There was only one thing my daughter cared about on her first family theme park visit at Paultons Park – Peppa, George and possibly Miss Rabbit; and if you’re equally determined to ensure your toddler has a great time, my Peppa Pig World tips include everything you need to know.
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Because slowly but inevitably the muddy puddle fan and her friends become a staple in most parents’ lives – we went from her not being able to pick Peppa out of a line-up to favourite TV show, an unexpected and thrilling meeting at Bounce festival and finally what can only be described as toddler heaven: a day out at Peppa Pig World in Hampshire.
So if you’re planning a day out at Paultons Park with kids, these are my top 23 tips for Peppa Pig World – the esssential things you need to know before your visit.
Choose your day carefully
When’s the best time to visit Peppa Pig World? As it’s a favourite with preschoolers, weekdays aren’t necessarily a failsafe if you’re trying to avoid busy times.
We visited on a Saturday, but had managed to pick a day where rain was forecast – and then the sun mostly shone. The weather is tricky to arrange in advance so if you can visit during the week or out of season, you’ll still find it quieter.
Tickets must be prebooked and numbers are limited, so while you can wait until almost the last minute, you can’t stroll up and buy entry on the gate, and you do risk not getting in at busy times though.
Plan ahead
Download the Paultons Park app which lets you create a plan for your day, as well as giving details of show times and live queue information, plus there’s an interactive map and some exclusive offers.
You can also download a map from the website as well as look at details of the different rides and areas to discover, including the rides in Peppa Pig World itself.
Keep an eye out for new rides opening as well: The Queen’s Flying Coach Ride is one of the newer rides at Peppa Pig World, with individual coaches on a monorail taking you on a mini tour of part of the park.
You can also discover a water route around Peppa Pig World, including Pirate Island, aboard boats from Grampy Rabbit’s Sailing Club.
Measure in advance
A lot of rides have some kind of height restriction, although there are plenty of Peppa Pig World rides for under 1m – click here to see all the rides and you can filter the options by your child’s height, or check out this list for toddlers under 1m.
Some have a minimum, some have a maximum, others have a minimum for kids to ride alone.
However, it’s worth knowing the Peppa Pig World height restrictions before anyone sets their heart on something particular, and remembering there will be less choice in Paultons Park for littler ones than in Peppa Pig World.
Time your visit right
If you arrive early, head straight to Peppa Pig World towards the back of Paultons Park (there are helpful signs, and you’ll quickly spot the ginormous Peppa towering over you).
If you arrive late morning or lunchtime, you could explore the rest of Paultons Park and head over to Peppa later when it’s quieter – toddler permitting.
You will get to meet Peppa!
And George. It’s best to be slightly more organised than me and check the listed times they’ll be appearing so you can plan your day – these are also shared on the Paultons Park app.
I stumbled across them almost by chance and managed to get into the queue before it got too long. Depending when you visit, various other characters might appear too.
It might not live up to toddler expectations
Having got in touching distance of Peppa, my daughter had an attack of shyness and flatly refused to either hug or high five either of them.
Or to pose for a photo without me there as well. Peppa Pig World really is magical for toddlers, but even magic can’t entirely stop toddler contrariness…
The staff are really helpful
You get the feeling they’ve seen every type of preschool meltdown at least twice so no-one bats an eyelid if/when your kids get overwhelmed.
They’ll happily take photos with your camera/phone so you come away with lots of lovely memories. And while there are lots of official photos taken on rides and various points in the park, there’s no hard sell and no-one stops you taking your own too. If you do think you want to buy a few, there are photo passes available.
I was mildly disappointed that it’s not entirely staffed by Miss Rabbit though.
Start with the slower rides
One of my top tips for visiting Peppa Pig World – especially if your kids are new to theme parks or prefer a gentler option to anything remotely scary – is to start slow.
As Minnie’s own first experience, she seemed a bit unnerved when we walked in and spotted Windy Castle, so we started with a nice gentle tractor ride and a photo in Madame Gazelle’s schoolhouse but there’s also the library and Grandpa Pig’s house to explore.
Check out the other locations from Peppa’s world
As well as the rides, you can also lose yourself in Peppa’s world – venture inside Madame Gazelle’s School House, keep an eye out for Mummy and Daddy Pig’s campervan and look out for Mr Bull digging up the road.
Some rides will take you past, including Grandpa Pig’s house and the Library, but you can see plenty as you wander around as well.
You can’t help feeling cheered up
When the sun shines, the blue sky and primary colours make you feel vaguely like you’re inside a cartoon, a happy colourful land where everyone is cheerful.
Which actually put me in a very good mood.
There’s lots of background music
Wherever you turn in Peppa Pig World, you’ll find background music playing – but you won’t really mind.
I had mild fears of hearing the theme song a million times but I didn’t really notice all the different tunes that much. Except the Birdy Birdy Woof Woof song, which got stuck in my head. (Sorry if I’ve just passed that on).
