Drayton Manor Resort
A family-friendly resort with thrilling rides, a dedicated Thomas Land, a zoo, and a hotel, offering fun for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter queues
Drayton Manor Resort
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter queues
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A family-friendly resort with thrilling rides, a dedicated Thomas Land, a zoo, and a hotel, offering fun for all ages.
"Great for younger children with the Thomas land. My son is 17 and we still had an amazing time."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save money and time by purchasing your tickets in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park and zoo.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Thomas Land
Thomas Land Area
Europe's only Thomas Land! A magical realm with 12 rides, perfect for young fans of the beloved engine.
The Wave
Rollercoaster Area
A thrilling family coaster with a shorter height restriction, ideal for younger thrill-seekers.
Drayton Manor Zoo
Zoo Area
Explore a 15-acre zoo with a variety of species, offering a break from the rides and a chance to see wildlife.
Gold Rush
Rollercoaster Area
Experience the adrenaline rush of this exciting rollercoaster, a must-do for thrill-seekers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Thomas Land Magic
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save money and time by purchasing your tickets in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park and zoo.
📱 Download the App
Check ride wait times and park map to plan your day efficiently.
🏨 Consider a Hotel Stay
Enhance your visit with themed rooms and park access.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save money and time by purchasing your tickets in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park and zoo.
📱 Download the App
Check ride wait times and park map to plan your day efficiently.
🏨 Consider a Hotel Stay
Enhance your visit with themed rooms and park access.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring your own water bottles to refill throughout the day.
🥪 Pack Snacks
Save money by bringing your own snacks and drinks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Drayton Manor Resort is a popular family destination, particularly praised for its dedicated Thomas Land and variety of rides suitable for all ages. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff and the option of themed hotel stays. However, long queues for popular attractions and occasional cleanliness issues in certain areas are noted drawbacks.
"I did the stay and play offer for myself and my son. We had a free room upgrade when we arrived which was lovely. Included in our stay were two days entry to the park, fast track passes for rides, free parking and breakfast.
Friendly helpful staff, clean and comfortable rooms. The park itself was tidy. Wait times for some rides were long, especially The Wave! Took ages for them to load the trains , giving half the train to fast track and half to regular waiting customers, just felt wrong considering how long we were waiting.
Great for younger children with the Thomas land. My son is 17 and we still had an amazing time."
Kelly Holt
"Absolutely gobsmacked of how much you can do. But the downfall a bit was the waiting for each ride. The toilets was also a waiting but the food amazing. Next time we go we will have to get a hotel as we didn't get to do all. Highly recommended 👌"
Fee Brooke
"Drayton Manor is a charming family theme park. I was only at the park to ride their 5 roller coasters, so my visit was rather short, but I still enjoyed my time here. For such a small park, the ride line up here is actually pretty good, so I could‘ve spend the whole day here if I wanted to. The park isn’t too expensive either, so this is a great option for families."
Johan Pries
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Drayton Manor Resort is located in Drayton Bassett, Tamworth, B78 3TW. It's accessible by car via the M42 and A38. Public transport options include train to Tamworth station followed by a bus or taxi.
Yes, there is ample parking available at Drayton Manor Resort. Parking is often included with tickets or hotel stays, but it's advisable to check when booking.
The nearest train station is Tamworth. From there, you can take a local bus service or a taxi to reach the resort. Check local bus timetables for the most up-to-date information.
From the M42, take Junction 9 towards Lichfield/A38. Follow signs for Drayton Manor. If coming from the M6, exit at Junction 10 and follow signs for A34 and then A38.
Drayton Manor aims to be accessible. Many areas are accessible, but some rides may have restrictions. It's recommended to check their accessibility guide on their website for detailed information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the season and whether you book in advance. Online bookings are generally cheaper than on-the-day purchases. Check the official Drayton Manor website for current pricing.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the gate, but it's usually more expensive. Booking online in advance is highly recommended to secure the best prices and guarantee entry.
Drayton Manor often offers discounts for online bookings, group visits, and sometimes through specific promotions or partnerships. A VIP Pass subscription can offer significant discounts on gate prices.
Opening hours vary throughout the year and by season. It's essential to check the official Drayton Manor website for the most accurate and up-to-date opening and closing times for your planned visit.
While not always mandatory, booking a time slot online can help manage park capacity and ensure a smoother entry experience, especially during busy periods. Check the booking process for details.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
Top rides include The Wave, Gold Rush, Accelerator, Maelstrom, and Stormforce 10. For younger children, Thomas Land offers a fantastic selection of themed rides.
