Paultons Park facts for kids
| Previously known as Paulton's Park, Paulton's Park and Bird Garden | |
| Location | Hampshire, SO51 6AL, England |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 50°56′56″N 1°33′08″W / 50.94887°N 1.552355°W |
| Opened | 17 May 1983 |
| Owner | Richard Mancey |
| Operating season | February half term, Mid-March to October and selected dates in November and December |
| Area | 140 acres (0.57 km2) |
| Attractions | |
| Total | Over 70 rides and attractions |
| Roller coasters | 6 |
| Water rides | 6 |
| Website | Paultons Park |
Paultons Family Theme Park is a fun amusement park located in the New Forest National Park, near Ower in Hampshire, England. It has over 70 rides and attractions for families and children.
The park is famous for its special areas like Peppa Pig World, based on the popular TV show. It also has the Lost Kingdom, which is home to 27 amazing dinosaur models. Paultons Park covers a huge 140 acres of land. Besides rides, you can also see about 80 different kinds of birds and animals. Most of the rides are made for kids and families, which is why it's called a family theme park. The closest train station is Totton, which is about 5.64 kilometers away.
Contents
Exciting Rides and Attractions
The 140-acre park is split into four cool themed areas. These are Lost Kingdom, Peppa Pig World, Critter Creek, and the main park area.
Main Park Fun
Roller Coasters
| Name | Type | Opened | Maker | What it's like |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cobra | Bobsled | 2006 | Gerstlauer | This bobsled coaster goes up to 29 mph (46 km/h) on a 1476 ft (450m) track. It reaches a height of 54 ft (17m). You need to be 1.1m tall and 4 years old with an adult, or 1.2m tall and 8 years old to ride alone. |
Flat Rides
| Name | Opened | Maker | What it's like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edge | 2009 | Zamperla | A thrilling Mega Disk'O Coaster that swings and spins. |
| Magma | 2012 | SBF Visa | A 25m tall drop tower with a cool volcanic theme. You need to be 1.1m tall to ride. |
| Dragon | 2001 | Zierer | A fun roundabout ride. You need to be 90cm tall. |
| The Pirate Ship | 2001 | Metallbau Emmeln | A big pirate ship that swings high, up to 45 degrees! Minimum height is 90cm. |
| Kontiki | 2005 | Zierer | Like the Pirate Ship, but it also spins and moves on a track. Minimum height is 90cm. |
| The Sky Swinger | 2008 | Zierer | This 'Wave Swinger' ride lifts you high into the air as it spins. You must be 1m tall and 7-10 years old. Younger or shorter kids need to sit with an adult. |
| Viking Boats | 2001 | Zierer | Small boats that spin around, themed like Viking longboats. |
| Tea Cup Ride | 1997 | Modern Products | A classic spinning tea cup ride, decorated with fruit. |
Water Rides
| Name | Opened | Maker | What it's like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raging River Ride | 1999 | Reverchon | A 225m log flume with two big drops, the highest being 11m tall. You need to be 95cm tall. |
| Water Kingdom | 2009 | Paultons Park | A splash play park with water jets, tipping buckets, and super soakers. Perfect for cooling off! |
| Seal Falls | 2002 | Zamperla | A smaller version of the Raging River Ride, with a mini igloo tunnel. |
Other Rides and Attractions
| Name | Opened | What it's like |
|---|---|---|
| 4D Cinema | 2013 | Experience a 4D movie called Deepo - A Fish Story. They show a different film during Christmas! |
| Go-Karts | 1998 | Race petrol go-karts on a fun track. |
| Digger Ride | 2002 | A track ride where you can pretend to be on a building site. |
| Bouncer & Trampolines | An undercover bouncy castle and trampolines next to it. | |
| Summer Beach Party | 2017 | A lively stage show to enjoy. |
Lost Kingdom: Dinosaur Adventure
This area is like stepping back in time to when dinosaurs ruled the Earth!
