A TOP Hampshire theme park has been praised for its landscaped gardens which are full of history.

Hidden among all the rides and attractions at Paultons Park is a series of historic and landscaped gardens that have been impressing visitors.

Formerly known as the Paultons estate, the 3,000-acre site that’s home to the theme park, dates back to the Domesday Book, when it was called the Manor of Ower.

The gardens were originally laid out in the 18th century by Capability Brown, the famous English landscape architect, and much of his work can still be seen at the family theme park.

Hampshire Chronicle: Gardens in Lost KingdomGardens in Lost Kingdom (Image: Paultons Park)

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In addition to its 70 rides and attractions suitable for children and adults of all ages, guests often praise the 11 different gardens they discover across the site.

James Mancey, operations director, said: “We’re incredibly fortunate as a theme park business to be operating from such a beautiful and historic site. It has always been important to us to retain as much of the natural features of the site as we can, and leverage these to enhance our visitor experience.

“Our gardens offer visitors a quiet space to unwind, enjoy a bite to eat, and some reflective space away from the busyness of the main park. Parents often head to the gardens for nap time to encourage little ones to take a rest, while grandparents visiting with their wider families enjoy having acres of landscaped gardens and animal attractions to explore during a day of thrilling rides.”

Hampshire Chronicle: Japanese GardenJapanese Garden (Image: Paultons Park)

The park includes a Japanese Garden inspired by traditional Japanese planting environments, with trees dotted between the water features and stone architecture, as well as several themed areas with topiary features.

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A horseshoe-shaped lake fed by a tributary of the River Test provides a peaceful spot to spot wildlife.

Hundreds of summer visitors have commended the gardens on TripAdvisor.

John N, who visited in August, said: “Wonderful theme park, something for all ages and the most beautifully kept park and gardens we have visited.”

Carly G said: “The cleanliness is the best I’ve seen from any theme park. The grounds are beautiful also. Flowers and garden kept to such a high standard. We cannot wait to come back again.”

For more information or to book tickets go to paultonspark.co.uk.