Paulton's Park
Encyclopedia
Paultons Theme Park is located in the village of Ower
, near Romsey
, in Hampshire
, England
. The theme park has 60 rides and attractions, the latest addition to which was a Peppa Pig
World based on the children’s television series character Peppa Pig
. The name is derived from the former Paultons Estate, on which the Park is situated. The Park covers 140 acres of land and features a collection of around 80 species of birds and animals, in addition to the rides. Most of the theme park rides are designed for children which is why the Park considers itself a Family Theme Park.
; Touchet was subsequently defeated, beheaded and his lands confiscated by the crown. The lands left royal ownership in 1547, when the newly crowned King Edward VI
gave the estate to John Paulet. This continued until 1870 when Hans Sloane
inherited the estate from Hans Stanley
, who changed his name to Hans Sloane Stanley as a sign of gratitude. The estate, now covering 3000 acres, was also modeled and deigned by Capability Brown in the 18th century.
By the 1940s, the Paultons Estate was owned by Major Roger Cyril Hans Sloane Stanley and Lady Cairns. Throughout the Second World War, the estate played host to 15 school girls and their teacher, Phyllis Wilkins, from Northern Parade School, Hilsea
, Portsmouth
. In 1944 the manor house was opened as a luxury hotel, where guests could stay for 10 guineas a week, however in 1954 the hotel closed. The house subsequently became derelict and burned down in a great fire on 5 November 1963. Following the fire, 500 acres of the estate was sold to the Mancey family, who set about restoring the gardens, lake and waterwheel to their former glory, and building the park.
In 1993, the Runaway Train roller coaster was installed, becoming the parks first major ride, and increasing popularity. It was accompanied by a mirror maze and the Sky Diver the following year and allowed visitors to break the 400,000 mark in 1995. In 1996, the Tiny Tots playground was constructed along with a walkthrough tableux entitled The Wonderful World of Wind in the Willows
, following the story of the same name. The year also saw the introduction of Santa's Wonderland, an event lasting every festive season to this day. In 1997, the Tea Cup Ride became another popular addition to the park, and the following year the Percy's Playhouse play area and the Go Carts were constructed, with the latter providing older children with an attraction.
. 2001 saw three new rides added to the park: The Pirate Ship, Viking Boats and the Dragon Ride, which replaced the Crazy Karts ride located on the same area. In recent years, the rides had become more focused on attracting older audiences, and so to compensate two rides were built for 2002 solely for children under 7: The Digger Ride and Seal Falls. Two rides were again constructed in 2003 which targeted a cross section of the visitors. The Wave Runner again sought to entertain the thrill seekers, while The Flying Frog catered for children by being the younger version of the Stinger.
2004 saw two drop rides installed; Jumping Jack for younger audiences and the taller Jumping Bean for older visitors. Also, the Bumper Boats ride was removed and replaced with a penguin
enclosure on the same site, as well as an upgrade in the other animals areas. The Kontiki ride was built in 2005, with the Magic Carpet was built on the site of the Wirly Copters ride the same year. In 2006, the park was expanded when Paulton's purchased more land to house a new, bigger roller coaster: the Cobra. This would later become a difficulty for the park due to the lands status and legal rights, however action only began in 2009. The previous year, Paultons had shifted it's ride investment towards the older visitor market, and to compensate opened the Trekking Tractors ride in 2007, in which children could see growing in progress with farming machinery around. The crazy snooker was also replaced with a Panning for Gold attraction, and the original Crazy Golf course was refurbished with a new theme.
2008 saw the 25th anniversary of the park. As a result, a new traditional style ride was installed: The Sky Swinger, and the entrance plaza was remodelled. As the new ride would be built on the site of the clock maze, the clock was transported to the entrance plaza to become the centre peice of a new side garden. However the most striking part of the new plaza is a Kugel ball
added to celebrate the anniversary. It is the largest in the UK, at 1.5 meters diameter and weighing 6.5 tonnes.
The parks expansion continued in 2009 with the addition of The Edge ride, located next to the Cobra on the newly purchased land, and of the Water Kingdom, replacing the Kids Kingdom play area. However, the park were told they may have to move the Cobra and Edge after an application to grant them retrospective planning permission was narrowly turned down by the National Park planning committee by seven votes to five. The area where these rides were situated is designated 'Country Park' and not 'Amusement Park' in planning terms, where as all other areas of the Park are now recognised as an Amusement Park and therefore have permitted development rights. After a separate application for the Cobra was made it was announced on December 22, 2009 that the ride had now been granted retrospective permission and could remain in its current location. Another planning application was subsequently lodged with the New Forest National Park Planning Authority to retain the Edge ride. This application received overwhelming public support and Paultons were granted permission by the New Forest NPA to retain the Edge ride in its current location on 16 March 2010.
No new rides were opened in 2010, instead all efforts were put into 2011's new opening: Peppa Pig World. This featured three large rides and several more smaller rides and attractions all contained within a themed area. This new development was heavily promoted through television and radio adverts.
.
opened in 2006 at a cost of £2million, with snake-themed cars and several steep drops, turns and helices. It is currently the largest ride at Paultons with a track length of 450 metres. The Cobra is currently the only Gerstlauer
Bobsled coaster in the UK. Minimum height: 1.10m (a child must also be at least 4yrs old and be accompanied by a responsible adult). Children 1.30m tall and 8 years or over can ride without an adult.