| Name | Type | Opened | Maker | What it's like |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight of the Pterosaur | Family Inverted Coaster | 2016 | Vekoma | A family coaster where your feet dangle! You need to be 1.0m tall and 4 years old. |
| Velociraptor | Junior Boomerang | 2016 | Vekoma | A custom boomerang coaster that goes forwards and backwards. You need to be 1m tall and 4 years old. |
| Dino Chase | Junior Coaster | 2003 - Remodeled for 2016 | Zierer | A fun junior coaster, perfect for younger adventurers. It used to be called The Flying Frog. |
Lost Kingdom Rides
| Name | Type | Opened | Maker | What it's like |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Dinosaur Tour Co. | Tracked Ride | 2016 | Metallbau Emmeln | Drive a Jurassic 4x4 and explore the Lost Kingdom. |
| Boulder Dash | Demolition Derby | 2016 | Zamperla | Spin and dodge giant dinosaur eggs and boulders in this exciting ride. |
| Temple Heights | Magic Carpet ride | 2005-Remodeled for 2016 | Zamperla | Soar high above Lost Kingdom and get amazing views from the temple. |
Other Dinosaur Attractions
| Name | Type | Opened | Maker | What it's like |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Explorers | Playground | 2016 | A dinosaur-themed playground with climbing frames, slides, and a sand pit to dig for fossils! | |
| Prehistoric Dinosaurs | Animatronics | 2016 | Walk into a Jurassic world filled with lifelike dinosaur models, like the T-Rex and Triceratops. | |
| ALIVE! Dinosaur Encounter | Show/Meet & Greet | 2016 | Paultons Park | Get up close with the dinosaurs of Lost Kingdom! |
| Discovery Trail | Walk Through | 2016 | Paultons Park | Take a peaceful walk through a wooded trail. Look for interactive boards and spot local wildlife. |
Peppa Pig World: A Dream Come True
Step into the world of Peppa Pig and her friends! This area is perfect for younger visitors.
Peppa Pig World Rides
| Name | Type | Opened | Maker | What it's like |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windy Castle | Flat ride | 2011 | Metallbau Emmeln | A fun big wheel ride that takes you up high. |
| George's Dinosaur Adventure | Tracked ride | 2011 | Metallbau Emmeln | Ride in rocking 'dinosaur' cars on a themed monorail. You need to be 85cm tall. |
| Daddy Pig's Car Ride | Tracked ride | 2011 | Metallbau Emmeln | Drive around a road track in Daddy Pig's car. |
| Grandpa Pig's Little Train | Flat ride | 2011 | Metallbau Emmeln | All aboard for a gentle train ride. |
| Grandpa Pig's Boat Trip | Flat ride | 2011 | Metallbau Emmeln | A circular boat ride on the water. |
| Peppa's Big Balloon Ride | Flat ride | 2011 | Zierer | Float up in a hot air balloon-themed tower ride. |
| Miss Rabbit's Helicopter Flight | Flat ride | 2011 | Zierer | Take a spin in a helicopter-themed big wheel ride. |
| The Queen's Flying Coach Ride | Monorail ride | 2018 | Metallbau Emmeln | Ride an elevated monorail that gives you great views of Peppa Pig World. |
| Grampy Rabbit's Sailing Club | Water ride | 2018 | Mack Rides | Enjoy a gentle boat tour on the water. |
Other Peppa Pig World Fun
| Name | Opened | What it's like |
|---|---|---|
| Meet Peppa Pig and Friends | 2011 | Meet your favorite characters like Peppa Pig and George Pig! |
| George's Spaceship Playzone | 2011 | An exciting indoor play area. |
| Muddy Puddles | 2011 | A fun water play area where you can splash around. |
| Mr Potato's Playground | 2011 | An outdoor play area with lots to explore. |
Critter Creek: Strange and Wonderful Creatures
Roller Coasters
| Name | Type | Opened | Maker | What it's like |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Cat-O-Pillar Coaster | Junior Coaster | 2000 - remodeled for 2015 | Zierer | A junior coaster that goes up to 20 mph (32 km/h). You need to be 90cm tall. It used to be called Stinger. |
Critter Creek Rides
| Name | Type | Opened | Maker | What it's like |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prof. Blast's Expedition Express | Train ride | 2015 | Zamperla | Hop on this mini train for a trek through Professor Blast's world of critters and strange experiments. |
Other Critter Creek Attractions
| Name | Type | Opened | Maker | What it's like |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beastie Burrow | Reptile house | 2015 | Paultons Park | Explore a bug house with cool insects, fish, and lizards. Say hello to Eric the Chameleon! |
| The Curious Critters | Models | 2015 | Paultons Park | Look for Professor Blast's funny mixed-up animal friends, like The Fly-ger, hidden around Critter Creek. |
Tornado Springs: Coming Soon!
Get ready for a brand new area called Tornado Springs! It was planned for May 2020, but because of the COVID-19 virus, it will now open in Easter 2021.
