Dino Park at Hetland: A Jurassic Adventure in Dumfries
Explore prehistoric giants and interactive fun at Dino Park within Hetland Garden Centre, a family-friendly dinosaur adventure near Dumfries.
Dino Park at Hetland, located within Hetland Garden Centre in Carrutherstown near Dumfries, offers a family-friendly dinosaur-themed attraction. Visitors can explore life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, dig for fossils, enjoy interactive play areas including a Dino Mine and Dino Den, and relax at the Dino Bite Café. Open seasonally from late March to early November, it combines education and entertainment in a scenic garden centre setting.
A brief summary to Dino Park at Hetland
- Hetland Garden Centre, Dumfries, Carrutherstown, DG1 4JX, GB
- +441387840060
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Purchase tickets in advance online to secure the best prices and avoid queues, especially during peak season.
- Plan your visit between March and November, as the park is closed during winter months.
- Bring comfortable footwear for walking through outdoor and indoor play areas.
- Take advantage of the all-day pass to explore the park at a relaxed pace and revisit favorite spots.
- Enjoy a break at the Dino Bite Café for homemade cakes and refreshments during your visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Car
Driving to Dino Park at Hetland from Dumfries takes approximately 15 minutes via the A709 and B7076 roads. Ample free parking is available on-site. Note that traffic can increase during weekends and school holidays.
-
Bus
Local bus services connect Dumfries to Carrutherstown with stops near Hetland Garden Centre. The journey typically takes 30-40 minutes. Check current timetables as service frequency may vary, especially on weekends.
-
Taxi
Taxis from Dumfries town centre to Dino Park at Hetland take around 15 minutes. This option offers flexibility but can be more costly, usually around £15-£20 one way.
Dino Park at Hetland location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Dino Park at Hetland
A Journey Back to the Age of Dinosaurs
Step into Dino Park at Hetland and travel back approximately 150 million years to the era when dinosaurs roamed the earth. This immersive attraction features life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that bring prehistoric giants to life, creating an engaging environment for visitors of all ages. Walking through the park, you encounter the Dino Mine, where you can dig for fossils and uncover remnants of the ancient past, and the Dino Den, a storytelling area where park rangers share fascinating facts and tales about these magnificent creatures.Interactive Experiences for the Whole Family
Beyond the dinosaur exhibits, Dino Park offers a variety of interactive activities designed to entertain and educate. Children can bounce on a dinosaur-themed bouncy castle, explore both outdoor and indoor play areas including a whimsical Tree House Play area, and participate in fossil digs. The park’s educational focus is balanced with fun, making it an ideal destination for families seeking a day of discovery and play.Setting Within Hetland Garden Centre
Nestled inside the expansive Hetland Garden Centre in Carrutherstown, the Dino Park benefits from a picturesque and tranquil garden setting. The garden centre itself is known for its quality plant stock, gift shops, and a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can complement their dinosaur adventure with a visit to the centre’s café, where the Dino Bite Café offers tasty home-baked treats, or browse the gift shop for souvenirs.Seasonal Operation and Visitor Amenities
Dino Park operates seasonally from late March through early November, open daily from 9am to 5pm with last admissions at 4pm. The park is family-friendly, offering all-day passes that allow visitors to come and go as they please. Amenities include restrooms, seating areas, picnic spots, and ample parking. The garden centre provides additional facilities such as a restaurant and baby-changing areas, ensuring a comfortable visit for families.Educational and Recreational Value
The attraction combines entertainment with education, providing a hands-on learning environment about dinosaurs and natural history. The Dino Den and fossil digs offer rich opportunities for children to engage with science in a playful context. The park’s design encourages curiosity and imagination, making it a memorable experience that stimulates both minds and senses.Community and Visitor Engagement
Dino Park at Hetland enjoys strong community ties and positive local recognition. It is praised for its friendly staff, well-maintained facilities, and the quality of its attractions. The park also hosts occasional events and seasonal activities that enhance the visitor experience and encourage repeat visits. Its location near Dumfries makes it accessible for day trips and family outings in southern Scotland.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Little Dalton Kirk
2.6 km
Discover the evocative ruins of Little Dalton Kirk, a medieval parish church nestled in tranquil Scottish countryside near Lockerbie.
Isle Tower
7.5 km
Explore Isle Tower, a serene 17th-century Scottish tower house ruin guarding historic routes near Dumfries in picturesque Dumfries and Galloway.
Wardlaw Hillfort
8.9 km
Explore the ancient moated triangular hillfort near Dumfries with panoramic views and rich prehistoric heritage.