Absolutely! Thomas Land is specifically designed for young children with gentle rides and character meet-and-greets. The zoo and Dino Trail also offer engaging experiences.
Drayton Manor features a 15-acre zoo, a Dino Trail, and various shows and entertainment throughout the day. The resort hotel also offers additional amenities.
A full day is recommended to experience most of the park, including rides, the zoo, and shows. If you plan to stay at the hotel, two days would allow for a more relaxed visit.
Wait times can be significant, especially for popular rides like The Wave, particularly on weekends and during school holidays. Fast track passes are available for purchase to reduce wait times.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Drayton Manor offers a variety of dining options, from quick-service kiosks to sit-down restaurants. They cater to different tastes and dietary needs, including gluten-free options.
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. There are also picnic areas available.
Yes, most dining outlets offer vegetarian options, and many are increasingly providing vegan choices. It's advisable to check menus on-site or inquire with staff.
Food prices are typical for theme parks, which can be on the higher side. Bringing your own snacks can help manage costs.
This depends on your preference. For a quick bite, kiosks offer snacks and fast food. For a sit-down meal, restaurants like The Grill Inn or The Olde Barn offer varied menus.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture iconic shots of the rollercoasters, Thomas Land characters, and the zoo animals. The resort hotel also offers picturesque backdrops. +1
Generally, photography and videography are not permitted on rides for safety reasons. However, you can capture POVs from the ride experience.
While personal photography is usually fine, commercial photography or filming may require prior permission from the park management.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is useful for capturing rides and zoo animals. A smartphone with a good camera is also sufficient for most visitors.
Higher vantage points, like the top of certain rides (if accessible) or elevated areas near the park entrance, can offer panoramic views. The zoo enclosures also provide unique photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
+1 The park also features a zoo and a Dino Trail, providing additional entertainment beyond the rides. Consider booking a Thomas-themed hotel room for an extra special treat. To make the most of your visit, arrive early to tackle Thomas Land before crowds build up. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, or utilize the picnic areas to manage costs.
🎢 Thrill-Seekers and Coaster Enthusiasts
+1 Don't miss out on Accelerator, Maelstrom, and Stormforce 10 for a variety of coaster sensations. Be prepared for potential queues, especially for the most popular rides. Investing in a Fast Track pass can significantly reduce your waiting time, allowing you to experience more rides in a single day.
🏨 Hotel Guests
The 'Stay and Play' offers often include park entry, fast track passes, and breakfast, providing excellent value. Having the hotel on-site means you can easily access the park and potentially enjoy extended hours or special events. It also eliminates the need for daily travel to and from the resort, making for a more relaxed and immersive experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Thomas Land: A Dream for Little Ones
+1 Many parents find the themed hotel rooms, particularly the Thomas Deluxe rooms, to be a worthwhile upgrade for an immersive family experience. Beyond the rides, Thomas Land often hosts character meet-and-greets and themed events, adding to the enchantment. The proximity of Thomas Land to other park attractions means families can easily transition between the world of Sodor and the wider Drayton Manor experience. It's a key reason why many families with young children choose Drayton Manor for their day out.
When planning a visit with young children, prioritizing time in Thomas Land is crucial. Arriving early can help you experience more rides with shorter waits. The park's overall family-friendly atmosphere, combined with the dedicated Thomas Land area, makes it a popular choice for memorable family adventures.
Thrill Rides and Rollercoaster Adventures
Gold Rush is another significant attraction, promising an exciting ride for enthusiasts. Other notable rides include Accelerator, Maelstrom, and Stormforce 10, each offering a unique thrill. While the ride selection is praised for its quality within a smaller park, some visitors note that wait times can be substantial, particularly for The Wave.
Beyond the major coasters, Drayton Manor provides a variety of other rides catering to different thrill levels. Exploring the park map and prioritizing your must-ride attractions can help maximize your time and enjoyment. Checking the park's app for real-time wait times is also a smart strategy for navigating the rides efficiently.
Beyond the Rides: Zoo and Dino Trail
The Dino Trail adds another layer of adventure, allowing guests to step back in time and encounter impressive dinosaur models. This interactive trail is particularly popular with younger visitors and adds an element of discovery to the park visit.
These attractions contribute to Drayton Manor's appeal as a comprehensive family destination, offering more than just a typical theme park experience.Combining a visit to the zoo and Dino Trail with the rides and Thomas Land ensures a well-rounded day out. It provides opportunities for learning and exploration alongside the thrills, making Drayton Manor a versatile choice for a family day trip.
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