When you have a young family, it can be hard to plan for a fun day out. There are only so many trips to the local park or days at the farm that one family can do before it becomes a little mundane. So, if you are looking for something special, Paultons Park, the home of Peppa Pig World, maybe 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
1. Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World
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 a 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 options for vegetarian, vegan and also 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, this 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 when travelling with small people, food and toilet locations.
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.