Family Fun at Drayton Manor: A Perfect Day Out

Updated 25/07/2025

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Key Takeaways Drayton Manor

• The theme park and zoo operate from late March (around 29 March) through early November (up to 2 November) on most dates, though some mid‑week days may be closed in spring and early summer.
  • Standard daily opening hours generally run from 10:30 am to approximately 5:00 pm, with longer hours up to 8:00 pm on peak weekends and during school holidays.
  • Rides and attractions usually start running at 10:30 am, though some smaller attractions, particularly in Thomas Land, may open earlier or slightly later. Ride availability is subject to change due to maintenance or weather.
  • Thomas Land rides may open around 10:00 am, often before the wider park, making it a good first stop for families arriving early.
  • The zoo follows the same hours as the rest of the park, opening and closing in line with theme park times.

Introduction to Drayton Manor

Tucked away in the heart of Staffordshire, Drayton Manor bursts with energy, excitement, and adventure for visitors of all ages. As you step through its gates, you’re greeted by the cheerful buzz of families, the distant roar of thrill rides, and the enchanting scent of sweet treats wafting through the air. From the adrenaline-pumping loops of The Wave to the gentle charm of Thomas Land, every corner of the park offers something unforgettable. Surrounded by lush parkland and home to over 100 rides and attractions, plus a zoo with over 500 animals, Drayton Manor is more than just a theme park; it’s a vibrant world of imagination, discovery, and heart-racing fun waiting to be explored.

Top Attractions at Drayton Manor

Drayton Manor boasts a wide range of attractions to suit all tastes and ages.

Thrill Rides: Where Fear Meets Fun

Drayton Manor’s thrill rides offer a fresh blend of high-speed action and daring drops, perfect for adventurers craving an adrenaline fix. At the heart of this excitement is The Wave, a newly reimagined sit-down looping coaster that replaces the iconic Shockwave. With tight corkscrews, a zero-gravity roll, and sleek new trains, The Wave offers smoother, more accessible thrills for riders as young as 1.2 metres tall—making intense fun more inclusive than ever.

Nearby in the brand-new Frontier Falls area, Gold Rush bursts onto the scene as one of the park’s most dynamic additions. This Intamin lift-and-launch coaster takes riders on a wild journey through the untamed “Old West,” combining immersive theming with launches, airtime hills, and unexpected twists that will leave even seasoned thrill seekers breathless.

And while legendary rides like Apocalypse and Pandemonium have now retired, Drayton Manor continues to evolve, building on its legacy with cutting-edge attractions that keep the thrills coming. Whether you’re speeding through inversions or soaring into the skies, each ride brings a fresh jolt of excitement that sets the tone for an unforgettable day.

Thomas Land: A Magical Journey to the Island of Sodor

Drayton Manor’s Thomas Land is a vibrant, family-friendly theme park area dedicated entirely to Thomas & Friends, and it holds the distinction of being Europe’s only Thomas-themed land. Spanning just under 3 acres, this immersive zone features over 25 rides and attractions, making it the perfect destination for younger children and fans of the beloved TV series.

Highlight Attractions & Favourite Fun

Thomas Land offers a delightful variety of experiences:

• Troublesome Trucks Runaway Coaster – A charming junior coaster themed after the mischievous Troublesome Trucks. Riders as young as 1m (accompanied) or 1.2m alone can enjoy the fun track layout.
• Thomas & Percy’s Submarine Splash – Introduced in April 2023, this 455-metre mini-flume ride plunges guests through splashes and themed scenes from All Engines Go!.
• Thomas, Rosie & Percy Engine Tours – A classic narrow-gauge train ride that winds through the Zoo and past Sodor scenes. It originally featured Thomas and Percy, with Rosie added in 2009.
• Blue Mountain Engines, Bertie Bus, Cranky Crane Drop Tower, Diesel’s Locomotive Mayhem, Flynn’s Fire Rescue, Harold’s Helicopter Tours, James & the Red Balloon, Jeremy Jet’s Flying Academy, and Lady’s Carousel each ride captures the charm of Sodor’s characters with age-appropriate thrills and textures for toddlers and young riders.
• Winston’s Whistle-Stop Tour – An aerial monorail ride offering scenic views of Thomas Land with from-top commentary and photo opportunities.
• Discover Thomas & Friends Exhibition – Housed in a dedicated indoor exhibition space, the original miniature models used from seasons 1 to 12 of the show are on display (relocated in 2023 near Winston’s ride exit).

In addition, Spencer’s Outdoor Adventure Play and Emily’s Adventure Play offer soft-play zones perfect for scrunching through tunnels and slides, both updated within the play areas of the land.

Thematic Atmosphere & Features

• Wandering through Thomas Land is like stepping onto the Island of Sodor, with cheerful trains, colourful buildings, and themed street entertainment.
• Ride vehicles resemble iconic characters such as Thomas, Percy, Rosie, James, Harold, and more.
• Themed photo ops abound, posing with Tidmouth Sheds or at Knapford Station adds to the immersive experience.
• The area is beautifully landscaped and includes interpretive signage, making it educational as well as enchanting.

