Hampshire's Paultons Park home of Peppa Pig World marks 40 years

The theme park, also home to Peppa Pig World, in Ower, held a celebration on Wednesday, May 17 to mark four decades in business. 

Family, friends, charity partners, local businesses and staff members past and present gathered to share a slice of cake and hear from managing director Richard Mancey. 

He thanked everyone for their support over the years. 

@kimberleybarber Popular Hampshire theme park Paultons Park in Ower marks 40 years in business #hampshire #family #attractions @paultonspark ♬ Little Things - Tiqta

He said: "We have remained true to our roots, staying committed to providing a family-friendly atmosphere and providing the highest standards of safety and customer service.

"We have also been pleased to support so many charities, some of whom are here today. Through it all we have been blessed with an amazing team of employees who have worked hard to make the park what it is today.

"They are the heart and soul of our operation and we are grateful for their hard work and dedication and passion." 

READ MORE: Paultons Park ranked as third best for value in Europe

Richard spoke of the memories over the years such as the flamingos escaping and flying to Wiltshire, the silver crested cockatoo flying to the top of the tallest tree in the park and the mink causing chaos after being let out at Ringwood, as well as storms in 1987 and 1990 which caused damage, and the memories with his own family, wife Sara, daughter Charlotte and sons James and Lawrence, who now also run the park with him.  

He added: "Here's to 40 years of memories and to many more to come."

The theme park was started in 1983 by Richard's father John, originally operating as a small bird park alongside a pick-your-own farm. 

It is now one of the largest theme parks in the country, welcoming more than a million visitors each year. 

Among the guests at Wednesday's event were current staff members, such as general manager of technical services Mark Taylor, from Calmore, who has worked at the park for 33 years. 

SEE ALSO: New £1.5m family-friendly rollercoaster opens at Paultons Park

He said: "Over the years I have developed a relationship with the family and ever since I have dedicated myself to Paultons. I count myself as a friend of the family, all in all, it is a brilliant place to work." 

Past staff members also attended, like Janet Webb who worked in marketing from 1993 to 2011. 

Janet, from Totton, was wearing her original Paulton Parks sweatshirt, featuring original mascot Percy the Owl. 

She said: "It was the best days of my life. It was a wonderful place to work. I only live up the road now and I regularly visit. I have a ticket that can get me in any time and whenever I am feeling low I come to the park and it does the trick."

Percy the Owl was also resurrected for the event, with guests posing for pictures before he delighted visitors across the park. 

Local businesses such as Haywood Office Services were also represented as they supply the park. 

Mark Haywood, who runs the Chandler's Ford business, said: "That's the good thing about Paultons Park, they use a lot of local companies. Although it is a big business now, it is still a beautifully-run family business."

Charities were also represented, such as the Karen Ingram Foundation. The Hampshire-based charity was set up after Karen died to raise money and support for the research of Hodgkins Lymphoma. 

Her son Tom brought along their own mascot, Muddles, who met Percy. 

He said: "We are very humbled to be part of the Paultons Park family and to be here today."

About Paultons Park

Family-run theme park Paultons Park opened in 1983. The park covers 140 acres and has more than 80 rides and attractions including Jurassic-themed attraction Lost Kingdom.

Paultons Park’s latest new themed world, Tornado Springs, opened to the public on 12th April 2021 adding nine new rides and experiences to its offering.

In July 2020 Paultons Park was named the 10th best amusement park in the world, beating all other UK attractions, as well as being named the best-rated UK amusement park for the fifth year in a row in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. Paultons Park is the only park to have received this award five years running.

I’m at @PaultonsPark this morning as it gears up to mark its 40th anniversary. It opened in 1983, an excellent year to be born 😂 🎂 🥳 pic.twitter.com/rULPqrjnjH

— Kimberley Barber (@kimberleybarber) May 17, 2023

Peppa Pig World

UK and Europe exclusive and world-first, Peppa Pig World, is located at Paultons Park in Hampshire and opened in 2011.

There are now nine rides including Miss Rabbit’s Helicopter Flight, Peppa’s Big Balloon Ride, Grandpa Pig’s Little Train Ride, Grandpa Pig’s Boat Trip, Daddy Pig’s Car Ride, George’s Dinosaur Adventure, Windy Castle, The Queen’s Flying Coach Ride and Grampy Rabbit’s Sailing Club. Other attractions within Peppa Pig World include Peppa’s House, Mr Potato’s Playground and Muddy Puddles, a water splash park.