£1.5million Farmyard Flyer lifts off at Paulton's Park

Paulton’s Park has added a new £1.5 million rollercoaster attraction, ‘The Farmyard Flyer’ and is set to follow that with further investment in new approach roads.

It has been revealed management will make a multi-million investment in a new road network to alleviate traffic congestion in and around the park.

The Business Magazine understands consultations with Hampshire County Council to build a new roundabout on the A36 and a through road to the park are at an advanced stage. As yet no planning submission has been made but consultations are ongoing.

One hundred trees will be planted along the new entry points to the 148 acre theme park.

Additionally the Farmyard Flyer, the completion of which was delayed by the pandemic, is set to open to the general public on 1 April.

The Farmyard Flyer is the latest addition to the ‘Tornado Springs' region of the park. The mid west 1950’s American theme park was opened at a cost of more than £12million.

Paulton’s Park is also home to Peppa Pig World and more than 70 other rides and attractions.

Reaching top speeds of 36mph The Farmyard Flyer rollercoaster ride is based on old American crop dusting planes. Patrons ‘take off’ from an old bard and are ‘swished’ around the ride - providing they are at least 90cms in height.

The attraction is on a 158m long track, capable of carrying 360 passengers per hour and launching 175 times daily.

The theme park in Ower, Romsey, has been owned and operated by members of the Mancey family since 1983.

James Mancey, operations director, said of the proposed road scheme: "We know the current traffic situation is not acceptable for our neighbours and that is why we have been working to significantly reduce impact on local routes.

"We have been working with a leading transport agency to present the most viable solution."

Of the new rollercoaster installation, James added: "The Farmyard Flyer is our new junior coaster. It's very much designed for young families to enjoy their first rollercoaster experience. It's not too thrilling, not too high, it's just good fun.”

He said: "It has been a challenge, originally this ride was meant to open last year, but we all know about the pandemic. We had to push it back a year but we worked very closely with the supplier but we are pleased to now be able to open it.

"It's been a challenge with the build, with lots of external factors but it makes it all the more rewarding to see it today and to see families going round enjoying themselves, with a smile on their faces, having a great day at Paultons Park."

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