The Flying Frog opened in 2003, this roller coaster has a low height restriction and is a designed for younger children. No minimum height. Children under 5 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Children 12 months and under should not ride. Maximum of either one adult and 2 small children who must sit either side of the adult, or two adults per car.
The Stinger opened in 2000, replacing the Runaway Train roller coaster. It has caterpillar cars and a smooth layout designed for families. Minimum height: 900mm (35.4"). Minimum age to ride unaccompanied by adult: 7 years. Max. 1 adult and 2 small children who must sit either side of adult or 2 adults.
The Raging River Ride is a log flume which features two steep drops and an on-ride photo. Minimum height: 950mm (37.4"). Minimum age to ride unaccompanied by adult: 8 years. Max. four people per log. Ride not suitable for people with disabilities including those who use a wheelchair or who have limited mobility.
Coaster opened in 2009. It was the first of its type to be opened in the UK and eighth to be built in the world. It features a 'camel-back' hill and reaches a height of 15 metres on a large disc travelling along a 90 metre track at 43mph. Minimum height to ride 1.20M (A child must be at least 6 years old and be accompanied by a responsible adult). Children 8 years old and a height of 1.40M or over can ride without an adult
The Jumping Bean is a 12 metre vertical drop ride, which rises and falls a number of times. Minimum height: 1.10m (accompanied by a responsible adult). Children over 7 years can ride without an adult.
The Pirate Ship, is a swinging ship that reaches an angle of 60 degrees on either side. Minimum height: 900 mm. Minimum age to ride unaccompanied by adult: 6 years.
The Dragon Ride is a spinning roundabout ride, rotating in both directions. Minimum height: 900mm (35.4"). Minimum age to ride unaccompanied by adult: 6 years. Max. 2 people per car.
Kontiki Ride is a swinging ship that rotates 360 degrees, replicating a seastorm. Minimum height: 900mm (accompanied by a responsible adult). Children over 7 years can ride without an adult.
The Sky Swinger is a tilting Wave Swinger ride (opened in 2008) with double parent and child seats for younger riders in addition to traditional single seats. Minimum height: 1m, minimum age 4 years old. Children less than 1.2m & less than 7 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Children more than 1.2m & 7 years old can ride unaccompanied.
Astroglide is a basic mat slide with six lanes. Minimum height: 900mm (35.4") Minimum age to ride unaccompanied by adult: 4 years. Children under 4 years must be supervised by a responsible adult whilst on the slide structure.
2 Seater Go-Karts is an extra charge attraction for older guests. Minimum height: Driver - 1.50m (59"); Passenger - 1.10m (43.3"). Driver must be 13 years or older. Driver with passenger must be 16 years or older.
The Cobra is detailed under the roller coasters section in this article.
Magic Carpet is a small Zamperla Magic Carpet ride. Minimum height to ride: 900mm (accompanied by a responsible adult). Children 7 years or over can ride without an adult.
Flying Saucer is a slow tilting and spinning ride. No minimum height. Minimum age to ride unaccompanied by adult: 4 years.
Viking Boats is a small rotating boat ride themed on the Viking Longboats. No minimum height. Minimum age to ride unaccompanied by adult: 4 years.
Jumping Jack is a smaller version of the Jumping Bean vertical drop ride but made by Zamperla. Minimum height 900mm. Children 9 years and older and adults are not permitted on this ride unless accompanying a small child at the minimum height.
Digger Ride is a track ride themed around a building site. Suitable for small children only.
Rabbit Ride is one of the oldest rides at the park, it is a children’s garden track ride with rabbit themed cars. Minimum age to ride unaccompanied by an adult: 4 years. No minimum height.
Ladybird Ride is a ride in spotted ladybird cars for small children.
Seal Falls is a younger version of the Raging River Ride and features a small drop and a mini igloo tunnel. Suitable for small children aged 7 years & younger.
Percy's Bouncer is a bouncy castle type attraction which is undercover. There are also trampolines adjacent to this attraction. Maximum height 1.23m. Adults cannot use this attraction.
Tea Cup Ride is a spinning tea cup ride decorated with fruit. Minimum height: 750mm (29.5"). Minimum age to ride unaccompanied by adult: 8 years.
and Sing a Song of Sixpence
.
Wind In The Willows is a walkthrough house featuring animatronic models themed along the story of the Wind in the Willows.
Land of the Dinosaurs is a walkway through the woods featuring full-scale models of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures including Tyrannosaurus
and Stegosaurus
.
Gold Rush Falls is a 12-hole crazy golf course and an area where children pan for gold and win a medal.
The Village Life Museum feature scenes and information on village life in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is located in a converted barn.
The Scotty the Clown Live Family Entertainment Show features acrobatics, juggling, magic and singing with Scotty the clown, who has worked at Paultons for over 15 years and was once a contestant on the show Gladiators (British TV show).
Aqua Zorbing is seasonal and an additional charge applies. Children can climb inside giant inflatable spheres and spin on a water pool. Minimum age 4 years old, maximum weight 89kg (14 st).
Percy's Playhouse is a large climbing house featuring a spiralling tube slide. Suitable for children aged 6-15 years.
Percy’s Play Park is a small park with climbing frames & slide suitable for children aged 5-13 years.
Kiddies Play Village is a play area with swing bridges, sand play, tunnels, slides, pulleys and rockers suitable for children aged 0-6 years.
Tiny Tots Town is a small children's play area for 0-5 year olds set in sand with a Jolly Roger boat to steer, a play house on stilts and Orient Express play engine to climb in and around. There are also swings, bouncers, slides and climbing structures.