Tornado Springs Roller Coasters
| Name | Type | Opened | Maker | What it's like |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storm Chaser | Thrill Spinning Coaster | 2021 | Mack Rides | A spinning coaster with unique trains that look like they're catching a tornado! |
| unknown | Junior Coaster | 2022 | unknown | A new junior coaster planned for 2022, with a cool theme. |
Tornado Springs Rides
| Name | Type | Opened | Maker | What it's like |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al's Auto Academy | Driving School | 2021 | Garmendale | Test your driving skills in this self-controlled driving school attraction. |
| Cyclonator | Frisbee Ride | 2021 | Zamperla | This will likely be the most thrilling ride in the park, a spinning pendulum ride. |
| Windmill Towers | Double Spinning Drop Towers | 2021 | Zierer | A pair of family drop towers with a unique windmill theme. |
| Buffalo Falls | Dingy Water Slides | 2003-Remodelled for 2021 | Metallbau Emmeln | A themed water slide with three drops. You need to be 90cm tall. It used to be called ‘Wave Runner’. |
| Trekking Tractors | Powered, circuit children's ride. | 2007-Remodelled for 2021 | Metallbau Emmeln | A gentle tractor ride that travels through Tornado Springs with a tornado theme. |
| Rio Grande Train | Train Ride | 1987-Remodelled for 2021 | Severn Lamb | This train ride will reopen in 2021 and take you directly through the new Tornado Springs area. |
Other Tornado Springs Attractions
| Name | Type | Opened | Maker | What it's like |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junkyard Junction | Playground | 2021 | Unknown | A western-themed outdoor playground with climbing frames and slides. |
| Parking Lot Tots | Playground | 2021 | Unknown | A garage-themed outdoor playground for younger kids, with climbing frames and slides. |
Amazing Animals
Paultons Park isn't just about rides; it's also home to many cool animals!
- Little Africa: See African birds like turacos, Cape teal, and guineafowl.
- Meerkat Manor: Watch meerkats in their special indoor and outdoor home.
- Penguin Pool: Observe Humboldt penguins swimming in their pool, with underwater viewing! You can even watch them being fed daily.
- Birds of Prey: Meet impressive birds of prey, including the great grey owl.
- Hornbills: The park has a large collection of hornbills, like silver-cheeked and trumpeter hornbills.
- Tropical Birds: Discover colorful tropical birds, including laughing thrush and starlings.
- Flamingos and Pelicans: See these beautiful birds in their enclosures.
- Tortoises: Meet giant Aldabra tortoises that have lived at the park since 1995.
Beautiful Gardens
Paultons Park also has lovely gardens to explore.
- The Main Garden: This garden is located where the old Paultons House used to be.
- Lake & Weir: A horseshoe-shaped lake fed by a small river.
- Tropical Plants: Find unique plants, including a Wollemi pine, which was thought to be extinct!
- Rockery: See parts of the old Paultons house cellars that are still here.
- Spring Garden: In spring, this garden is full of snowdrops and yellow daffodils.
- Rhododendrons and Azaleas: These beautiful flowers bloom in late spring.
- Trekking Tractor Garden: A farm garden with a vegetable patch, located in the middle of a ride.
- Donoughmore Cross: A monument by the lake that marks where a pets' cemetery once was.
- Jungle Falls: An African-themed garden with amazing topiary animals like an elephant, giraffe, and crocodile.
- Snakes and Ladders: A garden featuring a huge cobra made from 5000 plants!
- Anne and John's Garden: Opened in 2008, this garden at the park entrance has a glass fountain and screens showing the park's history.
- The Floating Globe: A giant spinning water ball (called a kugel ball) at the entrance. It's the biggest of its kind in the UK, weighing over 6 tonnes!
- Water Wheel: A real Victorian waterwheel that used to power a sawmill on the original Paultons Estate.
Park Planning and History
In 2009, there was a discussion about two big rides, The Cobra and Edge. The park needed special permission for them to stay in their spot. This area was seen as 'Country Park' by planners, not 'Amusement Park'.
Luckily, after some talks, The Cobra was allowed to stay in December 2009. Then, in March 2010, the Edge ride also got permission to stay in its current spot. This was good news for the park!
Awards and Recognition
Paultons Park has won many awards for being a great place to visit!
- Visit England Gold Accolade 2015
- TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award - No.1 Theme Park in the UK, No.8 in Europe and No.24 in the World
- TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award – No. 1 Theme Park in the UK and No.11 in Europe 2017
- TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award – No. 1 Theme Park in the UK and No.6 in Europe 2016
- TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award – No. 2 Theme Park in the UK and No.6 in Europe 2015
- TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award – No. 1 Theme Park in the UK 2014
- TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2015
- TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2013
- Netmums Best UK Theme Park for Family Fun 2013
- Netmums Best UK Theme Park for Pre-Schoolers 2013
- Netmums Best UK Theme Park Kids Favourite Category 2013
Future Plans for the Park
Paultons Park is always planning new and exciting things! In September 2018, they started sharing details about a new area called Tornado Springs. This area is being built on the east side of the car park. You can find hints and concept art for the new rides on social media and the Tornado Springs website. As mentioned, the opening was moved to Easter 2021 due to the COVID-19 virus.
Images for kids
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The Lost Kingdom area.
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Grandpa Pig's Little Train Ride at Peppa Pig World.
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Peppa Pig and George in Peppa Pig World.
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The Water Kingdom Splash park.
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The Edge.
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Magma, a spinning drop tower ride.
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The Double Decker Victorian Carousel.
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Cobra rollercoaster.
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Cat-o-Pillar rollercoaster.
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A Humboldt Penguin
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The Main Gardens
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Park Entrance
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Paultons Park Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.