Kingdom Scotland
11.1 km
Discover tranquility at Kingdom Scotland, a serene religious institution in Dumfries that invites spiritual reflection and community connection.
Dumfries
12.7 km
Historic and accessible Dumfries Railway Station connects Scotland’s southwest with modern amenities and rich heritage.
Dumfries Historic Buildings Trust
12.8 km
Discover the architectural heritage of Dumfries at the Dumfries Historic Buildings Trust, where history is preserved for future generations.
Queensberry Monument
12.9 km
An elegant 18th-century stone column in Dumfries honoring the 3rd Duke of Queensberry and the town’s noble heritage.
Dumfries Tours
15.2 km
Explore Dumfries with immersive tours that blend history, culture, and stunning landscapes for an unforgettable experience.
Waterloo Monument
15.7 km
A 150-foot stone tower on Peniel Heugh, built to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo and offering panoramic views across the Scottish Borders and Solway Firth.
Comyn's Tower
19.2 km
Explore Comyn's Tower near Dumfries, a medieval stronghold entwined with Scotland’s dramatic history and the legacy of the Comyn clan.
Fourmerkland Tower
20.6 km
Discover the tranquil charm and rich history of Fourmerkland Tower, a secluded 16th-century Scottish tower house near Dumfries.
Mossband Residential Park
22.9 km
Tranquil rural living with modern comforts and scenic views near Dumfries in the heart of Scotland’s countryside.
Welcome To England Sign
23.9 km
Experience the charm of England at the Welcome to England Sign in Gretna, where history and hospitality meet in picturesque surroundings.
Castle O'er Hill Fort
25.3 km
Explore the ancient Castle O'er Hill Fort in Langholm, an exceptional historical landmark surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and rich Scottish heritage.
King Edward Monument
25.5 km
A solitary sandstone pillar on windswept Burgh Marsh marking the final resting place of King Edward I, the Hammer of the Scots.
Unmissable attractions to see
Ruthwell Church
3.9 km
Discover the ancient Ruthwell Cross inside Scotland’s oldest church, a masterpiece of Anglo-Saxon art and literature from the 8th century.
Brow Well
4.7 km
Discover Brow Well, the iron-rich healing spring where Robert Burns sought relief, set in tranquil Dumfries countryside near the Solway Firth.
Henry Duncan Savings Banks Museum
4.8 km
Discover the birthplace of the global savings bank movement in a charming historic cottage in rural Ruthwell.
Repentance Tower
5.9 km
Discover Repentance Tower, a historical landmark in Hoddom, offering stunning views and a glimpse into Scotland's rich past amidst serene landscapes.
WWT Caerlaverock
7.9 km
Discover Scotland’s premier wetland sanctuary where thousands of migratory birds create a spectacular natural show year-round.
Cruck Cottage
8.9 km
Step back in time at Cruck Cottage, Dumfries’ last authentic cruck-framed and thatched rural home, preserved to reveal Scotland’s historic countryside life.
Lochmaben Castle
9.0 km
Explore the evocative ruins of Lochmaben Castle, a medieval fortress steeped in Scottish history and set beside serene Castle Loch.
Old Caerlaverock Castle
9.5 km
Explore Scotland’s only triangular castle, a moated medieval fortress steeped in centuries of border warfare and Maxwell family history.
Caerlaverock Castle
9.6 km
Explore Scotland’s unique triangular medieval fortress with a moat, twin towers, rich history, and scenic nature reserve near Dumfries.
The National Trust for Scotland - Thomas Carlyle's Birthplace
10.0 km
Explore the authentic childhood home of Thomas Carlyle, a cornerstone of Victorian literature and Scottish heritage, preserved in the heart of Ecclefechan.
Dumfries & Galloway Aviation Museum
11.5 km
Explore Scotland’s aviation heritage at the historic Dumfries & Galloway Aviation Museum, home to iconic aircraft and immersive WWII exhibits.
Lockerbie Road off-road driving course
11.9 km
Experience the thrill of off-road driving on varied terrain with expert guidance at Dumfries’ premier off-road course.
Kingholm Quay Harbour
12.1 km
Historic riverside quay on the River Nith blending Dumfries’ maritime heritage with tranquil scenic charm.
Castledykes Park
12.1 km
Discover Dumfries’ historic green heart where medieval heritage meets tranquil gardens and vibrant wildlife habitats.
Burns Mausoleum
12.5 km
Final resting place of Robert Burns in a historic Dumfries churchyard, surrounded by centuries of Scottish stories and monuments.
Essential places to dine
Copper Beech Restaurant
0.4 km
Experience traditional Scottish hospitality and hearty cuisine in the cozy Copper Beech Restaurant at Hetland Hall Hotel, Dumfries.
