum, which offers an insight into sea creatures that swam through Coventry and Warwickshire between 200 and 145 million years ago.
There will also be an opportunity to enjoy a sleepover at the art gallery, with ‘Doze Under Dippy’ – staying overnight and snoozing under the feet of the 26-foot Diplodocus on Saturday August 16.
With a short walk across university square, visitors can discover the fossil stone floor at Coventry Cathedral. The upper nave floor is laid in black Kellymount limestone banded with grey Hadene limestone, with ancient crinoid fossils visible in the floor across the central nave and the alter in the Chapel of Gethsemane.
After discovering the fossils, visitors to the city centre can head over to West Orchards Shopping Centre to try and find the six dinosaurs hiding there.
There are fun activities at each location on the trail and dinosaur eggs hidden in every display – with the chance for youngsters to win prizes by counting them all after completing the trail.
The programme will finish with Natural History Museum Presents Dinosaurs Live at The Albany Theatre on Saturday September 27.
The production will see the audience go on a prehistoric journey to the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods and watch life-like dinosaurs come alive on stage.
Paul McMahon, Managing Director of Visit Coventry, said: “Dinosaurs have captured the public imagination for generations and have proved increasingly popular with visitors to Coventry ever since Dippy arrived in the city.
“It’s all set to be a great summer in the city celebrating natural history, with activities for all ages, while encouraging exploration and learning too.”
Visit www.visitcoventry.co.uk for more information about what’s on this summer in Coventry.
