We headed to Paultons Park, home of Peppa Pig World, to see if it lived up to the online hype. Any parent will know that when you have a young family, planning a fun day out can be hard. There are only so many trips to the local park or days at the farm that one family can do before it becomes mundane. So, if you are looking for something special, Paultons Park, the home of Peppa Pig World, may be a perfect day for you. It is an amazing theme park created for families. And the best bit? You might even meet the A-lister Ms Peppa and her superstar brother George. So what more are you waiting for, pack
Children under 1 metre are FREE!*
paultonspark.co.uk
What is Paultons Park?
Paultons Park is a theme park located in Hampshire. In recent years it is best known for being the home of Peppa Pig World. Unless you've been living under a rock, you probably know who Peppa Pig is. Peppa Pig is the iconic (somewhat cheeky) preschool pig who goes on adventures with her friends. The TV character has become a firm favourite for small children. Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park is a vibrant world full of rides and play areas designed for toddlers and small children. Your little one will be able to recognise landmarks from the show, including Windy Castle, Grampy Rabbit's Sailing Club and more.
If you have slightly older children who may have grown out of Peppa Pig, there are other worlds inside the amusement park, including:
Tornado Springs - A world set in a Midwest desert resort town in the American heyday of the 1950s. This world is great for any kids who love automobiles.
The Lost Kingdom - If dinosaurs are more your little ones' thing, head over to the Lost Kingdom. Here you can go on a dinosaur safari and even get the chance to get up close and personal with some dinosaurs.
Critter Creek - Critter Creek is a fully themed world of strange mixed-up creatures known as the ‘Curious Critters’! Here is a great place for little thrill seekers to visit.
Little Africa - Calling all animal lovers, here is the spot for you. Paultons Park is also home to a number of animals native to the continent, including fennec foxes, porcupines, meerkats, the Gambian pouched rat, and lots more wonderful creatures.
What is there to do?
To say there is something for everyone seems a little cliché, but in this case, it is true. Whether you are looking for a fun-filled, thrill-seeking adventure or to just play in the parks, there's something for everyone. Some of the rides even had me screaming. You can spend the whole day at Paultons Park and still not manage to see everything it has to offer. One of my favourite places to go when in need of a moment of calm is the Japanese Gardens.
What is there to eat?
There is a selection of restaurants at Paultons Park, from traditional breakfasts to hearty burgers, tasty fish and chips or perfect pizzas or pasta dishes. You won't go hungry. Restaurants and takeaways can be found all over the park. There are vegetarian and vegan options, as well as lots of nut-free dishes. Be sure to check out the scrumptious desert stands - but not before riding a big rollercoaster.
Price of Paultons Park
Tickets start from £24.75 per person, which gives you access to Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World. The best news is children under one metre in height do not require a ticket. (Children must be wearing shoes when measured for height). There are savings to be made by booking well in advance and large group bookings.
Extra costs
One thing I will prepare you for is the many toy shops. To exit the park, you walk through at least one store. If your children are anything like mine, they will do everything they can to make you purchase. However, it is a great place to get some Peppa Pig merchandise or toys you may not find elsewhere.
Another extra cost is the photographs. If you like to capture the moment, I recommend purchasing a photo pass. It entitles you to five photography items for £40 from any photo kiosk, including printed photos, keyrings and magnets. My favourite bit is you will also receive digital downloads. You can purchase pictures from each ride separately for £12.
If you have children under the age of two, I would highly recommend using the park's Stroller Hire. It's one less thing you have to pack. We found it was also a great place to store our changing bag. Both single and double strollers can be used. I wouldn't recommend this for infants who cannot sit up on their own.
Travelling to Paultons Park
Paultons is easy to locate being just off exit 2 of the M27, close to the edge of the New Forest National Park.
Follow the brown tourist signs on the motorway.
Westbound traffic - when leaving the M3 to join M27 please bear left to take M27 West towards Bournemouth and Southampton. Do not follow signs to M27 E (Portsmouth).
Planning your Paultons trip
Before you set off on your Paultons Park adventure, I would recommend downloading the app. Here, you will find a detailed map of the park, estimated queuing times, and, most importantly, the locations of food and toilets when travelling with small people.
Things to pack:
Change of clothes
Changing bag
Would you recommend this to other mums?
I would wholeheartedly recommend this to other mums—especially mums of small children. Regardless of your age, there are so many elements that can be enjoyed. Peppa Pig World was the highlight of our trip. But I was also surprised when he flew down the log rides and rode on his first-ever rollercoasters. There are height restrictions on some of the bigger rides, which seemed to be a hit with the slightly older children. I would say this park is perfect if you have a mixture of ages or for families with pre-secondary school children.
FAQS
What can you do at Peppa Pig World when it rains?
Like any attraction in the UK, rainy weather can put a damper on the fun, especially when planning a day out with young children. Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World are outdoor attractions, so dressing appropriately for the weather is crucial. However, if you've checked the forecast and it looks truly dreadful, you do have some options.
Guests can change their visit date for a £20 fee up until midnight the day before their planned visit if another date would be more suitable.
Alternatively, you can still visit the park and take shelter in the Peppa Pig soft play area until the worst of the weather passes, then return to enjoy the outdoor attractions once the rain eases up.
Lastly, just like Peppa herself, you can embrace the rainy weather and have lots of fun splashing around in muddy puddles.
How long does it take to do Paultons Park?
If you are visiting the park during peak periods (i.e., the school holidays and weekends), it may be a good idea to spend two days at Paultons Park. This will enable you to have one day at Peppa Pig World and another exploring all of the other fantastic elements the park offers. However, if you opt to visit the park on a quieter day (for example, midweek in term time), you can more than likely complete the whole park in one visit as there will be fewer visitors.
Is Peppa Pig World worth it?
If your little one knows the difference between Rebecca Rabbit and Susie Sheep, they will be in their element at Peppa Pig World. It truly is a magnificent day that the whole family can enjoy. It is rare to find somewhere that caters to the youngest and oldest family members in equal measure, but Paultons Park does just that.