A Hampshire theme park has been hailed one of the nation’s best attractions.

Family theme park Paultons Park, which is home to Peppa Pig World, has been given top marks from VisitEngland for creating a great day out.

Situated in Ower, in the New Forest, Paultons was one of just ten attractions in the country chosen for the award – and is the only theme park on the list.

The park achieved a glowing report based on eight categories, including pre-arrival, arrival, the attraction itself, cleanliness, retail, catering and staff.

It was one of just four attractions in the south to win the award, and it was credited for its high level of cleanliness, beautiful gardens, immaculately kept animal enclosures, varied catering and retail offerings and polite and helpful staff.

Commercial director of Paultons Park, Stephen Lorton, said: “We are delighted Paultons Park is one of the first attractions in the country to have received this prestigious gold accolade from VisitEngland. “So many different aspects of the park were singled out for praise, which the whole team worked very hard to achieve for the benefit of our valued guests.”

The gold accolade was awarded to Paultons as a result of the most recent Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme audit in August. As well as Peppa Pig World, Paultons Park offers other family-friendly features and attractions, such as roller coasters and meerkats.