Seaton Jurassic to welcome royal visitor

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal is to visit Devon’s newest visitor attraction, Seaton Jurassic, on Thursday 14th April.

The royal visit is a boost for the East Devon attraction and the coastal resort of Seaton. After arriving in the early afternoon, Her Royal Highness will spend her time touring Seaton Jurassic’s exhibits, chatting with local school children, meeting representatives of East

Devon District Council (the owners of Seaton Jurassic) and Devon Wildlife Trust (its operators), before unveiling a plaque to mark its opening.

Harry Barton, Chief Executive of Devon Wildlife Trust, the operators of Seaton Jurassic, said: "This is a great moment for Seaton Jurassic. After four years of hard work to bring the attraction to life, the royal visit will be a wonderful tribute to the hard work and dedication of so many people."

Cllr Paul Diviani, Leader of East Devon District Council, who own the Centre, said: "The Princess Royal has always been a great supporter of projects in our area and as one of our most hard working royals, it is always a delight to welcome her here.”

Seaton Jurassic first opened its doors in late March. The attraction’s blend of interactive exhibits and Jurassic-themed events has proved a hit with local people and tourists. Mike Ruiter is Seaton Jurassic’s manager and said:

"We’ve been delighted with the public’s reaction to Seaton Jurassic. On our first day we had queues to get in as our doors opened at 10am. Since then we’ve been very busy welcoming between 500 and 600 people each day. It’s more than we dared hope for and means that the centre, its shop, café and wildlife garden have been buzzing. To have news of the Princess Royal’s visit is a wonderful boost. We’re very much looking forward to showing her around."

Mike continued: "We have also been very pleased with the feedback people are giving us. Visitors are saying that they like the quirky ways in which Seaton Jurassic tells the story of life over the last 250 million years. It certainly is unlike anything else on offer locally."

Seaton Jurassic will be closed to the public on the day of the royal visit on 14 April but people are welcome to come down to see Her Royal Highness as she arrives and departs. Seaton Jurassic will re-open the next day and resume its normal operating hours of 10am-5pm, seven days a week.