West Dorset Leisure Holidays

Find your break

close search

The Etches Collection

The Etches Collection is a unique, modern museum of amazing fossils from the marine life of the Jurassic Coast. Learn about life and death in the Kimmeridgian Seas 157 million years ago during the age of the dinosaurs. The museum houses the finest single collection of Late Jurassic age fossils and you will be mesmerized by sea monsters, the marine flora and fauna and the prehistoric predators of 152 to 157 million years ago, when Kimmeridge was a shallow, tropical sea.

The museum was created by Steve Etches, who began collecting fossils from the Kimmeridge Clay over 35 years ago, 2 miles away from the museum at Kimmeridge Bay. Steve has become a renown expert on fossils and it has always been his wish to donate the collection to the nature so that generations can learn from the amazing species. Approximately 10% of the collection is on display – those specimens which are most stunningly beautiful and scientifically important.

The ‘Sea Rex’

The incredible and unique Pliosaur skull that Steve Etches found and was featured in the excellent BBC Documentary “David Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster”, is on show at The Etches Collection. Learn more about how it lived, hunted and died in the Jurssic Seas of Kimmeridge 150 million years ago.

Learn about stories from Deep Time interpreted with state of the art CGI imagery of Jurassic marine life. Watch as Steve cleans and conserves his latest finds in the museum lab and workshop. Explore the Wolfson Education room with geological and palaeontological interactive displays and information, fossil handling collection, fossil excavation pit, fossil mould painting and other activities. There are video information guides on the collection and a shop with unique gifts, jewellery and rare fossils.

The ticket price includes 12 months complimentary admission. Only assistance dogs are allowed in the museum. The modern building has step free access and a lift between the two levels with accessible toilets on both levels. There is a free car park at the museum.

Alert icon

Offer Available

Holidaymakers - save ÂŁ2.50 off entry - pay the group fee instead of the usual adult fee (saving may vary).

To claim the above offers, download the WDLH app and sign in with your booking information. On the Offers section of the app you will find the information you need to show the team at The Etches Collection to take advantage of this exclusive offer.

We have partnerships with a selection of businesses and attractions in the area, available exclusively on the WDLH app to holidaymakers and holiday home owners who are signed into the app. Download the WDLH App and enter your booking details to view the offers available to you.

Visit / Download the WDLH App

Where to find The Etches Collection

Google
Star Star Star Star Star
Star Star Star Star Star

Based on 532 reviews

The Etches Collection
Map icon

39.5 miles from Highlands End and Eype Beach

41.6 miles from Golden Cap

37.4 miles from Graston Copse

15.5 miles from Sandyholme

Google
Star Star Star Star Star
Star Star Star Star Star

Based on 532 reviews

* Place data from Google, including opening times is correct at time of publication. We always recommend checking with the destination attraction.

Similar things to see and do

Fleet Air Arm Museum

Europe's largest naval aviation collection of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft

Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre

The Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre has stunning sea views and a panorama which includes Portland and the Fleet Lagoon.

The Tutankhamun Exhibition

A spectacular recreation of Tutankhamun's tomb and treasures

Nothe Fort

Weymouth's historic sea fort on the Jurassic Coast

The Dinosaur Museum

A fantastic hands-on museum with dinosaur skeletons and much more!

Bridport Museum

A modern and interactive museum in the heart of Bridport Town Centre

Beer Quarry Caves

Take a tour of a 2,000 year old network of caves

West Bay Discovery Centre

A treasure trove of West Bay stories, activities and information at West Bay Discovery Centre