Hetland Hall Hotel
0.5 km
Elegant country house hotel near Dumfries offering spacious rooms, excellent dining, and tranquil rural charm.
Kinmount Restaurant
0.7 km
Experience warm Scottish hospitality, delicious locally inspired cuisine, and lively entertainment at Kinmount Restaurant in Carrutherstown.
The Boathouse Restaurant & Shop
10.7 km
Charming waterfront dining and shopping with fresh local fare and nautical ambiance in scenic Glencaple near Dumfries.
The Jolly Harvester Bar & Restaurant
10.7 km
A family-friendly pub and restaurant in Dumfries serving hearty meals with a welcoming atmosphere and outdoor fun for all ages.
Easterbrook Bistro, Bar & Spa
11.3 km
Modern tapas dining and spa relaxation in the heart of Dumfries’ historic Crichton campus.
Bankend Bar & Brasserie
11.4 km
Contemporary dining with seasonal, locally sourced dishes and scenic views at Dumfries’ stylish Bankend Bar & Brasserie.
The Hitching Post - DG1 2EQ
11.8 km
Casual American barbecue and grill in Dumfries with a standout gluten-free menu and hearty, authentic flavors.
Bruno's Italian Restaurant
12.1 km
Authentic Italian dining with warm hospitality and classic flavors in the heart of Dumfries.
The Swan - Kingholm Quay
12.1 km
A welcoming riverside pub in Dumfries offering hearty British fare, great beers, and a friendly atmosphere at Kingholm Quay.
Crumb
12.5 km
Modern dining meets local charm at Crumb, a welcoming Dumfries restaurant known for quality dishes and relaxed atmosphere.
The Station Cafe Dumfries
12.6 km
A friendly, affordable cafe nestled in Dumfries Railway Station, perfect for a comforting breakfast or coffee break on your travels.
The Lochar Inn
12.8 km
A friendly, lively pub and restaurant in Dumfries offering traditional fare, local charm, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
The Globe Inn Dumfries
12.8 km
Historic 17th-century pub and Michelin Guide dining in Dumfries, blending Robert Burns heritage with modern Scottish cuisine and an extensive whisky collection.
Granary
12.8 km
A vibrant Dumfries pub blending cozy dining, lively weekend entertainment, and community spirit in a welcoming setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Flower Pot Gift Shop
10.3 km
Discover unique Scottish gifts and fine jewellery in a warm, family-run boutique nestled in the heart of Lockerbie’s High Street.
Vintage On The Nith
10.6 km
Discover timeless vintage treasures and mid-century antiques in the scenic riverside village of Glencaple, Dumfries.
Handmade at Helen's
11.3 km
Discover unique handmade crafts and local artistry at Handmade at Helen's, Dumfries’ charming Saturday-only craft shop in The Crichton.
Peel Centre
11.5 km
Dumfries’ premier shopping centre offering a wide range of major stores and convenient amenities in a lively retail environment.
Matalan
11.6 km
Affordable fashion and homeware for the whole family in the heart of Dumfries at The Peel Centre.
Lunar
12.2 km
Explore Lunar Gift Shop in Dumfries for unique gifts and local treasures that make perfect souvenirs from your Scottish adventure.
The Range, Dumfries
12.5 km
A versatile home and garden store in Dumfries offering extensive products for every lifestyle and living space.
Plum Boutique
12.7 km
Independent women-owned fashion boutique in Dumfries offering curated, sustainable wardrobe staples and seasonal styles with a personal touch.
Think Something Different
12.8 km
Discover unique gifts and specialty products at Think Something Different, Dumfries’ go-to shop for eclectic finds and friendly service.
Bonmarché
12.8 km
Affordable and stylish ladies' fashion in the heart of Dumfries, with sizes 10-28 and expert styling advice.
The Fragrance Shop
12.8 km
Discover affordable luxury perfumes and beauty essentials at The Fragrance Shop, Dumfries’ premier scent destination in the Lorebourne Centre.
Loreburne Shopping Centre
12.9 km
A vibrant indoor shopping destination in the heart of Dumfries, blending high street brands with local charm and convenient amenities.
Mountain Warehouse Dumfries
12.9 km
Your go-to store in Dumfries for quality outdoor clothing and gear at moderate prices, catering to adventurers of all ages and skill levels.
Flourish
12.9 km
Discover unique handcrafted gifts and local art at Flourish, Dumfries’ vibrant gift shop and creative studio on High Street.
