The 12th April marked a very important date in any UK theme park fans diary this year as it was the first date theme parks could officially open their gates following the National Lockdown which began at the beginning of January.

Paultons Park is a family-run theme park located in Hampshire, UK. It originally opened in 1983 and it's name was firmly put on the map when it became home to the world first, Peppa Pig World in 2011. Peppa Pig World currently has 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. Peppa Pig World also has Peppa's House, Mr Potato's Playground and the water splash park, Muddy Puddles for guests to explore.

The big news in 2021 for Paultons Park is the opening of their new £12 million investment, 'Tornado Springs' which is a Midwestern themed land inspired by a 1950s town in the USA. Tornado Springs features a combination of new rides, refurbished rides, a new restaurant and two playgrounds. Specialist engineers from The Danish company MK Themed Attractions have been working closely with Paultons' own in-house team since 2019 to build the new exciting rides and to bring this new land to life. 

The official trailer for Tornado Springs is embedded below:

Tornado Springs officially opened on Monday 12th April and judging from the really positive reviews flooding onto Tripadvisor it has been filled with smiles and happiness. The overall consensus appears to be that Tornado Springs is a great addition to the line up at Paultons Park, particularly as it provides guests with a necessary upgrade for those that have somewhat outgrown the much loved Peppa Pig World. Guests were impressed with the food and friendliness and helpfulness of the staff at the new 83 diner and appeared to have had a really fun and fulfilling time on their visits to Paultons Park this week.

Tornado Springs has been built on the area that used to be home to the flamingos and pelicans and the Route 83 theme originates from the opening date of Paultons Park.

The rides in the new land include:

• Storm Chaser - a spinning and swirling rollercoaster thrill ride boasted as being the first free spinning ride of its kind in the UK, reaching heights of 20m and having 459m of track.
• Cyclonator - a gyro swing which spins and swings guests to a height of 25 metres. Riders must be a minumum of 1.2m minimum height to ride.

• The Rio Grande - the Paultons Park original train ride has been refurbished to give guests a new experience as part of Tornado Springs.
• Windmill Towers - two drop towers aimed at families with a minimum height restriction of 0.9m.

• Buffalo Falls - Log flume style ride where guests race dinghies down the breath-taking white waters of the legendary Buffalo Falls.
• Trekking Tractors - Guests take a trip around the farm on this family tractor ride which looks to be a refurbished version of the existing tractor ride.
• Al's Auto Academy - 30 cars are available at Al's Auto Academy, based on the classic Hudson Hornet which cruised the streets of the USA during the 1950s. Guests get to feel the wind in their hairs out on the open road.

Children can enjoy the new playgrounds 'Junkyard Junction' and 'Parking Lot Tots' and all they have to offer. The Route 83 Diner gives guests the chance to sample offerings that would be in a classic American diner including the classic 83 Burger, succulent Chicken Tenders, or a delicious Bad Boy Dog as well as a range of dessert treats.

For further information about Tornado Springs and to book tickets for Paultons Park visit the official site. Let us know what you think about this new addition to the park by leaving a comment below or on our Facebook page.