Muddy Puddles is 150 m2 water splash area designed for small children situated within Peppa Pig World. It features a water web, bubbler, aqua arch, mushroom maze and water flower designed using the muddy puddles theme from the children’s television series character Peppa Pig.
Meerkat Manor - an enclosure including indoor and outdoor areas for Meerkats.
Red-necked Wallabies in a large grassed paddock.
Penguin Pool – Humboldt Penguins in a pool with underwater viewing areas, housed in the former bumper boat pool. There are feeding sessions with keepers daily.
Birds of Prey including the Great Grey Owl, a pair of American Turkey Vultures and Snowy Owls.
Hornbills & Toucans- a large Hornbill collection including Rhinoceros, Silver-cheeked, Black-casqued Wattled, Trumpeter, Von der Deckens and Red-billed Hornbills.
Tropical Birds including Laughing Thrush, Spreo Starlings and Tawny Frogmouths.
Flamingos, Pelicans & Cranes in enclosures.
Emus & Rheas in grassed paddocks.
Tortoises including an Aldabra Tortoises that arrived at the Park in 1995.
The Main Garden located on the site of Paultons House, which no longer remains.
Lake & Weir – A horseshoe-shaped lake fed by a tributary of the River Test.
Tropical Plants including a Wollemi Pine which was thought to be extinct until discovered in Australia in 1994.
Rockery - Parts of the old cellars of the original Paultons house that have been retained.
Spring Garden with snowdrops and drifts of yellow daffodils in the spring.
Rhododendrons & Azaleas blooming in late spring.
Trekking Tractor Garden - a farm garden created in the middle of a ride with a vegetable plot.
Japanese Garden created in 1989,each entrance has a “torii”, a traditional wooden gateway. Planted with maple, bamboo and box hedge, a small stream runs down to the lily pond through two aviaries of tropical
birds.
Donoughmore Cross monument situated on the far side of the lake marks the site of what was once a pets' cemetery.
Jungle Falls is an African themed Jungle Falls Garden, with a topiary elephant, giraffe and crocodile.
Snakes & Ladders Garden with a large Cobra made from 5000 Sedums.
John's Garden - Opened in 2008 as part of the entrance plaza.
The Floating Globe - A Kugel
Ball which is also part of the entrance plaza developed for the 2008 season, it is the largest of its type in the UK weighing over 6 tonnes and being 1.5metres in diameter.
Water Wheel - A genuine Victorian Brestshot Waterwheel which drives a sawmill and was part of the original Paultons Estate (the land on which the park is now situated).
Rides in Peppa Pig World include:
Windy Castle spins visitors in cloud carriages up and down a central castle upright structure. There is no height restriction to ride the Windy Castle. Children under 8 yrs must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
George’s Dinosaur Adventure – children sit on the back of green dinosaurs that rock back and forth whilst manoeuvring around a track they are attached to. The track runs through different themed areas including volcanoes and the character ‘Daddy Pig's’ garden. A child must be a minimum of 900mm to ride in the child seat accompanied by an adult.
Daddy Pig’s Car Ride – guests sit in vehicles that manoeuvre around a road track (automatically).Ride photography is included. There is no height restriction to ride Daddy Pig’s Car Ride. Children under 4 yrs must be accompanied by an adult.
Grandpa Pig’s Little Train – A train ride that is attached to track. There is no height restriction to ride Grandpa Pig’s Little Train. Children under 4 yrs must be accompanied by an adult.
Grandpa Pig’s Boat Trip – small boat carriages on water move in a circle roundabout motion. There is no height restriction to ride Grandpa Pig’s Boat Trip. Children under 4 yrs must be accompanied by an adult.
Peppa’s Big Balloon Ride spins visitors up and around a central structure in balloon themed carriages. There is no height restriction to ride Peppa’s Big Balloon Ride. Children under 8 yrs must be accompanied by an adult.
Miss Rabbits Helicopter Flight is a ride similar to a ‘big wheel’ ride where visitors sit in helicopter carriages. There is no height restriction to ride Miss Rabbit’s Helicopter Flight. Children under 8 yrs must be accompanied by an adult.
Attractions in Peppa Pig World include:
Georges’s Spaceship Playzone is an indoor soft play area with climbing structures, slides & tubes, a soft ball area and musical instruments for infants to play with.
Mr Potato’s Playground is an outdoor play area with slides and climbing frames suitable for children aged 0-6 years old.
Muddy Puddles is a water splash park suitable for 0-6 year olds with fountains and water jets themed around the muddy puddles scenes from the cartoon.
Peppa’s House is a themed house that visitors can enter and see animatronic models of the characters from Peppa Pig.
Paddling Ducks are animatronic duck models from the cartoon that swim on a water pond.
The Campervan is a life size model replica of the vehicle used in the cartoon situation on a grass mound.
The School House is a themed building from the cartoon that visitors can enter and have their photograph taken in a static classroom scene with the characters from Peppa Pig.
Peppa’s Magic Photo Studio is a blue screen studio where visitors can select alternative backgrounds featuring scenes and characters from the series and have their photograph taken in front of them.
The world also includes Peppa’s Toy Shop – a gift shop selling souvenirs from the series, Miss Rabbits Ice Cream Parlour and Daddy Pigs Big Tummy Cafe themed food outlets.
Peppa Pig World represents a £6million investment for Paultons Park.
After a separate application (for the Cobra only) was made it was announced on December 22, 2009 that The Cobra (The Park's biggest ride) had now been granted retrospective permission and could remain in its current location.