La Maison Home & Gifts
13.0 km
Discover unique homewares and gifts with a personal touch at La Maison, Dumfries’ boutique of curated elegance and local charm.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Royal Bar
10.4 km
Cozy and friendly local bar in Lockerbie offering hearty home-cooked meals, good beer, and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
The Five Arches
10.7 km
A welcoming traditional pub in Dumfries offering local brews, live music, and a cozy atmosphere for genuine Scottish hospitality.
Lockards Farm
11.5 km
A stylish and family-friendly pub in Dumfries offering classic British fare, extensive drinks, and a welcoming beer garden for all seasons.
The Pleuchie's Howff
12.0 km
A family-run Dumfries pub blending traditional Scottish charm with lively live music and a welcoming community vibe.
Greens Sports Bar
12.5 km
Lively sports bar in Dumfries with big screens, great drinks, pool tables, and a welcoming community vibe for fans and locals alike.
The Riverside Bar
12.5 km
A friendly riverside pub in Dumfries offering diverse craft beers, scenic views, and a relaxed atmosphere beside Dock Park.
The Normandy
12.5 km
A welcoming and relaxed pub in Dumfries known for friendly service and a cozy atmosphere.
Troqueer Arms
12.7 km
A welcoming traditional pub in Dumfries offering great drinks, live music, and authentic Scottish charm at an affordable price.
The Lantern
12.8 km
A friendly, dog-welcoming pub in Dumfries offering affordable drinks, live music, and a lively beer garden in a warm, traditional setting.
Dickies Bar
12.8 km
Experience warm Scottish hospitality and local craft beers in the cozy, lively setting of Dickies Bar in Dumfries.
The Queensberry
12.8 km
A bright, comfortable bar and hotel in central Dumfries offering relaxed Scottish hospitality and cozy accommodation.
The Barrel
12.8 km
A friendly, traditional pub in Dumfries offering quality pints and a lively, welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
Chancers Night Club
12.9 km
Experience Dumfries nightlife at Chancers Night Club, where vibrant music and a lively atmosphere create unforgettable nights.
The Imperial
12.9 km
A friendly, fair-priced bar in the heart of Dumfries, perfect for relaxed socializing and local vibes.
The Stag Bar
12.9 km
A cozy, friendly pub in Dumfries’ town centre offering craft ales and a welcoming atmosphere near the historic Midsteeple.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Railway Social Club
12.5 km
A friendly, community-focused social club in Dumfries offering affordable drinks, lively events, and a welcoming atmosphere near the town centre.
Black Box Music Institute
34.2 km
An intimate old-style nightclub and cultural hub in Carlisle offering live music, festivals, and art exhibitions in a vibrant setting.
Carlisle R A O B Club
34.3 km
Historic social club in Carlisle offering lively events and a welcoming atmosphere rooted in the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes tradition.
Club Britannia
34.6 km
A vibrant social club in Carlisle offering live music, friendly vibes, and affordable drinks in a smart, welcoming setting.
Secret Carlisle
34.9 km
Experience energetic nights and vibrant music at Secret Carlisle, the city centre nightclub where Carlisle’s historic charm meets modern nightlife.
Square One
58.4 km
Vibrant Hawick nightclub with dynamic music floors and a welcoming atmosphere at the heart of Drumlanrig Square.
Base Nightclub
58.9 km
Experience Hawick’s energetic nightlife at Base Nightclub, where vibrant music and lively crowds create unforgettable Friday nights.
The Border Club
59.2 km
Experience the vibrant local culture at The Border Club, a friendly social hub in Hawick, Scotland, perfect for travelers seeking community spirit.
The loose moose
59.2 km
A lively and welcoming nightclub in Penrith offering cocktails, music, and community spirit in the heart of Cumbria’s Eden District.
The Warehouse
59.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Warehouse in Penrith, offering themed parties, great music, and a lively atmosphere perfect for socializing.
Penrith Conservative Club
59.5 km
Discover the vibrant community spirit and affordable fun at Penrith Conservative Club, a welcoming hub in the heart of Penrith.
Ramblers Bar and the Candleroom
62.2 km
Discover the charm of Ramblers Bar and the Candleroom, a delightful pub and restaurant offering local culinary delights in the heart of Ullswater.
The Fleece Selkirk Ltd
67.5 km
Discover the warmth and flavors of The Fleece Selkirk, your local bar and restaurant in the heart of Scotland's beautiful Borders region.
The Galloway Bar
68.2 km
Discover the charm of Wigtown at The Galloway Bar, where locals gather for great drinks and unforgettable experiences.
Union Club
68.5 km
A friendly, community-run social club with snooker and events, offering a welcoming and affordable night out in Innerleithen.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Family Friendly
- Fun-filled
- Scenic
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Family Friendly
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Pet Friendly