Avoid a few queues in the play areas
The little play areas are a perfect if someone wants the instant gratification of a slide or you want a break from standing in a line.
The only drawback is trying to get them out again and not spending half your day in a slightly more exciting version of the playground you visit all the time at home…
Pack socks
There’s also soft play at George’s Indoor Spaceship Playzone, with areas for different ages, so do take socks if your kids want to go in – easy to forget if you’re visiting in summer and your kids are in sandals.
It’s a bonus on a rainy day at Peppa Pig World too, and with climbing structures, slides & tubes, Peppa’s Recycling Centre and George’s SpaceShip Rocket Slide, there’s lots to do.
Although after we walked in, Minnie went from wildly excited to hugely overwhelmed at the number of bigger preschoolers playing, before deciding to head right out again.
Resign yourself to having to queue occasionally
If you want to avoid the worst Peppa Pig World queue times, check the app for live updates at busy times – or head to the balloon ride, where the line was pretty quick.
During our visit, the helicopter by the entrance and George’s Dinosaur Adventure were two of the longest lines and slowest to move.
The only option if you’re determined to queue jump is to buy Peppa Pig World fast track access – part of the Paultons Park VIP packages. They’re definitely not cheap though.
There isn’t a virtual queue option on offer at present, unlike some other theme parks, although there is the Queue Pass Assist for those unable to stand in queue (must be arranged in advance). Otherwise you won’t escape without standing in a couple of lines.
Expect meltdown/boredom in that queue
Usually the meltdown moment comes when you’re finally almost at the end, your toddler has had enough and you’re determined not to quit after 20 long minutes waiting.
Compared to a lot of theme parks, the Paultons Park wait times never seemed to be that long (but a small eternity for a not quite three-year-old!) so as ever it’s worth having some way to entertain little ones while you wait.
Expect at least one more meltdown
Toddlers can be easily overwhelmed, so it’s not surprising that the wild excitement of all the fun, of seeing Peppa and of the rides can get the better of them at times.
My daughter’s meltdown moment came after I’d forgotten any cash so couldn’t compete for a giant stuffed toy. Ah. Now the park is entirely cash-free, at least you won’t have to face this but there’s always something when you’re with an overexcited toddler (tips for Peppa Pig World and for life…)
Incidentally, if you do only bring cash, it can be loaded onto a gift card at Guest Information, but best to bring a credit or debit card with you.
Expect wild excitement the rest of the time
Look – Peppa! And George! And Daddy Pig! And Mummy Pig! And Grandpa Pig! And Rebecca Rabbit! Even the ducks in the pond kept her mesmerised for about 10 minutes.
It’s hard to say exactly when the best age for Peppa Pig World is (though scroll to the end for more advice), but this is an almost unbeatable day out for toddlers and preschoolers with Peppa fever (so, pretty much all of them).
The food isn’t too expensive
I was cajoled into buying some chips and an ice cream (plus some coffee for myself) and it won’t break the bank, although the food isn’t particularly varied so don’t expect a wide choice.
It’s worth packing snacks, if not a whole picnic, when you’re considering what to take to Peppa Pig World.
Expect to share your picnic with ducks
Just as in the TV show, as we settled down for lunch, a duck (and three ravens/crows) hopped over optimistically to see what they could scavenge.
As the picnic tables were full of small children, there’s a lot of dropped goodies so they’re rarely disappointed.
Save some money for the shops
There’s one in Peppa Pig World itself, including some exclusive products, another as you leave, so expect requests for souvenirs.
I think I was one of the few people who made it out having bought nothing. I’m not quite sure how.
Bring splashproof clothes
The Muddy Puddles Water Splash Park is really fun whatever the weather – it’s a good plan to pack swimming costumes for sunny days, as well as wellies for colder ones so you’re prepared for the splash zone.
As toddlers and preschoolers have a knack for getting soaking wet and muddy even if you do plan ahead, it’s not a bad idea to have spare clothes just in case!
Don’t forget the rest of Paultons Park
There are more rides which will suit younger kids within Paultons Park itself, including a Victorian carousel and a Viking boat (which went faster than I’d expected).
There’s also Critter Creek which is fun for preschoolers, including the Expedition Express, although there’s slightly less for smaller toddlers here, apart from spotting the bizarre animals.
Most areas have something suitable for little ones, including the Dino Coaster in Lost Kingdom and Rio Grande train ride at Tornado Springs. There’s even a 4D cinema, as well as some lovely gardens for some downtime (and 80 rides and attractions across 140 acres in total).
If you want to go on some of the bigger rides yourself, but your kids are under the height restriction, there’s a Tot Swap option as well – after the first person/group has queued and gone on the ride, they need to ask for a Tot Swap ticket as they exit.
The second person/group (max 2) then head to the exit within the 10-minute time window stated on the ticket to have their go.
Spot the real animals
Head to Wild Lands and you can watch meerkats, see the penguin feeding, and there are birds galore in a separate section including parrots.