Another planning application was subsequently lodged with the New Forest National Park Planning Authority to retain the Edge ride. This application received overwhelming public support and Paultons were granted permission by the New Forest NPA to retain the Edge ride in its current location on 16 March 2010.
Ower
Ower is a hamlet in the New Forest district of Hampshire, England. Its nearest towns are Totton – approximately to the southeast, and Romsey – approximately to the north-east....
, near Romsey
Romsey
Romsey is a small market town in the county of Hampshire, England.It is 8 miles northwest of Southampton and 11 miles southwest of Winchester, neighbouring the village of North Baddesley...
, in Hampshire
Hampshire
Hampshire is a county on the southern coast of England in the United Kingdom. The county town of Hampshire is Winchester, a historic cathedral city that was once the capital of England. Hampshire is notable for housing the original birthplaces of the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. The theme park has 60 rides and attractions, the latest addition to which was a Peppa Pig
Peppa Pig
Peppa Pig is a British animated television series created directed and produced by Astley Baker Davies and distributed by eOne Entertainment. To date, three series have been aired. It is shown in 180 territories.-Background:...
World based on the children’s television series character Peppa Pig
Peppa Pig
Peppa Pig is a British animated television series created directed and produced by Astley Baker Davies and distributed by eOne Entertainment. To date, three series have been aired. It is shown in 180 territories.-Background:...
. The name is derived from the former Paultons Estate, on which the Park is situated. The Park covers 140 acres of land and features a collection of around 80 species of birds and animals, in addition to the rides. Most of the theme park rides are designed for children which is why the Park considers itself a Family Theme Park.
Estate and House
The land the park currently occupies: the Paulton's Estate, has quite a colourful history already. In 1323 the land was in the possession of the Abbot of Glastonbury, who sold it to John de Palton. The estate has since been named after him. The land then passed down to John Touchet, who in 1497 led a rebellion against King Henry VIIHenry VII of England
Henry VII was King of England and Lord of Ireland from his seizing the crown on 22 August 1485 until his death on 21 April 1509, as the first monarch of the House of Tudor....
; Touchet was subsequently defeated, beheaded and his lands confiscated by the crown. The lands left royal ownership in 1547, when the newly crowned King Edward VI
Edward VI of England
Edward VI was the King of England and Ireland from 28 January 1547 until his death. He was crowned on 20 February at the age of nine. The son of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour, Edward was the third monarch of the Tudor dynasty and England's first monarch who was raised as a Protestant...
gave the estate to John Paulet. This continued until 1870 when Hans Sloane
Hans Sloane (MP)
Hans Sloane , later called Hans Sloane-Stanley, was a British Member of Parliament.Sloane was born on 14 November 1739 at South Stoneham, Hampshire, and educated at Trinity College, Cambridge and the Inner Temple...
inherited the estate from Hans Stanley
Hans Stanley
Hans Stanley was a British diplomat and statesman.-Peace negotiator:In 1761 Stanley was Chargé d'affaires at the Embassy to France...
, who changed his name to Hans Sloane Stanley as a sign of gratitude. The estate, now covering 3000 acres, was also modeled and deigned by Capability Brown in the 18th century.
By the 1940s, the Paultons Estate was owned by Major Roger Cyril Hans Sloane Stanley and Lady Cairns. Throughout the Second World War, the estate played host to 15 school girls and their teacher, Phyllis Wilkins, from Northern Parade School, Hilsea
Hilsea
Hilsea is a district of the city of Portsmouth in the English county of Hampshire. Hilsea is home to one of Portsmouth's main sports and leisure facilities - the Mountbatten centre. The City of Portsmouth Boys' School is also in Hilsea...
, Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Portsmouth is the second largest city in the ceremonial county of Hampshire on the south coast of England. Portsmouth is notable for being the United Kingdom's only island city; it is located mainly on Portsea Island...
. In 1944 the manor house was opened as a luxury hotel, where guests could stay for 10 guineas a week, however in 1954 the hotel closed. The house subsequently became derelict and burned down in a great fire on 5 November 1963. Following the fire, 500 acres of the estate was sold to the Mancey family, who set about restoring the gardens, lake and waterwheel to their former glory, and building the park.
1983-1999
The theme park opened as Paultons Park and Bird Gardens on 17 May 1983. The park originally covered only 140 acres of the available land, with four permanent staff members and attractions featuring only an adventure playground, the Village Life Museum located in a converted barn, and the numerous birds and animals. Three years after the launch, the attractions were expanded with the Railway Station, Station Tea Rooms and Rio Grande railway being constructed, alongside the Magic Forest, Kids Kingdom and Captain Blood’s Cavern. From here on, an area of the park was developed, or a new attraction added: 1988 saw the Land of the Dinosaurs, the Rabbit Ride and the Trampolines being completed, with the Astroglide and Crazy Snooker added the following year. The popular Bumper boats attraction was added in 1990 alongside a Pets Corner area, with a maze with large clock at the centre added for 1991 and the Flying Saucer ride installed in 1992.In 1993, the Runaway Train roller coaster was installed, becoming the parks first major ride, and increasing popularity. It was accompanied by a mirror maze and the Sky Diver the following year and allowed visitors to break the 400,000 mark in 1995. In 1996, the Tiny Tots playground was constructed along with a walkthrough tableux entitled The Wonderful World of Wind in the Willows
The Wind in the Willows
The Wind in the Willows is a classic of children's literature by Kenneth Grahame, first published in 1908. Alternately slow moving and fast paced, it focuses on four anthropomorphised animal characters in a pastoral version of England...
