Paultons Park – Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 6AL
Paultons Park in Hampshire is a popular UK theme park that balances thrills and family fun with a careful attention to detail and guest experience. With themed zones, clean facilities, fairly short queue times and something to suit all ages, it delivers a well-rounded day out for families. Whether you’re visiting with under fives or teens looking for a bit more adrenaline, Paultons Park is well worth visiting.
What is Paultons Park?
Paultons Park is a family theme park located near Romsey, Hampshire. It’s independently owned which gives it a distinct charm compared to some of the larger corporate theme parks in the UK. The park is home to over 70 rides and attractions and also features beautifully maintained gardens, a range of exotic animals and a noticeable emphasis on family-friendly service. It’s clean, easy to navigate and impressively well run, which provides a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the day. Paultons Park is split into distinct zones, as follows:
Peppa Pig World
Without question, Peppa Pig World is the crown jewel for families with young children. It’s bright, cheerful and feels like stepping into the TV show. The area includes nine themed rides such as George’s Dinosaur Adventure and Miss Rabbit’s Helicopter Flight. There’s also a large indoor soft play area and Peppa’s house which regularly hosts character meet and greets. We even met Mummy Pig’s new baby, Evie.
What stands out is how age-appropriate the rides are. Nothing is too intense or overwhelming and most rides are suitable for even the youngest visitors. Parents will also appreciate the excellent attention to detail in theming and the gentle pace of the attractions. Queues here can be the longest in the park, particularly early in the day, but they tend to move steadily and are rarely unmanageable. Visiting midweek outside of school holidays is always a good idea for shorter waits.
Tornado Springs
Tornado Springs is a 1950s Americana-themed area with a fun desert vibe. It’s home to several impressive rides, including the Storm Chaser spinning coaster and the Cyclonator, a giant gyro swing ride which is best left to the older children and adrenaline lovers. For younger ones, Al’s Auto Academy is a fun driving school-style attraction that’s well supervised and gently paced.
This zone is really well themed with cute signage, themed restaurants and a lot of nods to American pop culture. It’s engaging and feels fresh even on repeat visits. The rides here tend to have shorter queues than Peppa Pig World and offer a welcome progression for children growing out of the gentler attractions.
Lost Kingdom
Lost Kingdom is another family favourite, particularly for dinosaur lovers. The area is full of prehistoric theming, animatronic dinosaurs and two junior roller coasters that feel thrilling without being too intimidating. Flight of the Pterosaur is a suspended coaster that is surprisingly smooth and suitable for most children over one metre tall. Velociraptor offers quick twists and turns that are bound to make your belly flip.
There’s also a dinosaur-themed adventure play area and plenty of places to spot life-sized dinos hiding in the bushes. Younger children who aren’t ready for coasters can still enjoy the Dino Chase train and the themed dig site.
Critter Creek
Critter Creek is a small but imaginative zone that leans into the park’s quirkier side. It’s home to the Cat-O-Pillar rollercoaster, which is a good step up from Peppa Pig World for children still warming up to bigger rides. There’s also the Beastie Burrow, a miniature indoor zoo housing insects, reptiles and amphibians, which provides a nice change of pace from the rides and a chance to cool off if the sun is out.
Animals and Gardens
One of the more underrated aspects of Paultons Park is its animal enclosures and gardens. Spread throughout the park are flamingos, penguins, giant tortoises, meerkats, fennec foxes and tropical birds. These are all well kept and provide a calming contrast to the buzz of the rides. The enclosures are thoughtfully designed and offer great educational value without feeling like an afterthought.
The gardens are also worth noting. They’re beautifully landscaped with wide paths and picnic areas that make for a relaxing walk between zones. It’s one of the few theme parks in the UK where you can sit in a quiet spot surrounded by flowers and not feel like you’ve left the action behind.
Food and Drink
Food options across the park are varied and better than average for a UK theme park. There are several cafes and restaurants offering hot meals, as well as grab-and-go stands for sandwiches, ice cream and drinks.
We ate at Route 83 Diner in Tornado Springs and thought the food was delicious. The chicken tenders, wings, curly fries and children’s cheeseburger meal were all freshly cooked with generous portions that left everyone satisfied.
While food prices are in line with what you’d expect at a theme park, the quality is decent and there are some healthier options available. Guests are also welcome to bring their own food and there are plenty of picnic tables available throughout the park.
Queue Times and Crowd Levels
One of Paultons Park’s biggest strengths is how well it handles crowd management. Even on busier days, queue times are generally reasonable. The most popular rides rarely exceed 30 to 40 minutes, and many of the smaller attractions have walk-on access throughout the day. The park’s layout also helps spread out crowds and prevents any one area from becoming too congested.
