Family fun at Drayton Manor Park
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From the bottom of the big wheel at Drayton Manor Park, I glanced over at the fast rollercoaster. There, on the front seat, was a familiar little face. Suddenly, they were off. Backwards up the track to the top of the hill. A short pause and whoosh! They accelerated past me, the tiny little figure on the front seat with her eyes closed, clutching her aunty’s hand.
Thomas Land at Drayton Manor Park
To young children, Drayton Manor Park means Thomas Land. And in school holidays, it’s busy. There are reasonably long queues for all the rides, but they’re worth the wait. We headed straight to Thomas Land when we arrived at the park because it’s by the entrance and the girls just couldn’t walk past.
After that, we rode on Thomas to the other side of Drayton Manor Park. For any Thomas the Tank Engine fan, this has to be the highlight of the day. The train takes you to Spencer’s Outdoor Play Area, which is the perfect place for a picnic.
The girls played in the park after lunch, before heading off to Terence’s Driving School. Libby was in her element, putting her foot on the pedal and steering Terence around the well-marked track. Lia wasn’t tall enough for this, as children have to be over a metre tall. Instead we headed for the model railway and little tots play area.
Drayton Manor Park with young children
When we first went to Drayton Manor Park with the girls, we didn’t venture far from Thomas Land. But once we’d been a few times, we realised we’d been missing out by not going to the rest of the park. This time instead of taking the train straight back to Thomas Land, we headed for the Dinosaur Trail. This is a short, easy walk around a landscape filled with huge model dinosaurs. From there, we walked through the zoo to the lakeside area of the park.
As well as the beautiful lake and fish and chip shop, this area is home to the 4D cinema and some brilliant rides. Libby couldn’t wait to get on the Accelerator, which is quite a big, fast roller coaster for young children. They have to be at least four years old and over a metre tall to go on this ride. It was the first time Libby had been tall enough and she couldn’t have been happier. Lia and I headed for the Flying Dutchman and the Big Wheel instead.
Visiting Drayton Manor Park in school holidays
Drayton Manor Park is in incredibly popular theme park. It is no surprise that it’s busy during school holidays. That said, I found the day relatively relaxing. We accepted that we wouldn’t get on all the rides, so we took it easy. It was helpful having another adult with me so the girls could go on different things. And for little ones, queuing up and getting excited is all part of the fun. We all had a lovely day and I wouldn’t hesitate to go again, even at a peak time like the school holidays. To check opening times and special events, head to the Drayton Manor Park website.
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I have never been to Drayton Manor before, my son is Thomas crazy so I think he would love it here. I think I will have to plan a visit for next year for him as it sounds like a brilliant family day out x
Oh gosh he’d love it, definitely worth heading there for a day out.
Nat.x
Looks like a really fun day! Great place for families!
Oh you’re right, it is so perfect for families.
Nat.x
Ah now we are at the other end – all grown out of Thomas the Tank Engine and waiting for our youngest to hit 1.35m to go on G-Force. One of my favourite ever rollercoasters and a slightly smaller height restriction for a big coaster. Fingers crossed he reaches the height soon. You ought to try the other side of the park- oooh and have you done the zoo too?
Eek, exciting times! I hope he is soon big enough, and I suppose I need to start preparing for my two to be big enough for that too, hopefully a little while yet!
Nat.x
I like the fact that this place evolves. You can go when the children are tiny enough to enjoy Thomas, but it’s good for them as they grwo older too. We really do need to go!
Oh it really does grow with the children, I can’t imagine them ever growing out of it – my husband and I were going to go together without the kids for a day when we had annual passes but we were unable to in the end as he was injured.
Nat.x
It looks amazing! My boys would absolutely love it there! So much to do and see, plus I love that there are play areas too rather than just rides, something that every child can enjoy. 🙂 x
Oh your boys would have a wonderful time. We’re only an hour away as well so we’d love to join you if you do go!
Nat.x
This is somewhere we haven’t been yet. It looks a fab day out, my girls would love Thomas land. We will have to try and get there soon x
Oh I didn’t realise you hadn’t been, they would absolutely love it.
Nat.x
I’ve always wanted to visit here, and not managed it yet! Ive seen the ad’s and it looks AWESOME fun for the little ones. Thomas and the Dino Trail would be sure fire hits! #familytraveltips
Oh it’s amazing Carrie, you’d really enjoy it if ever you’re up this way.
Nat.x
This looks absolutely fantastic! My boys would be in their absolute element Thomas AND dinosaurs – oh my!
Not that we can really make it from Bangalore, but just had a look at their website out of interest – it looks like the Thomas section is only open on particular days? Is that right, or have I read their ‘Opening Times’ page wrong?
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The Thomas section is always open when the rest of the park is open. But they do have certain days, particularly over the winter, when the Thomas area is open and the rest of the park isn’t. I hope you make it one day, you’d love it!
Nat.x
I love places like this – Daddy doesn’t though, so I think Daisy and I may be on our own! #familytraveltips
I love them too! Definitely better to go on your own if your other half won’t enjoy it.
Nat.x
Great pictures – I’m adding this to my list! #familytraveltips
Thank you, I hope you enjoy it if you visit.
Nat.x
This place looks amazing, I’ve often thought about taking my 3yo there! #familytraveltips
I think three is a lovely age to take children to Thomas Land.
Nat.x
We keep meaning to visit Drayton Manor but haven’t got around to it yet. It does look fab for little ones. Can’t wait x
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It really is a lovely day out, you’ll enjoy it.
Nat.x
This looks like a great day out for young children. The driving school looks particularly good. #familytraveltips
Oh it was lovely. Libby has only recently become tall enough for the driving school, she was so excited!
Nat.x
Oh we never been there, but Thomas The Tankengine sells everything for us! #familytraveltips
Haha your kids sound like mine, they’ll do anything for Thomas too!
Nat.x
My two love Thomas Land. Its a bit of a journey from Scotland but we make the most of it and do it over a couple of days. #familytraveltips
Oh lovely, definitely worth the journey. There are lots of other fun days out around here too.
Nat.x