Drayton Manor
Reviewed by Jane Hopkins MBE
My son, Jamie is almost 7 and usually finds the options within Thomas Land pretty much within his comfort zone. But today, having the whole park at our disposal meant mum, that’s me, wasn’t having any wussing out and we were going to stretch that comfort zone…
Drayton Manor park is a huge theme park with all the attractions you would expect, from the traditional carousel to the super rides. For the kids there is a smaller theme park within; Thomas Land is quite incredible for little ones and brings sheer delight to little faces when seeing the fat controller wondering around, sometimes with his entourage. Being able to take a ride in Annie and Clarabel pulled by Thomas himself is a joy and each ride being Thomas themed is quite an adventure.
I remember coming to Drayton manor as a kid with my family, just like my lad, I was always wary of the bigger rides and although I desperately wanted to try them, I just couldn’t do it. I was determined that Jamie would not have that.
The pirate adventure was the first challenge, seeing a hint of a pirate theme in the darkness was enough to make him turn on his heels. No amount of coaxing would change his mind, so we returned to the safety of Thomas land… for now. Fun on Jeremy’s airplanes and the helicopters and bullstrode built his confidence so as we approached the dodgems, he felt brave and went for it, “that was brilliant!” he said repeatedly afterwards… fabulous.
Having this new found confidence and bout of no fear meant we went on tons of new rides, from the buffalo coaster – a roller coaster without the loop the loop; perfect to introduce the coaster world to youngsters! And it didn’t disappoint, to the river rapids, and haunted house, which was daunting for me as I’m used to travelling in a cart around a haunted house, not having to walk around the house with a group of people. It was a little scary….
Another favourite for kids, mums and dads alike was the Wild Wild West shoot out, we had loads of fun here and I was quite proud of my score of 14,000. I’d not been on a ride like this, where you’re given a gun and have to shoot at targets along the track ahead. Jamie was delighted with this ride.
Lunch provided lots of choice, there is literally loads to choose from, from a quick snack to meals, the choice was great. We however opted for the lots-to-do-no-time-to-eat sausage roll on the go option. Which meant we could squeeze in another go on the rapids…
So as we strolled through the zoo, en route to our firm favourites, the reptile house and then tigers, Jamie took my hand and said “we’re having the time of our lives aren’t we mummy?” says it all really. He wasn’t wrong.
We didn’t get to go on everything, so next time we’ll get there as soon as it opens, the big wheel, and overhead cable cars were on our list to try as well as the 4D cinema and possibly with a little more bravery, the Ben 10 ride may make it to our list.
For more information or to book tickets visit www.draytonmanor.co.uk
If you book in advance and it rains for more than 1 hour while you are in the park they guarantee you can come back again (terms and conditions apply).