Parking and Facilities
Parking is free and there’s plenty of it, located just a short walk from the entrance. The entrance process is quick and well organised and staff are consistently helpful and friendly. Toilets and baby changing facilities are clean and accessible, and there are plenty of places to sit down and take a break.
Shopping at Paultons Park
Paultons Park offers a fun and well-themed shopping experience that’s perfect for families looking to take home a souvenir. The Big Toy Shop is the main retail hub, and it’s far more than a typical gift shop. Guests enter through a colourful rainbow arch into a fantasy-style space divided into themed zones like Candy Land, dinosaurs, and the jungle. It’s packed with toys, games, plush animals, and branded merchandise, along with practical items such as sun cream and ponchos. There’s also a large selection of sweets and pick and mix treats.
Over in Peppa Pig World, Peppa’s Toy Shop is a must-visit for fans of the show. It’s filled with exclusive Peppa Pig merchandise, including clothing, books, toys and accessories that make ideal keepsakes for little ones. Other smaller shops are dotted around the park, including Al’s Shop and Service in Tornado Springs, which stocks area-specific items like themed sweets and toy cars. While prices are generally in line with theme park expectations, the variety and presentation make browsing an enjoyable part of the day.
Accessibility at Paultons Park
Paultons Park is well equipped to support guests with a wide range of access requirements, ensuring an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all. The park features flat, well-surfaced pathways suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, with accessible parking located close to the main entrance. Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge, and mobility scooters can be hired in advance. Most rides, restaurants and shops are accessible, and several attractions offer adapted carriages for wheelchair users.
Guests who are unable to queue due to a disability can apply for the Queue Assist Scheme, which allows access via ride exit gates using a timed return system. There are also accessible toilets and a fully equipped changing facility with a hoist, as well as discounted Essential Companion Tickets for visitors who require additional support. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout most of the park, helping to make Paultons a welcoming destination for families with varying needs.
Why Paultons Park is Great for Families
Paultons Park’s real strength lies in how well it caters to families. It’s a park where toddlers, children and even teens can all find something to enjoy, without the stress and overstimulation that often comes with larger theme parks. The mix of gentle rides, mid-level coasters and walk-through attractions ensures that no one feels left out. There’s so much attention to detail in the theming, staff are very friendly and the park is clean and well kept.
Top 10 Tips for Visiting Paultons Park
- Arrive Early
Gates typically open before the rides do, so arriving early gives you time to park, get through the entrance smoothly and head straight to the most popular areas like Peppa Pig World before they get busy. - Start with Peppa Pig World
If you’re visiting with younger children, make a beeline for Peppa Pig World first. It’s the most popular part of the park and queues can build quickly, especially for rides like George’s Dinosaur Adventure and Grandpa Pig’s Boat Ride. - Plan Around Queue Times
Use quieter periods (like lunchtime or later in the afternoon) to revisit popular rides. Queue times tend to drop significantly after 2pm as younger families begin to leave and visitors spread across the park. - Make Use of the Paultons Park App
Download the free app to check real-time ride wait times, find facilities, view the map and see showtimes. It helps you plan your day efficiently and reduces time spent wandering. - Bring a Picnic
There are plenty of picnic areas throughout the park, including quiet garden spots and designated seating near food outlets. Bringing your own lunch can save time and money, and gives flexibility for fussy eaters. - Don’t Skip the Other Zones
While Peppa Pig World gets most of the attention, the other areas like Tornado Springs, Lost Kingdom and Critter Creek offer brilliant rides, great theming and shorter queues. They’re ideal for older children or adventurous little ones ready to move on from Peppa. - Pack for All Weather
Paultons is mostly outdoors, so bring layers, sun cream, and rain gear just in case. Many queues are uncovered, and there’s limited indoor shelter outside the soft play and restaurants. - Use the Baby Care and Changing Facilities
For those visiting with babies or toddlers, the baby care facilities are excellent—clean, well maintained and conveniently located. There are also microwaves available for warming bottles or food. - Visit the Animal Enclosures and Gardens
If you need a breather from the rides, take a stroll through the animal areas and beautiful gardens. They’re often quieter and provide a calm space for children to unwind and recharge. - Exit Through the Shops Wisely
The Big Toy Shop and Peppa’s Toy Shop are impressive but can get very busy at the end of the day. If your children want to choose a souvenir, consider popping in earlier or mid-day to avoid the final rush.
Paultons Park Review
Paultons Park is a rare gem among UK theme parks. It’s clean, safe, thoughtfully laid out and genuinely enjoyable for both children and adults. With its mix of imaginative zones, manageable queue times and wide appeal, it offers excellent value for a family day out. Whether you’re visiting for Peppa Pig World or exploring the wider Paultons Park park, it’s a destination that families return to year after year. We highly recommend it.
Review of Paultons Park – 5 stars
The Brighton Bucket List 