The Etches Collection

The Etches Collection is Now Open for All to See!

Posted on 24/10/2016 in News

If you’ve ever found a fossil, then you’ll understand that feeling of excitement and awe you get from finding one. Steve Etches, the owner of the Etches Collection knows exactly what that feeling is like. With over 30 years of fossil hunting around the Dorset area, Steve has amassed over 2000 fossils which are now all on display.

Dorset is famous for its fossils and is a great place for keen fossil hunters. Most notably Dorset is home to a World Heritage Site known as the Jurassic Coast.

The Jurassic Coast covers 96 miles of coastline from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset. The coast spans over 185 million years of history and has thousands of Jurassic fossils buried beneath the surface.

Steve Etches is a local fossil hunter who has spent over 30 years collecting fossils from around the Kimmeridge Bay area in his spare time. Recently Mr. Etches secured £5 million pounds of funding from the National Lottery that has given him the chance to share his fossil collection with the public.

The Etches Collection (Museum of Jurassic Marine Life) officially opened on Friday 21st October. Located in Kimmeridge, the museum features over 2000 fossils all collected by amateur fossil collector Steve Etches.

Before the museum was built, Steve kept his vast collection of fossils in his garage and used it as a makeshift museum to show guests.

The new state of the art museum features several hands-on activities including video presentations and live demonstration workshops.

Where Is the Etches Collection?

Steve Etches with his collection
The museum is located in Kimmeridge Bay which is close to the area where Mr. Etches found his fossils. With nearby towns, only a few miles away the site is very accessible and has onsite parking for visitors.

To find more details about the Etches Collection and how to get to the museum be sure to check out their official website for a handy map.

How Much Do Tickets Cost?

Tickets currently cost £8 for adults and £4 for children aged 5 – 16 years old. If you are planning a family outing, then you’ll be happy to know they also offer family tickets from £20. Another bonus is any little one under 5 years old gets free entry.

All tickets are purchased at the museum when you arrive.

What’s There?

The museum currently holds the largest collection of Kimmeridge clay fossils outside the Natural History Museum. The whole collection was single handily collected by Steve Etches over his 30 years of fossil hunting around the Kimmeridge area.

The museum is currently open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. During the school holidays, the museum is open all week from Monday to Sunday.

Depending on the tide times there are also opportunities to go fossil hunting on the bay with Steve himself. Who knows, you might be the next person to find an entirely new species!

Enjoy the Rest of Kimmeridge

Fossil hunting can be tiring and not for everyone. Luckily there is so much more to do in Kimmeridge! From nature walks to surfing, you’ll need more than a day to explore the area fully.

Here at the Springfield Country Hotel, we’re only a 15-minute drive away from the Etches Collection Museum in Kimmeridge Bay. So, pack your bags and head on down there’s plenty of fun for all the family.

The Springfield is much more than just a place to stay over for the night. With our indoor swimming pool, gymnasium and newly opened spa we’re here to ensure you have a relaxing getaway.

When you book a minimum of two nights with us directly on our website, we’ll give you 2 adult tickets to the museum for free! How’s that for a deal? With rooms from only £99 per night and free complimentary internet, we’re sure you’ll enjoy your stay at the Springfield.

To claim your free tickets, book your stay at the Springfield Country Hotel today by clicking below to view our rooms available.

You can check our room availability by clicking here.