Drayton Manor
Reviewed by Shaun Howells
Our party of 4 were booked in for our day out at Drayton Manor on a cool, clear Saturday in September. The theme park is accessible through quite a residential area but tucked away from view with large bushes and oversized trees but is clearly signposted.
When we arrived it was clearly demonstrated to us where we needed to park. We were very impressed that it was just a short stroll to the theme park entrance. On arrival, there was a short queue to be able to access our pre-booked tickets. This was not a problem for us, it gave us time to plan our visit having retrieved a map of the park!
After a short queue we were in! And almost immediately you are right in the thick of things. Although Drayton Manor is smaller in size to some comparably priced theme parks, there are still plenty of attractions to amuse both adults and children alike.
The theme park is possibly best known for its star attraction; Thomas Land! This was easily the busiest area of the park. Thomas made an appearance and there are plenty of age appropriate rides within this area as well as themed amusements and eateries.
For older children and adults there is a good mix of rides and attractions from Prize winning games to White Knuckle Roller Coasters!
Theme Park attractions aside, there was a beautifully kept garden with wonderfully attractive landscape which led nicely on to the Manor Zoo which was also very popular with younger guests. Drayton Manor also had the obligatory amusement arcades dotted around the park with “big prizes” to be won! We spent most of our time on the bigger, more adult focused rides, which were brilliant! And the log flume was incredible!!! I have genuinely never got so thoroughly drenched on a water ride!!!
I’d say there was just about enough in the park to entertain people of all ages for the day. We had very minimal queuing times as the it was quiet and the park was clean, well-kept and everywhere was very well signposted.
Unfortunately, there were some negatives… We found it really frustrating that none of the attractions displayed any queue times either prior to queuing or whilst queuing. This became a real problem for us and so easily resolved?!?! Unfortunately we did not find staff particularly helpful or friendly that day.
Whilst Drayton Manor’s on-going offer price of £20.00 per adult does represent very good value for money, the standard adult price is £36.00, which is the comparable to other theme parks nearby. I’m just not sure Drayton Manor offers enough to be charging the same money as its neighbours.
Not to take anything away from Drayton Manor. For families, this is a brilliant day out and ideal for those with younger children. There is plenty to keep even the biggest of thrill seekers amused; I just wonder whether, for a place as well-known as Drayton Manor, having “just enough to do” really represents good value?
Rating: 3/5
For more information or to book tickets visit www.draytonmanor.co.uk
***Editor's note: we have visited Drayton Manor several times and each time has represented great fun and value for families with young children especially Thomas Land, Dinosaur World, the zoo as well as the thrill rides. I have personally visited and never had a problem with unhelpful or unfriendly staff.