THOMAS Land and Drayton Manor are now both open for the 2023/24 season – as ever with plenty to suit all ages and tastes.
We have been taking our daughters to Thomas Land ever since its opening in 2008 so it was great to be invited to the 15th anniversary.
Thomas Land
I’m not the best when it comes to fast rides so Troublesome Trucks (a roller-coaster to get younger guests used to rides) is about my level. There’s plenty of other great rides at Thomas Land too, including Cranky’s Drop Tower, the Diesel’s Locomotive Mayhem, Jeremy Jet’s Flying Academy, Harold’s Helicopter Tours, the Rocking Bulstrode, James and the Red Balloon, Bertie’s Bus and much more.
Couple this with appearances from popular characters, including Sir Topham Hat and engineers Rusty and Dusty, along with shows throughout the day, and this really is a fun day out, especially for younger visitors. If your children love the Thomas the Tank Engine programme, then Thomas Land is a must-visit attraction this Easter or at some point during the season.
Drayton Manor theme park
Moving on to Drayton Manor, this again has something for everyone. If you are a massive thrill-seeker, there is Maelstrom, Accelerator, Shockwave and Storm Force 10. As I mentioned earlier, I’m not a massive fan of the big, fast, high rides (although I did manage Storm Force 10 as I love getting soaked). I did manage to put myself out of my comfort zone on what I would call a ‘second tier’ of scary rides, including Air Race (aeroplane-themed and takes you upside down), the Bounty Pirate Ship and Thor (rebranded rollercoaster), Thor and Jormungandr (a high spinney ride) in the new Viking area. I think the latter two mentioned were my two favourite rides of the day (for some reason I don’t mind going fast and round and round – as long as it’s not too high).
Then there are the other attractions which should suit most people – among these are the Drunken Barrels, The Haunting (although this may be a tad scary for really young visitors), the 4D cinema, traditional dodgems and more.
You can find out all about the rides and attractions at Drayton Manor here.
Children’s play areas and zoo
As well as the two theme parks, there are also play areas to keep little ones busy. As most parents will resonate with, your children will happily occupy themselves on play areas for a good hour if you let them. At Thomas Land you have Emily’s Adventure Play (indoor – handy if it is raining) and Spencer’s Outdoor Play. There is also Tidal Towers (another outdoor play area) and Dino Trail (dinosaur-themed area). And there is the Thomas Land exhibition.
If you (or any of your party) love animals, then the Drayton Manor Zoo is also well worth a visit. Again, there is an array to suit all tastes – from tigers, lynx and monkeys to birds of prey, birds, reptiles and everything in between. As well as seeing these animals up close, you and your family can also learn about them and the situation facing these species in the wild, along with the conservation work being done at the zoo.
Useful advice
Such is the variety of the attractions on offer, you will struggle to do Thomas Land, Drayton Manor, the zoo (and crazy golf I forgot to mention earlier) in one day – that’s why it is great to have stay-over options through short breaks.
If you are planning to do as much as you can in one day, then make sure you get there early and plan your day carefully. The Drayton Manor app is useful because, as well as a map and all the information you need, it can also inform you of live queue times so you can plan which rides or attractions you do in which order.
However you decide to visit Drayton Manor, you will be guaranteed plenty of fun and the chance to make some much-treasured and long-lasting family memories.
