Visiting Peppa Pig’s World is a dream come true for many children throughout the world. Peppa and her family have won over the hearts of families from London to Singapore – it wouldn’t surprise me a bit if it was the biggest TV hit of our kids’ generation.
We first visited Paulton’s Park and Peppa Pig’s World a few years ago, when my son was only two years old and already in love with Peppa & co – you can read my guide to Peppa Pig’s World here. Though it was Peppa Pig World we went for, the rest of Paulton’s Park made quite an impression on us and we wanted to get back there at the earliest opportunity.
This time around, we thought we’d surprise our nearly five year old with a day at Paulton’s to discover their newly-opened Lost Kingdom area – aka Dinosaur land (as my dinosaur-crazy child insisted it was called). If you want to find out how our day went, and our top tips for visiting Paulton’s Theme Park, then keep reading, because we have lots of tips and tricks in store for you as well as a video below (for practical tips, feel free to skip to the bottom of the post).
WHAT TO EXPECT AT PAULTON’S FAMILY THEME PARK
Let me start by saying what’s always struck me about Paulton’s Park – I think it’s really well thought-out compared to other theme parks I’ve visited (and there have been many), to the point that it’s perfect for families with small children. It doesn’t just cater for smaller children, it also keeps thrill-seeking older kids happy with a handful of very good adrenalin-filled rides. The park is small enough that if you’ve planned ahead you can easily visit it in one day, but there is so much to do that I would definitely consider a second day.
TIP: Snap a bargain and get a second day free when you book a ‘short break’ deal. This time around we were going on to Cornwall and didn’t have time, but last time I scoured the internet for good hotel deals in the area, and found the short-break the best value around.
LOCATION
Set at the edge of the outrageously picturesque New Forest National Park, Paulton’s Theme Park is located in the village of Ower, Hampshire. The location makes it a great weekend getaway for families wanting to mix the theme park with a nature outing. Try to stay somewhere in the New Forest for the ultimate countryside experience.
We arrived at the park exactly at 10am, when the park opens, and despite a 5 minute traffic queue to exit the A27 motorway, and it being half-term, the whole parking experience, ticket collecting and entering the gates was very smooth without a single queue! That makes a big change from Disney!!
RIDES
The park has over 65 rides, including the newly opened Lost Kingdom, and of course the world-famous Peppa Pig World, set amid 160 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens. The park also has a 4D cinema, a Peppa Pig themed soft-play area and lots of playgrounds, including a water-play area for those sunny days. The park’s website has a handy page to help you find the rides appropriate for your family and plan your day in advance.
Immediately upon entering the park we saw the signs for Lost Kingdom, and the excitement of the new rides was palpable in the air – it had only just opened to the public, so we naturally rushed to get there.
TIP: We had a morning coffee near the Cobra ride, which was watery and really not very nice. If, like us, you’re a bit fussy about your coffee, stop by Daddy Pig’s café – it was a lot better there.
DISCOVERING THE LOST KINGDOM
The prehistoric themed area is perfect for the whole family as there are exciting rides, but also tamer ones for the little ones, and even a themed ‘explorers’ playground. We were very excited to try out the two new coasters – Flight of the Pterosaur and Velociraptor. And lucky for all of us, children aged 4 and above can ride!
Thankfully the park isn’t huge, so little legs can explore all areas effortlessly. We got to Lost Kingdom within a few minutes, and after assessing the queues, we decided to make our way straight to the biggest ride – Flight of Pterosaur.
TIP: If you want to go on the rides without too much queuing time, make your way to Flight of Pterosaur first thing after arriving in the park or leave it to last. The queue had doubled by lunchtime, and then gone down considerably by 4pm.
We started the day with a bang, joining the queue for Flight of the Pterosaur, and in less than 30 minutes we were sat, buckled and ready to go! It was an exciting ride, giving you the impression of flying, with sudden turns and a few drops! I’m a self-confessed rollercoaster-nut, and I thought it was pretty darn good.
Still reeling from the coaster rush, we made our way to the Lost Kingdom’s other big ride: Velociraptor, a boomerang type of rollercoaster that has you going backwards too! Although my son was a bit hesitant at first, he ended up loving it – and it was my absolute favourite of the day.
Lost Kingdom is so much more than those two rollercoasters though, and we spent the whole morning exploring the area, smiles plastered on our faces from the adrenaline and pure cool-factor of having life-like dinosaurs all around us. Every now and then C would squeak “There’s a Spinosaurus!” or “Daddy I saw a Triceratops!”
