ADVENTUROUS families can enjoy a Jurassic jaunt at Paultons Park this summer with the opening of a new dinosaur theme park The Lost Kingdom.

I was invited, along with a bunch of other intrepid explorers, to preview the new £9m attraction last weekend ahead of its official opening on Tuesday, May 17.

There were screams of excitement and sheer terror (mainly from me) as thrill-seekers took to the skies on two new world-class rides. Flight of the Pterosaur is a suspended roller coaster where you are strapped into seats, with your legs dangling, as it soars you over the prehistoric landscape. Meanwhile, Velociraptor - a boomerang-style ride - coasts you backwards and forwards at speeds of up to 60kmh. Both rides are aimed at over fours. But a word of warning - neither of these are for the faint-hearted. In fact, some might say they are 'pterrifying'!

For younger explorers and those less adventurous there are plenty of other attractions: Dino Chase is a mini-roller coaster and a much more sedate ride. Boulderdash is like a demolition derby where you sit on rocks and dinosaur eggshells. Temple Heights, a rotating magic carpet style ride is suitable for all ages. Meanwhile the Dinosaur Tour Company transports guests on a dinosaur safari ride through a Jurassic world, with a few surprises along the way.

My personal favourite was Alive Dinosaur Encounter, where visitors can come face-to-face with a very realistic roaming T-Rex – but don’t turn your back (like I did) as, being a dinosaur, he’s a bit unpredictable!

If all the rides become too much there is a Discovery Trail boardwalk to take and Little Explorers adventure playpark where, as well as burning off energy on the dinosaur play equipment, little ones can search for fossils too.

Alongside these latest attractions in the Lost Kingdom area, there are two new eateries – Base Camp and The Nest – both providing a range of tasty meals, snacks and refreshments for little velociraptors up to big Gigantosauruses.

The new £9m attraction is targeted at the six plus age group, who have grown out of Peppa Pig World and are looking for something a little more daring.

It's a fantastic family day out and this latest addition must put Paultons Park up there as one of the best theme parks on the south coast.

n For more information or to book tickets online visit paultonspark.co.uk