Why Families Love It

• Safe for young guests: Most rides welcome children from 1 m tall with adult supervision, making it incredibly toddler- and preschooler-friendly.
• Fast-moving queues: Visitors often report quick throughput. Thomas Land remains one of the most efficient areas in the park.
• Ideal for Thomas fans: The characters, stories, and settings are faithful to the show, creating special memories for young fans.
• Complementary to a zoo visit: The train ride connects to the zoo, allowing seamless transitions during a full day of fun.

A Glance at What’s New

• Submarine Splash, the latest ride piece launched in April 2023, injects watery thrills into the land with vibrant scenic moments.
• A subtle 2024 ride arrangement update repositioned Terence’s Driving School back to the main Thomas Land area for better flow and visibility.

Thomas Land remains a cornerstone of Drayton Manor’s appeal for younger visitors and family groups. With its themed storytelling, beloved characters, and gentle-but-engaging rides, it provides a magical pint-sized adventure on the Island of Sodor. Whether you’re guiding a toddler through their first coaster or exploring miniature train layouts, it’s tailor-made for charm and nostalgia.

Drayton Manor Zoo: Wild Wonders in the Heart of the Park

Step into Drayton Manor Zoo, a 15-acre open‑plan paradise filled with over 500 animals representing more than 100 species from across the globe. Located within the boundaries of Drayton Manor Resort, the zoo offers an immersive wildlife experience that combines education, conservation, and family fun.

What You’ll See

• Wide variety of habitats spanning birds of prey, primates, reptiles, mammals, and insect life—including standout species like red pandas, Eurasian lynx, cotton-top tamarins, and Patagonian maras.
• Curated species list featuring creatures such as capybaras, Chilean flamingos, ring‑tailed lemurs, South American tapirs, Maned wolves, and rare reptiles and amphibians.

Dino Trail Adventure

Adjacent to the zoo, the Dino Trail brings prehistoric giants back to life with lifelike dinosaur models, lush scenery, and educational exhibits. It’s a delightful blend of imagination and learning that captivates both kids and adults.

Conservation & Education at the Core

Drayton Manor Zoo actively supports several conservation partners, such as Red Panda Network, World Parrot Trust, and Wildcatas Conservation Alliance, and uses storytelling to engage visitors in real-world issues like invasive species and habitat loss.

The zoo also offers internships and research placements in areas like primate care, nutrition, and welfare. Their non-invasive observational studies contribute to conservation science and visitor education alike.

Learning Behind the Scenes

Through their “Who’s at the Zoo?” mini‑series on YouTube, Drayton Manor offers a peek beyond the cages to meet residents like cotton‑top tamarins and green‑and‑black poison dart frogs, guided by zookeepers sharing fun facts and fascinating animal stories.

Why It Stands Out

Special Events and Seasonal Activities

Drayton Manor hosts various special events and seasonal activities throughout the year.

Halloween Spook-tacular

Drayton Manor’s Spook‑tacular Halloween is an annual family‑focused celebration running through October and into early November. From early October until around November 3, the park transforms into a spooky playground packed with themed entertainment, interactive trails, and seasonal fun suitable for all ages.

The event centres around the immersive Carnival of Spooks, a walk‑through experience hosted around the Castle area. Guests encounter characters like Witchy Woo and her spooky companions, join in games and activities, and can expect surprises and treats along the way. Running alongside this is the Hay Bale Trail, a zoo‑based scavenger hunt featuring animal‑themed hay bales hidden around the park. Visitors collect letters on the hay bales and spell out a word to redeem a small prize.

Families can also enjoy Trick or Treat with Sir Topham Hatt, held at his house near the Thomas Land entrance. At scheduled times during the day, visitors knock to receive sweets and meet the station master himself. Special shows featuring the park mascots Rory and Lory take place on the main stage at regular intervals, and Thomas Land hosts its own spooky mini‑shows throughout the day.

The zoo and Thomas Land areas are decorated with pumpkins, gawky statues, themed bunting, and seasonal photo‑op opportunities. Even ride vehicles like the Percy train are dressed for the occasion. There are also seasonal treats like a pumpkin‑spice latte in select cafés, complete with themed garnish.

The event is included with standard admission and even offers special ticket bundles or short‑break packages for families. Annual pass holders typically receive advance notice of the full programme. Though the scarier Halloween scare zones like Haunted Express or adult late‑night events have been retired, Spook‑tacular remains a happy blend of light-hearted frights, interactive fun, and seasonal sweetness.

Christmas at Drayton Manor

Drayton Manor’s Christmas Wonderland transforms the resort into a glowing festive playground on selected dates from late November until the end of December.

This seasonal spectacular wraps the main theme park and Thomas Land in twinkling lights, festive greenery, and merry decorations. Visitors can enjoy more than 25 family-friendly rides operating in magical surroundings, as well as live entertainment, making the experience cosy and bright.

