Biz Gallery: From humble beginnings, Paultons Park celebrates 40 years of thrills and spills

It might be difficult to imagine nowadays, but Paultons started off as a gardens and bird park run by husband-and-wife team John and Anne Mancey.

The humble beginnings of Paultons Park

Now, four decades later, the 140-acre site features over 80 rides and attractions and welcomes more than a million visitors from all across the world each year.

And it’s clear they must be enjoying themselves, as Paultons Park has been named the nation’s favourite theme park for five consecutive years – thanks in no small part to the UK-exclusive Peppa Pig world, opened in 2011.

Managing Director Richard Mancey is carrying the torch for a family legacy 40 years in the making, as the park continues to grow with attractions like the new Tornado Springs.

Richard said: “It is an honour to be celebrating 40 years of Paultons Park with our past and present team, my family, and the local community who have been such important champions and supporters of Paultons over the past four decades.

Peppa Pig World opened in 2011 to great fanfare

“My parents and my wife Sara and I set out to deliver an exceptional experience for our guests, to create an environment where family memories are made to last a lifetime.

“Looking back at the past 40 years, I am proud to see that we have achieved that.

“With our children now stepping into leadership positions and shaping the business, I am even more excited about what the future holds for Paultons Park.”

And what better way to reflect on the Mancey family legacy than with a selection of photos throughout the years?

A bit of black and white for 1984

Somebody’s enjoying themselves in 1990!

Full steam ahead into 1993

Percy the Owl has changed a lot since 1998!

Building standards weren’t the same in 2002…

Hands up if it’s 2005!

Green new beginnings in 2010

2015 brings Curious Critters to Paultons

Riding high in 2020

And we finally arrive at 2023 with a fabulous array of Percies!

Here’s to another 40 years!