Paultons Park
Located at Ower, Paultons Park is a major attraction and the area's only theme park, with over 50 different rides and attractions for children and adults.
Paultons is to be found on the very eastern boundary of the New Forest National Park, just off junction two of the M27 motorway, making it very easy to get to.
Major rides include the Cobra rollercoaster, Astroglide 6 lane slide, Wave Runner water coaster and the classic theme park Pirate Ship swing boat.
A log flume, large hedge maze, bumper boats and go-karts all add to the fun, the go-karts are the only ride within the park that hold an extra charge (currently £3.50).
Children of all ages are of course catered for in a big way; Kids Kingdom is packed with an array of climbing apparatus and slides, while Tiny Tots Town ensures that 0-6 year olds will have an equal amount of fun.
Above, a couple of favourites for the kids
But the attractions at Paultons Park don't just stop at rides and play areas, there are several animal attractions including everybody's favourite, the meerkats of Meerkat Manor.
An exotic bird collection and the Humboldt Penguins are also to be found in the park.
The bird collection at Paultons Park is home to over 250 species of bird, some of which are threatened in their natural environment. Paultons has a very successful breeding program for many of the captive species.
Still on the animal note, there is also the Land of the Dinosaurs - an eerie boardwalk set through the riverside marshland. There are 13 different species of dinosaur to be seen, amongst a very convincing backdrop of vegetation and recorded sound effects!
Paultons Park was once part of Paultons Estate and some of the original Capability Brown landscaped gardens have been renovated and take pride of place in the centre of the park, a great place for a relaxing stroll or a sit down between rides.
The Village life Museum within the park houses a display on the once 3000-acre Paultons Estate and its history.
Paultons Park is a great place to go if you're on holiday in the New Forest National Park and like adrenalin packed days out, and especially if children are involved.
Family ticket reductions are available, as are second day passes - busy times may restrict you from doing everything in one day.
Opening times, admission prices & contact details
- 10am - 6.30pm
- check website for 2006 day closures and special events
Admission prices:
- Adults £15.50
- Children (under 14 yrs) £13.50
- Children under 1 metre tall go free
- Senior Citizens £12.50
- Family of 3 £44.00
- Family of 4 £58.00
- Family of 5 £72.50
Location: Ower, on the Southampton-side edge of the National Park boundary. Easiest access is from Junction 2 of the M27 motorway.
Telephone: 02380 814442
Paultons Park location map
You can see this area in more detail by opening this PDF map of the north eastern corner of the National Park (approx. 30 sec download time on 1Mbps connection).
The Paultons Park grid reference is: 315167 [How do I read a map?]
(A larger scale map of the whole National Park can be found on the area maps page).
Go to the official Paultons Park web site.
Return to main New Forest attractions page.