, following the story of the same name. The year also saw the introduction of Santa's Wonderland, an event lasting every festive season to this day. In 1997, the Tea Cup Ride became another popular addition to the park, and the following year the Percy's Playhouse play area and the Go Carts were constructed, with the latter providing older children with an attraction.
1999-2009
In 1999, the park began expanding like never before, with a new large ride being built every year since. In 1999, this was the Raging River Rapids, the largest ride at the time and costing £500,000. For the new millenium, the Runaway Train ride was dismantled and replaced with the Stinger roller coaster, a popular ride to this day. The Runaway train meanwhile was relocated to Dunes Leisure Park in LincolnshireLincolnshire
Lincolnshire is a county in the east of England. It borders Norfolk to the south east, Cambridgeshire to the south, Rutland to the south west, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire to the west, South Yorkshire to the north west, and the East Riding of Yorkshire to the north. It also borders...
. 2001 saw three new rides added to the park: The Pirate Ship, Viking Boats and the Dragon Ride, which replaced the Crazy Karts ride located on the same area. In recent years, the rides had become more focused on attracting older audiences, and so to compensate two rides were built for 2002 solely for children under 7: The Digger Ride and Seal Falls. Two rides were again constructed in 2003 which targeted a cross section of the visitors. The Wave Runner again sought to entertain the thrill seekers, while The Flying Frog catered for children by being the younger version of the Stinger.
2004 saw two drop rides installed; Jumping Jack for younger audiences and the taller Jumping Bean for older visitors. Also, the Bumper Boats ride was removed and replaced with a penguin
Penguin
Penguins are a group of aquatic, flightless birds living almost exclusively in the southern hemisphere, especially in Antarctica. Highly adapted for life in the water, penguins have countershaded dark and white plumage, and their wings have become flippers...
enclosure on the same site, as well as an upgrade in the other animals areas. The Kontiki ride was built in 2005, with the Magic Carpet was built on the site of the Wirly Copters ride the same year. In 2006, the park was expanded when Paulton's purchased more land to house a new, bigger roller coaster: the Cobra. This would later become a difficulty for the park due to the lands status and legal rights, however action only began in 2009. The previous year, Paultons had shifted it's ride investment towards the older visitor market, and to compensate opened the Trekking Tractors ride in 2007, in which children could see growing in progress with farming machinery around. The crazy snooker was also replaced with a Panning for Gold attraction, and the original Crazy Golf course was refurbished with a new theme.
2008 saw the 25th anniversary of the park. As a result, a new traditional style ride was installed: The Sky Swinger, and the entrance plaza was remodelled. As the new ride would be built on the site of the clock maze, the clock was transported to the entrance plaza to become the centre peice of a new side garden. However the most striking part of the new plaza is a Kugel ball
Kugel ball
A Kugel ball is a sculpture consisting of a large granite ball supported by a very thin film of water. Water flows beneath a very heavy, perfectly spherical rock from a spherical concave base with exactly the same curvature...
added to celebrate the anniversary. It is the largest in the UK, at 1.5 meters diameter and weighing 6.5 tonnes.
2009-Present
Soon after the anniversary, the park undertook a major rebranding project in which the logo was changed, the previous slogan "It's a Hoot!" was dropped and the park mascot of the owl Percy was seen noticeably less.The parks expansion continued in 2009 with the addition of The Edge ride, located next to the Cobra on the newly purchased land, and of the Water Kingdom, replacing the Kids Kingdom play area. However, the park were told they may have to move the Cobra and Edge after an application to grant them retrospective planning permission was narrowly turned down by the National Park planning committee by seven votes to five. The area where these rides were situated is designated 'Country Park' and not 'Amusement Park' in planning terms, where as all other areas of the Park are now recognised as an Amusement Park and therefore have permitted development rights. After a separate application for the Cobra was made it was announced on December 22, 2009 that the ride had now been granted retrospective permission and could remain in its current location. Another planning application was subsequently lodged with the New Forest National Park Planning Authority to retain the Edge ride. This application received overwhelming public support and Paultons were granted permission by the New Forest NPA to retain the Edge ride in its current location on 16 March 2010.
No new rides were opened in 2010, instead all efforts were put into 2011's new opening: Peppa Pig World. This featured three large rides and several more smaller rides and attractions all contained within a themed area. This new development was heavily promoted through television and radio adverts.
Attractions
The park has a variety of attractions including roller coasters, water rides, thrill rides, children and family rides, a narrow gauge railway, entertainment shows, animals and gardens and a themed world based on the children’s television series character Peppa PigPeppa Pig
Peppa Pig is a British animated television series created directed and produced by Astley Baker Davies and distributed by eOne Entertainment. To date, three series have been aired. It is shown in 180 territories.-Background:...
.
Roller Coasters
The Cobra a Bobsled coasterBobsled roller coaster
A Bobsled roller coaster is the generic name given to any roller coaster that uses a track design that is essentially a "pipe" with the top half removed and has cars that are sent down this pipe in a freewheeling mode...
opened in 2006 at a cost of £2million, with snake-themed cars and several steep drops, turns and helices. It is currently the largest ride at Paultons with a track length of 450 metres. The Cobra is currently the only Gerstlauer
Gerstlauer
Gerstlauer Amusement Rides GmbH is a German manufacturer of stationary and transportable amusement rides and roller coasters, located in Münsterhausen, Germany.-History:...
