There’s a chance to go beyond the barrier and onto Dinosaur Island in Crystal Palace and get up close to the famous stone monsters.
The prehistoric animals were constructed out of re-constituted stone on a framework of iron rods on brick plinths, but are in need of a dose of tender loving care and some of them are being restored at the moment.
During conservation works on the swimming statues, Friends of Crystal Palace Dinosaurs (FCPD), Skillington Workshop and Bromley Council are hosting an open day on the site.
During the tour, the FCPD conservation team will provide an introduction to the sculptures, their design and construction and how they’re being restored.
This will be followed by a 30-minute tour of the Dinosaur Island and an explanation of the conservation works from Skillington Workshop, the conservators undertaking the work on the two ichthyosaurs, two plesiosaurs, two teleosaurs and a mosasaur.
Although this is a family-friendly activity, access to the worksite is via a small, steep, muddy path and hill. It is not suitable for wheelchairs, buggies or very small children. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy footwear for the tour. All children younger than 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The open day is on Wednesday 26th October from 12 to 3pm.
Tours are free and can be booked here
I’m on the wrong side of the pond to make it to the event, but it sounds like so much fun. I really enjoyed visiting the dinosaur park when I was a kid.