We ended up visiting as our last stop before leaving, perfect for helping Minnie wind down as we walked in the gardens and past the aviary. It’s just behind Peppa Pig World, so if you’re spending most of your day there, it’s easy to visit without having to walk for miles.
Need to know: Essential tips for Peppa Pig World and Paultons Park
Tickets cost from £45 for a one-day pass bought online in advance, for adults and children over 1m. Children under 1m (in shoes) are free. Family tickets are also available.
The previous offer of two-day tickets (which needn’t be consecutive days) is not currently available.
There are also special early play and ride passes, allowing you in at 9am on selected dates, including a chance to meet Peppa and George, access to the playzone and playgrounds, and to the rides from 9.30am.
These cost £19.25 for adults, and £9.75-£29.75 for children, depending on their age, in addition to normal entry at standard ticket prices.
There is no separate Paultons Park queue jump or fast track option unless you sign up for the VIP package.
How long do you need at Peppa Pig World?
It depends how much energy you’ve got! After the two-hour drive from London to Paultons Park, we spent around 4 1/2 hours exploring which was easily enough to wear my daughter out, but we certainly didn’t fit everything in to one day.
It’s also worth checking out the short break options, with two-day access and discounts, including second day free at some times of the year.
Peppa Pig World: best time to go
If you’re wondering when it the best time to visit Peppa Pig World, you might find more limited attractions during the winter when some rides undergo maintenance but fewer crowds than during the summer.
Paultons Park is closed entirely during January and often on weekdays for some of the winter months, but otherwise it’s open from 10am, closing between 4.30 and 5.30pm depending on the day.
There’s also a special Christmas at Paultons Park event in December with illuminations and decorations transforming everything.
Check the full Peppa Pig World opening times and for the other attractions at Paultons Park.
There’s no Paultons Park rainy day guarantee – if the weather looks bad, just pack a raincoat and cross your fingers for fewer queues! Rides are only suspended in very heavy rain or high winds.
There is the option to change your dates and reschedule your ticket for a fee, if the weather is looking really bad.
What age is Peppa Pig World suitable for?
What age is Peppa Pig World for? Officially the rides are aimed at ages one to six but the best age for Peppa Pig World is probably in the middle of that range.
My daughter was two, almost three, and we wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much if she’d been much younger, and there’s a very limited amount for babies under a year old (unsurprisingly!)
By the time she turned six, she had outgrown Peppa, although if you’ve got younger siblings, there’s enough at the park to keep both happy.
Can you take food into Peppa Pig World?
Absolutely – anything from a few snacks to a full picnic, with plenty of places to settle down and tuck into your sandwiches.
As well as picnic benches across the park, you can find some lovely spots in the main gardens, as well as the field next to the Cobra and the field opposite the Sky Swinger in the main part of Paultons Park. Unsurprisingly, you can’t bring a BBQ though.
There are options to buy food there as well, from burgers and fish and chips through to ice cream and sweet treats, plus hot drinks. There are also vegetarian, vegan and nut free dishes, as well as children’s menus.
What to take to Peppa Pig World?
Don’t forget a debit or credit card, as cash isn’t accepted in the park (you can have it loaded onto a gift card at Guest Information, but it’s far easier to use other forms of payment).
Spare clothes are a good idea if your kids are likely to enjoy the Splash Zone at Peppa Pig World, and something to entertain little ones in queues for the rides.
It’s worth bringing a phone charger as well, as you’re likely to be taking a lot of photos and using the app – and you don’t want a flat battery just as you finally get to meet Peppa.
Snacks are also a good plan even if you aren’t bringing your own picnic.
How to get to Peppa Pig World
Paultons Park is on the eastern edge of the New Forest so it’s an easy day out if you’re staying in the National Park, or if you’ve been visiting Southampton or Portsmouth.
If you’re driving to Paultons Park, it’s just off junction 2 of the M27, with free parking for visitors.
If you’re coming by train, the nearest stations are Southampton Airport Parkway and Southampton Central, which are both around 15 minutes from the park by taxi.
You can also get a bus to Paultons Park: the X7 Salisbury-Southampton service stops at Ower, Vine Inn – around a 5-10 minute walk from the main entrance. During some Wiltshire school holidays, buses may stop at the main entrance itself.
There are also sometimes coach packages from London, with the Peppa Pig World Express from London Victoria – entry tickets are also included in the deals from Evans Evans, along with activity packs for the journey and a guide who can answer questions about the park.
If you’re looking for things to do near Peppa Pig World, there are lots of things to do in Hampshire with kids, including the New Forest, as well as Southampton and the ferry to the Isle of Wight
*First published 2015, updated in 2025*
PIN FOR LATER: PEPPA PIG WORLD TIPS
Disclosure: I was given entry free of charge for the purposes of review. All opinions, Peppa Pig World tips and overexcitable toddlers are my own. This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission
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