Bobsled coaster in the UK. Minimum height: 1.10m (a child must also be at least 4yrs old and be accompanied by a responsible adult). Children 1.30m tall and 8 years or over can ride without an adult.
The Flying Frog opened in 2003, this roller coaster has a low height restriction and is a designed for younger children. No minimum height. Children under 5 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Children 12 months and under should not ride. Maximum of either one adult and 2 small children who must sit either side of the adult, or two adults per car.
The Stinger opened in 2000, replacing the Runaway Train roller coaster. It has caterpillar cars and a smooth layout designed for families. Minimum height: 900mm (35.4"). Minimum age to ride unaccompanied by adult: 7 years. Max. 1 adult and 2 small children who must sit either side of adult or 2 adults.
Water Rides
The Wave Runner is a water slide using dinghies which can hold up to two people and also features a on-ride photo. The slide consists of three drops. Minimum height: 900 mm. Children under 7 years must be accompanied by an adult. Maximum of 2 persons per dinghy (only 1 adult).The Raging River Ride is a log flume which features two steep drops and an on-ride photo. Minimum height: 950mm (37.4"). Minimum age to ride unaccompanied by adult: 8 years. Max. four people per log. Ride not suitable for people with disabilities including those who use a wheelchair or who have limited mobility.
Thrill Rides
EDGE is a MegaDisk-ODisk-O
The Disk'O is a type of flat ride manufactured by Zamperla of Italy. The ride is a larger version of a Rockin' Tug, also manufactured by Zamperla.-Versions:-Ride:...
Coaster opened in 2009. It was the first of its type to be opened in the UK and eighth to be built in the world. It features a 'camel-back' hill and reaches a height of 15 metres on a large disc travelling along a 90 metre track at 43mph. Minimum height to ride 1.20M (A child must be at least 6 years old and be accompanied by a responsible adult). Children 8 years old and a height of 1.40M or over can ride without an adult
The Jumping Bean is a 12 metre vertical drop ride, which rises and falls a number of times. Minimum height: 1.10m (accompanied by a responsible adult). Children over 7 years can ride without an adult.
The Pirate Ship, is a swinging ship that reaches an angle of 60 degrees on either side. Minimum height: 900 mm. Minimum age to ride unaccompanied by adult: 6 years.
The Dragon Ride is a spinning roundabout ride, rotating in both directions. Minimum height: 900mm (35.4"). Minimum age to ride unaccompanied by adult: 6 years. Max. 2 people per car.
Kontiki Ride is a swinging ship that rotates 360 degrees, replicating a seastorm. Minimum height: 900mm (accompanied by a responsible adult). Children over 7 years can ride without an adult.
The Sky Swinger is a tilting Wave Swinger ride (opened in 2008) with double parent and child seats for younger riders in addition to traditional single seats. Minimum height: 1m, minimum age 4 years old. Children less than 1.2m & less than 7 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Children more than 1.2m & 7 years old can ride unaccompanied.
Astroglide is a basic mat slide with six lanes. Minimum height: 900mm (35.4") Minimum age to ride unaccompanied by adult: 4 years. Children under 4 years must be supervised by a responsible adult whilst on the slide structure.
2 Seater Go-Karts is an extra charge attraction for older guests. Minimum height: Driver - 1.50m (59"); Passenger - 1.10m (43.3"). Driver must be 13 years or older. Driver with passenger must be 16 years or older.
The Cobra is detailed under the roller coasters section in this article.
Children and Family Rides
Trekking Tractors features coloured Tractors which travel gently around an authentic farmland-themed track and features an on-ride photo. No Minimum height however children under 1.10m tall must be accompanied by a responsible adult.Magic Carpet is a small Zamperla Magic Carpet ride. Minimum height to ride: 900mm (accompanied by a responsible adult). Children 7 years or over can ride without an adult.
Flying Saucer is a slow tilting and spinning ride. No minimum height. Minimum age to ride unaccompanied by adult: 4 years.
Viking Boats is a small rotating boat ride themed on the Viking Longboats. No minimum height. Minimum age to ride unaccompanied by adult: 4 years.
Jumping Jack is a smaller version of the Jumping Bean vertical drop ride but made by Zamperla. Minimum height 900mm. Children 9 years and older and adults are not permitted on this ride unless accompanying a small child at the minimum height.
Digger Ride is a track ride themed around a building site. Suitable for small children only.
Rabbit Ride is one of the oldest rides at the park, it is a children’s garden track ride with rabbit themed cars. Minimum age to ride unaccompanied by an adult: 4 years. No minimum height.
Ladybird Ride is a ride in spotted ladybird cars for small children.
Seal Falls is a younger version of the Raging River Ride and features a small drop and a mini igloo tunnel. Suitable for small children aged 7 years & younger.
Percy's Bouncer is a bouncy castle type attraction which is undercover. There are also trampolines adjacent to this attraction. Maximum height 1.23m. Adults cannot use this attraction.
Tea Cup Ride is a spinning tea cup ride decorated with fruit. Minimum height: 750mm (29.5"). Minimum age to ride unaccompanied by adult: 8 years.
