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. The park 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. The Edge is the new one for 2009, a stomach-churning 'Mexican Hat' and rollercoaster hybrid!
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.
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 (my nieces pictured!)
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 you like adrenalin packed days out, 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.
Paultons Park Visitor Information
Opening times:
- 10am - 6.30pm but use this link to check calender
Admission prices:
- Adults £17.50 at gate; £17.00 internet price
- Senior Citizens £14.50 at gate; £14.00 internet price
- Children under 1 metre tall go free
- Family of 3 £50.00 at gate; £48.50 internet price
- Family of 4 £66.00 at gate; £64.00 internet price
- Family of 5 £82.50 at gate; £80.00 internet price
- Season tickets available
Location: Ower, on the Southampton-side edge of the New Forest National Park boundary. Easiest access is from Junction 2 of the M27 motorway.
Telephone: 02380 814442
Website: www.paultonspark.co.uk
Paultons Park location map
See this area in more detail on the OS 1:25000 map (link opens a PDF map of north-eastern corner of the National Park).
GPS / SatNav information:
Lat/long: 50.948,-1.552. OS grid ref: 315166 [How do I read a map?]
Return from Paultons Park to main New Forest attractions page.
