We tried the new dinosaur trail at Bents Garden and Home

Bents Garden and Home in Glazebury has launched its latest attraction to bring even more fun for all the family, Dinosaurs in the Hidden Garden.

My husband and I took our two daughters, Mia and Amelia, along to see what it was all about on Saturday.

We booked an 11am slot, with plenty of time slots to choose from, ranging from 10am through to 4pm.

Amelia enjoyed seeing each of the different species (Image: NQ)

After making our way through the maze that is Bents—and getting distracted by various departments of the shop along the way—we found the entrance to the dinosaur trail just past the Crazy Golf and play area.

It’s a quick scan of a barcode or quote of a reference number and then you are on your way to the garden centre’s very own Jurassic Park.

The staff provide you with a sheet and pencil so you can tick off each of the dinosaurs as you spot them on the journey.

There are signs to help you on your way, but it will become clear when the trail has started as the dinosaurs appear in sight.

Our youngest, Amelia, who is one and a half years old, became transfixed on the very first dinosaur we saw, and it took a while to get the ball rolling again—she could not believe her eyes.

We did finally manage to move along, and our five-year-old, Mia, spotted a Stegosaurus which she eagerly ticked off the sheet before moving on to the next.

Mia ticked off each dinosaur on the list as she spotted them (Image: NQ)

Each dinosaur has an information plaque featuring the creature's name and interesting facts about each one and where they originated from.

As well, each plaque has a ‘scare factor’ ranging from terrifying to minimal.

While the girls were more drawn to the huge dinosaurs moving and roaring in front of them, the plaques were an interesting extra for the grownups and made for interesting reads.

The trail is situated in a beautiful location on a path surrounding a lake, and in the shrubbery surrounding the path, there are some hidden surprises to be spotted.

Amelia’s favourite dinosaurs were by far the babies hatching out of the eggs; meanwhile, Mia was fonder of the more terrifying likes of the Allosaurus and Tyrannosaurus, commenting that its little arms were ‘cute’.

Amelia enjoyed the trail and seeing each model move and roar (Image: NQ)

After they had both marvelled at the amazing creatures, that I must say were pretty lifelike, we made it to the middle of the trail which had a few different interactive areas for the kids to enjoy.

There was a bar to purchase a range of drinks and snacks from the dinosaur-themed menu.

Some sweet treats included the dinosaur ginger cookie and the dinosaur cupcakes.

You could also treat yourself to a range of hot beverages or some more interesting cold ones like the Tyrannosaurus tropical fruit and the Brontosaurus blue grape.

Hot drinks are priced between £2.99 and £4.99, whereas cold drinks were priced between £1.69 and £2.49.

At the break point, there was a tent which featured a sandpit with fossils hidden beneath the sand for the kids to discover using brushes and tools.

We came across the Tyrannasorus on the trail (Image: NQ)

Meanwhile, over in the other tent, there was a dinosaur-themed soft play area.

Both were enjoyed and provided a nice break out of the sun for the kids before we started back onto the trail.

After discovering several more hidden dinosaurs, as well as some of the film favourites like the Brachiosaurus and the Spinosaurus, we came to the end of the trail.

However, just when you think it’s over, there is an enormous dinosaur waiting in another tent to allow you to take a look up-close.

And there are other creative activities the kids can enjoy in the same tent before they depart.

The last stop on the trail was a tent home to a dinosaur that was in dire need of some dental work.

The entrance to the trail is just beyong the Crazy Golf (Image: NQ)

Thankfully, Bents had provided some brushes so that Mia and Amelia could get to work and give those fangs a good scrub—they both enjoyed this part thoroughly…I wish they enjoyed brushing their own teeth as much.

We finished our visit with a wander around the indoor garden centre and couldn’t leave without purchasing a cake from the food court.

It was a really fun activity, perfect for young families or dinosaur enthusiasts and very affordable.

Ticket prices range from £7.95 to £9.95 per adult and £6.95 to £8.70 per child.

Children under two go for free along with carers.

Dinosaurs in the Hidden Garden is open to the public until September 6, so don’t miss out.