A must-do is the Wishmas Express light trail train ride, a new experience for 2024. The train journey through festively themed areas includes a storytelling moment with Sir Topham Hatt as passengers travel through sparkling scenes before arriving at Rusty and Dusty’s Hot Chocolate Factory, where guests enjoy a delicious hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.

Children can also visit Santa’s Grotto, where they meet Father Christmas and receive a gift. Tickets for the grotto experience cost around £12 (£10 for annual passholders), and there’s a calmer, accessible grotto option designed for children who need a quieter setting.

On the central stage and throughout the park, live shows feature the park characters such as Lory and Rory in festive-themed performances that include singing, dancing, and seasonal cheer.

For those wanting to extend the festive mood, the on-site Drayton Manor Hotel offers a “Christmas Stay & Play” package. Guests can enjoy a full day of Christmas Wonderland, followed by an overnight stay in a 4-star hotel and a festive breakfast the next morning.

Tickets typically start from around £19 per person, with packages that include grotto entry available from £32 per person. Advance booking is advised, especially at weekends and during school holidays.

Christmas Wonderland is a festive celebration packed with lights, themed rides, hot treats, character encounters, and seasonal performances. It’s ideal for families looking for joyful winter fun in Staffordshire, perfect whether you’re spending just the day or treating yourselves to a festive break.

Planning Your Visit

To make the most of your day at Drayton Manor, here are some tips and essential information.

Ticket Options & Pricing

Day Tickets (advance purchase online):

• Ages 4+ from £27.50
• Children 2–3 years from £15
• Under 2 years free (0–23 months)
• Adult with toddler (1 adult + 1 toddler under 4) from £27.50
  On-the-gate prices may reach £45 per person. Booking ahead can save up to 40% compared to gate pricing.

Evening Tickets (available on select Fridays & Saturdays):

• From 4 pm to park closing, typically priced around £19.50 for ages 4+ and £10 for children 2–3 years. Under 2s enter free. Only valid on specific summer evenings.

Flexible Ticket (choose your date at purchase):

• Flexible entry without pre-booking. Prices around £45 for ages 4+, £15 for ages 2–3, and free for under‑2s.

Annual Passes:

• Silver: ~£75
• Gold: ~£99
• Platinum: ~£175
  Passholders gain entry to regular admissions, seasonal events, discounts on food, retail, and parking perks. Annual passholders must pre-book visits.

Christmas Wonderland Tickets

Standard admission to the park and zoo includes entry to Christmas Wonderland; no extra ticket is required beyond standard or annual passes.

Santa’s Grotto Experience:
Entry to see Santa (and receive a gift) typically costs £12, or £10 for annual passholders. This is a separate paid add‑on.

Christmas Stay & Play Package:
This short‑break hotel package includes a one-night stay, theme park entry during Christmas Wonderland, pantomime, grotto access, breakfast with Sir Topham Hatt, treasure hunt, mini‑golf, and more. Available on selected dates from late November to the end of December.

Discounts & Extras

• Booking online in advance delivers the best pricing; dynamic pricing can increase the cost the day before or on the day of the visit.
• Add-ons like the Rainy Day Guarantee, fast passes or car parking can be added during checkout.
• Tesco Clubcard vouchers can be redeemed at the gate against full-price ticket categories (not valid for toddler or adult+toddler tickets).

Summary Table

Opening Hours

The main theme park and zoo typically open daily from late March through early November, with most dates between 29 March and 2 November. Opening times generally run from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm, though during school holidays and weekends, including summer, the park may remain open until 7:00 pm or 8:00 pm.

Rides typically begin operation around 10:30 am, even if the park gates open slightly earlier, and most attractions close in the early evening . A special update reported that during a week in late May, the park extended hours to 10:30 am–7:00 pm.

Thomas Land rides may open slightly later than the main gates, often around 10:00 am so families planning to head there first should factor in those timing differences.

Please note that hours vary across the season, and on off-peak midweek days outside holidays, the park may close earlier in the afternoon. Always check the park’s official opening times calendar before your visit for the most accurate schedule.

Getting There

Drayton Manor is conveniently located in Staffordshire, easily accessible by car, bus, and train. On-site parking is available for a fee, and the park offers clear directions and transportation options on its website.

Drayton Manor Information

• Address: Drayton Manor Drive, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B78 3TW, England
• Postcode: B78 3TW
• Email: info@draytonmanor.co.uk (general inquiries)
• Phone Number: +44 (0) 1827 287979
• For visitors who will be using satellite navigation to get here, Use post code is B78 3SA.

Hotel Stays & Events

To contact the hotel about an enquiry or to book your stay,

• Please call the hotel reception on 01827 285551

Alternatively, if your enquiry is about a meeting or event

• Please email events@draytonmanor.co.uk

Nearby Accommodation

Map

Conclusion

Drayton Manor is a must-visit destination for families looking for a fun and exciting day out. With a wide range of attractions, special events, and seasonal activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your visit today and create lasting memories at Drayton Manor.

FAQs – Drayton Manor

Nearby Attractions