Our son was desperate to get into the ‘Little Explorers’ playground – a new playground with an archaeological dig as a theme, where you can dig up fossils and climb. While it’s aimed at little ones, it clearly also appeals to older kids.
PEPPA PIG’S WORLD
Peppa Pig’s World is brilliant for younger children. It’s small enough to make sure toddlers don’t get too tired, stroller-friendly, and even has a Peppa-Pig soft play! Our son loved it when he was two, and enjoyed it just as much now at nearly five years old. 
The park’s big appeal is transporting children to the magical world of Peppa Pig and co. and it does so brilliantly! With music from the show being played constantly throughout the park, children are immediately immersed in the world, visiting Madame Gazelle’s School and even seeing the Pig family at their own house!
The rides are great too, our favourite being the Mr. Dinosaur ride, but the queuing times can be a little strenuous for small children. Plan your stay here wisely and don’t forget to allow time for your baby/toddler to have a nap/wind-down in one of Paulton’s many gardens.
TIP: If you’re visiting for a special occasion, perhaps a birthday, or your child really wants to meet the little piggies, consider upgrading your ticket with a ‘Peppa’s Early Pass‘ which allows you to meet Peppa & George and go on some rides before the gates open. Perfect to maximise your time in the park and avoid tantrums!
The nearby waterslide is really good fun, and one of our favourite rides in the park. The queue is also usually manageable.
WHY DO I LOVE PAULTON’S THEME PARK?
Honestly, I really think they’ve got family theme parks sussed out.
Not only do they have the only Peppa Pig Theme Park in the world, but the new Lost Kingdom is a great addition for dinosaur fanatics (every single kid aged 3-7) and above all, it’s actually a very parent-friendly park.
Now I don’t mean they have people serving you glasses of wine when your child beings to tantrum or needs a wee half an hour into the queue for the ‘Big Balloon’ ride, but it has plenty of beautiful open spaces, lots of interesting and themed gardens, and a handful of playgrounds, including the newly opened dinosaur-themed ‘Little Explorers’.
Wandering through them is a simple yet effective way to help small children unwind from the over-stimulation of the rides, queues, crowds, etc. Sometimes little kids just need to relax, and these areas are perfect for that.
If you’re visiting London, your child LOVES Peppa, and you’re wondering whether Peppa Pig World is worth the trip I guarantee you that it is – a unique experience your child will never forget.
GUIDE + TIPS ON VISITING PAULTONS THEME PARK AND PEPPA PIG WORLD
- THERE ARE NO CASH MACHINES (ATMs) IN THE PARK, BUT YOU CAN GET CASH-BACK AT DADDY PIG’S CAFE.
- JUST IN CASE, PICK UP A ‘LOST CHILD STICKER’ FOR YOUR CHILD IN CASE THEY GET SEPARATED (AVAILABLE AT THE FIRST AID CENTRE).
- IF YOU’RE VISITING WITH A BABY/TODDLER
- Should you take your buggy to Peppa Pig’s World? Peppa Pig World is very stroller friendly, and you can easily park it outside the rides. If your child has outgrown his/her buggy but you think they may need one for the day, you can also rent one from £8 per day.
- Baby-changing facilities: The park has excellent baby-changing facilities, and a baby care centre with a breastfeeding room.
- Tot-Swap: If you can’t wait to have a go on the Velociraptor but your child’s too small, Paulton’s has a tot-swap service, where one adult queues while the other looks after the child and you can swap places without having to queue again. (Available at selected rides only, find out more here).
- HOW TO GET TO PEPPA PIG WORLD FROM LONDON
- If you’re travelling by car, exit on junction 2 on the M27 and follow the signs for Paultons Theme Park.
- If you’re travellling by train, exit at Southampton Central or Airport and catch a taxi. The taxi journey will take approximately 10 minutes.
- WHERE TO STAY NEAR PAULTON’S THEME PARK
- Last time we visited, we stayed at the MacDonald hotel which I thought was a fantastic bargain, and though a bit far from the park, we loved everything about that hotel. This time around we stayed at the Potters Heron Hotel which was not quite so nice, but we found the food to be excellent.
- WHAT TO VISIT NEAR PAULTON’S THEME PARK
- The New Forest National Park is a must-visit – where else are you going to find quaint villages, wild ponies and lush, mossy woodland?
PIN IT FOR LATER
nb: I was a guest of Paultons Theme Park, but all opinions and ridiculous amounts of fun were my own.
We are linking up with Monday Escapes over on My Travel Monkey.
