The new £9m (US$13m, €11.4m) Lost Kingdom zone at Paultons Park opened to the public today (17 May). Masterplanned by RMA Themed Attractions, the four-acre (1.6-hectare) prehistoric-themed landscape featuring 27 life-like animatronic dinosaurs takes families back in time to the Jurassic period.

Guests can get up close to the park's walking and roaring T-Rex at the Alive, Dinosaur Encounter or join the 4x4 Jurassic Jeep Dinosaur Tour for a “safari expedition” ride. Younger visitors can board the 23km/h Dino-Chase rollercoaster or swirling dinosaur-egg themed Boulder-Dash ride, take in elevated views of Lost Kingdom from the Zamperla-designed Temple Heights attraction, or dig for fossils in the Little Explorers adventure play park.

Meanwhile, older children can ride the two Vekoma-designed rollercoasters pitched at more thrill-seeking families – the 55km/h Flight of the Pterosaur suspended coaster and the 60km/h Velociraptor boomerang coaster.

Additional visitor facilities at Lost Kingdom include The Nest and Base Camp restaurants and Outpost 12 explorer-themed shop.

Richard Mancey, managing director of Paultons Park, said: “Lost Kingdom is going to be very special. It is a truly unique experience where families can be thrown back millions of years to see, hear and feel a prehistoric world.

“Children and adults of all ages are fascinated by dinosaurs and I think the amazing world we’ve created here at Paultons Park and the rides within it will thrill both children and adults alike.”