Bridport's Sea Dragon: Unexpected Survivor

An extraordinary prehistoric discovery is coming to Bridport Museum this autumn, featuring the remains of a massive 10-metre Ichthyosaur found locally at a secret beach.

This new exhibition, opening on 24 October 2026 and running until April 2027, showcases a find that will improve scientific understanding of how ancient marine life survived a global environmental crisis. The fossil represents a fearsome marine reptile that dominated the oceans roughly 185 million years ago towards the end of the Jurassic Period. While smaller Ichthyosaurs typically hunted fish and squid, larger apex predators like this specimen actively preyed upon other marine reptiles.

What makes the “Bridport Ichthyosaur” globally significant is its unexpected timeline. The specimen was discovered in the Bridport Sand Formation—a rock layer where no Ichthyosaur had ever been found before. Scientists from Bristol University have been studying the fossil to gain a greater understanding of it’s significance.

Visitors to the exhibition can expect an immersive experience, including a specially produced film, a Virtual Reality experience, and a series of expert talks throughout the winter.

This year is the 25th anniversary of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage site and we are designing an exhibition that we believe will inspire our visitors to find out more about our region’s world-class fossil history. From young children to dedicated enthusiasts, it will offer something truly spectacular for everyone.

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Bridport's Sea Dragon: Unexpected Survivor