Rio Grande Train - Narrow Gauge Railway
Rio Grande Train is a 15 in (381 mm) narrow railway, which takes passengers round the Wave Runner, Trekking Tractors and animal paddocks, for a short (7 minute)) journey. Small children must be accompanied by an adult.Shows and Other Attractions
Magic Forest is an interactive nursery-rhyme forest with animatronic models depicting scenes from many nursery rhymes such as Humpty DumptyHumpty Dumpty
Humpty Dumpty is a character in an English language nursery rhyme, probably originally a riddle and one of the best known in the English-speaking world. He is typically portrayed as an egg and has appeared or been referred to in a large number of works of literature and popular culture...
and Sing a Song of Sixpence
Sing a Song of Sixpence
Sing a Song of Sixpence is a well-known English nursery rhyme, perhaps originating in the 18th century. It is also listed in the Roud folk song index as number 13191.-Lyrics:...
.
Wind In The Willows is a walkthrough house featuring animatronic models themed along the story of the Wind in the Willows.
Land of the Dinosaurs is a walkway through the woods featuring full-scale models of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures including Tyrannosaurus
Tyrannosaurus
Tyrannosaurus meaning "tyrant," and sauros meaning "lizard") is a genus of coelurosaurian theropod dinosaur. The species Tyrannosaurus rex , commonly abbreviated to T. rex, is a fixture in popular culture. It lived throughout what is now western North America, with a much wider range than other...
and Stegosaurus
Stegosaurus
Stegosaurus is a genus of armored stegosaurid dinosaur. They lived during the Late Jurassic period , some 155 to 150 million years ago in what is now western North America. In 2006, a specimen of Stegosaurus was announced from Portugal, showing that they were present in Europe as well...
.
Gold Rush Falls is a 12-hole crazy golf course and an area where children pan for gold and win a medal.
The Village Life Museum feature scenes and information on village life in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is located in a converted barn.
The Scotty the Clown Live Family Entertainment Show features acrobatics, juggling, magic and singing with Scotty the clown, who has worked at Paultons for over 15 years and was once a contestant on the show Gladiators (British TV show).
Aqua Zorbing is seasonal and an additional charge applies. Children can climb inside giant inflatable spheres and spin on a water pool. Minimum age 4 years old, maximum weight 89kg (14 st).
Percy's Playhouse is a large climbing house featuring a spiralling tube slide. Suitable for children aged 6-15 years.
Percy’s Play Park is a small park with climbing frames & slide suitable for children aged 5-13 years.
Kiddies Play Village is a play area with swing bridges, sand play, tunnels, slides, pulleys and rockers suitable for children aged 0-6 years.
Tiny Tots Town is a small children's play area for 0-5 year olds set in sand with a Jolly Roger boat to steer, a play house on stilts and Orient Express play engine to climb in and around. There are also swings, bouncers, slides and climbing structures.
Water Splash Parks
Water Kingdom is a 8,500-square-foot (790 m2) water splash play park with water jets, large tipping buckets, fountains and super soakers.Muddy Puddles is 150 m2 water splash area designed for small children situated within Peppa Pig World. It features a water web, bubbler, aqua arch, mushroom maze and water flower designed using the muddy puddles theme from the children’s television series character Peppa Pig.
Animals and Gardens
African Aviary - A large aviary home to various African birds including White Storks, Touracos, Cape Teal, White-faced Whistling Ducks and Guinea Fowl.Meerkat Manor - an enclosure including indoor and outdoor areas for Meerkats.
Red-necked Wallabies in a large grassed paddock.
Penguin Pool – Humboldt Penguins in a pool with underwater viewing areas, housed in the former bumper boat pool. There are feeding sessions with keepers daily.
Birds of Prey including the Great Grey Owl, a pair of American Turkey Vultures and Snowy Owls.
Hornbills & Toucans- a large Hornbill collection including Rhinoceros, Silver-cheeked, Black-casqued Wattled, Trumpeter, Von der Deckens and Red-billed Hornbills.
Tropical Birds including Laughing Thrush, Spreo Starlings and Tawny Frogmouths.
Flamingos, Pelicans & Cranes in enclosures.
Emus & Rheas in grassed paddocks.
Tortoises including an Aldabra Tortoises that arrived at the Park in 1995.
The Main Garden located on the site of Paultons House, which no longer remains.
Lake & Weir – A horseshoe-shaped lake fed by a tributary of the River Test.
Tropical Plants including a Wollemi Pine which was thought to be extinct until discovered in Australia in 1994.
Rockery - Parts of the old cellars of the original Paultons house that have been retained.
Spring Garden with snowdrops and drifts of yellow daffodils in the spring.
Rhododendrons & Azaleas blooming in late spring.
Trekking Tractor Garden - a farm garden created in the middle of a ride with a vegetable plot.
Japanese Garden created in 1989,each entrance has a “torii”, a traditional wooden gateway. Planted with maple, bamboo and box hedge, a small stream runs down to the lily pond through two aviaries of tropical
birds.
Donoughmore Cross monument situated on the far side of the lake marks the site of what was once a pets' cemetery.
Jungle Falls is an African themed Jungle Falls Garden, with a topiary elephant, giraffe and crocodile.
Snakes & Ladders Garden with a large Cobra made from 5000 Sedums.
John's Garden - Opened in 2008 as part of the entrance plaza.
The Floating Globe - A Kugel
Kugel
Kugel is a baked Ashkenazi Jewish pudding or casserole, similar to a pie, most commonly made from egg noodles or potatoes, though at times made of zucchini, apples, spinach, broccoli, cranberry, or sweet potato...
Ball which is also part of the entrance plaza developed for the 2008 season, it is the largest of its type in the UK weighing over 6 tonnes and being 1.5metres in diameter.
Water Wheel - A genuine Victorian Brestshot Waterwheel which drives a sawmill and was part of the original Paultons Estate (the land on which the park is now situated).
