From small beginnings in 1983 as a country park and bird gardens, Paultons Park will, on 17th May 2008, celebrate its 25th anniversary in the knowledge that it has now become one of the biggest attractions in the South of England. Owned and run by Richard and Sara Mancey, the 140-acre Park was originally named ‘Paultons Country Park and Bird Gardens’ and featured what was then the largest private collection of wildfowl open to the public in the South of England.

The Park has grown steadily over the years to become today’s popular Paultons Park, welcoming over 500,000 guests annually. Whilst still retaining the beautiful gardens and exotic bird collection, the Park now has over 50 different family rides and attractions with something that will appeal to all ages. New for 2008 is the awesome Sky Swinger, a beautiful hand-decorated ride that lifts riders six metres above the ground as it tilts and twirls. It also has special double seats so that smaller children can enjoy a thrilling aerial ride together with mum or dad.

Managing director Richard Mancey says: “We believe we offer our guests a truly unique experience as well as being the best value family day out in the South.” To celebrate the anniversary, a fascinating “Floating Globe” has been installed in the new entrance plaza. This intriguing feature is made of solid granite weighing over 6.5 tonnes yet, suspended on a layer of water, it can be turned by a child’s finger.

Another new feature this year is John’s Garden, a tranquil spot that complements the new plaza area, constructed as a tribute to the late John Mancey, who 25 years ago together with his family, founded the Park which has now become one of the South’s biggest family attractions.