Peppa Pig World
Peppa Pig World opened in April 2011 and is a 3 acre themed area based on the children’s television series character Peppa Pig. There are 7 rides and other attractions built in surroundings designed as per features of the cartoon – grass mounds, grass roofed building, indoor and outdoor decor, flowers and gardens and model characters from the cartoon series.Rides in Peppa Pig World include:
Windy Castle spins visitors in cloud carriages up and down a central castle upright structure. There is no height restriction to ride the Windy Castle. Children under 8 yrs must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
George’s Dinosaur Adventure – children sit on the back of green dinosaurs that rock back and forth whilst manoeuvring around a track they are attached to. The track runs through different themed areas including volcanoes and the character ‘Daddy Pig's’ garden. A child must be a minimum of 900mm to ride in the child seat accompanied by an adult.
Daddy Pig’s Car Ride – guests sit in vehicles that manoeuvre around a road track (automatically).Ride photography is included. There is no height restriction to ride Daddy Pig’s Car Ride. Children under 4 yrs must be accompanied by an adult.
Grandpa Pig’s Little Train – A train ride that is attached to track. There is no height restriction to ride Grandpa Pig’s Little Train. Children under 4 yrs must be accompanied by an adult.
Grandpa Pig’s Boat Trip – small boat carriages on water move in a circle roundabout motion. There is no height restriction to ride Grandpa Pig’s Boat Trip. Children under 4 yrs must be accompanied by an adult.
Peppa’s Big Balloon Ride spins visitors up and around a central structure in balloon themed carriages. There is no height restriction to ride Peppa’s Big Balloon Ride. Children under 8 yrs must be accompanied by an adult.
Miss Rabbits Helicopter Flight is a ride similar to a ‘big wheel’ ride where visitors sit in helicopter carriages. There is no height restriction to ride Miss Rabbit’s Helicopter Flight. Children under 8 yrs must be accompanied by an adult.
Attractions in Peppa Pig World include:
Georges’s Spaceship Playzone is an indoor soft play area with climbing structures, slides & tubes, a soft ball area and musical instruments for infants to play with.
Mr Potato’s Playground is an outdoor play area with slides and climbing frames suitable for children aged 0-6 years old.
Muddy Puddles is a water splash park suitable for 0-6 year olds with fountains and water jets themed around the muddy puddles scenes from the cartoon.
Peppa’s House is a themed house that visitors can enter and see animatronic models of the characters from Peppa Pig.
Paddling Ducks are animatronic duck models from the cartoon that swim on a water pond.
The Campervan is a life size model replica of the vehicle used in the cartoon situation on a grass mound.
The School House is a themed building from the cartoon that visitors can enter and have their photograph taken in a static classroom scene with the characters from Peppa Pig.
Peppa’s Magic Photo Studio is a blue screen studio where visitors can select alternative backgrounds featuring scenes and characters from the series and have their photograph taken in front of them.
The world also includes Peppa’s Toy Shop – a gift shop selling souvenirs from the series, Miss Rabbits Ice Cream Parlour and Daddy Pigs Big Tummy Cafe themed food outlets.
Peppa Pig World represents a £6million investment for Paultons Park.
Planning Permission Issues
In 2009, Paultons Park were told they may have to move two of their biggest rides (The Cobra and Edge) after an application to grant them retrospective planning permission was narrowly turned down by the National Park planning committee by seven votes to five. The area where these rides were situated is designated 'Country Park' and not 'Amusement Park' in planning terms, where as all other areas of the Park are now recognised as an Amusement Park and therefore have permitted development rights.After a separate application (for the Cobra only) was made it was announced on December 22, 2009 that The Cobra (The Park's biggest ride) had now been granted retrospective permission and could remain in its current location.
Another planning application was subsequently lodged with the New Forest National Park Planning Authority to retain the Edge ride. This application received overwhelming public support and Paultons were granted permission by the New Forest NPA to retain the Edge ride in its current location on 16 March 2010.
Past rides
- Bumper Boats was a popular ride up until its closure in 2003 and then removal in 2004. It featured petrol-powered bumper boats. The Bumper Boat pond was remodelled into what is now the Penguin enclosure.
- Crazy Karts were pedal karts in a large pen which were where the Dragon Ride is today.
- Crazy Snooker was removed in the 2007 season to make way for an expansion/retheming of the Crazy Golf.
- Honda Cars featured a miniature racetrack which was situated where the Pirate Ship is today.
- In the past, a smaller version of the Pirate Ship existed, and was on the site of the Magic Carpet ride.
- The Runaway Train was the park's first major ride, opening in 1992 and closing in 1999, being relocated to Dunes Leisure Park, LincolnshireLincolnshireLincolnshire is a county in the east of England. It borders Norfolk to the south east, Cambridgeshire to the south, Rutland to the south west, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire to the west, South Yorkshire to the north west, and the East Riding of Yorkshire to the north. It also borders...
. The track spiralled up in a 540° helix before spiralling down in another 540° helix. The train took the circuit twice, or on quiet days, three times. - The Skydiver was a ride with rising and falling carriages, and was on the site where the Ladybird Ride currently is.
- Whirly Copters was a kid's themed ferris wheel with helicopter-shaped cars with smiley faces. The ride unloaded two cars at a time and had a total of six cars. It took the place of the (original) Junior Pirate Ship and was replaced by the Magic Carpet.
- The Clock Maze which closed in 2007 to make way for Sky Swinger.
- Kids Kingdom closed in 2008 to make way for Water Kingdom.