Review: Thomas Land at Drayton Manor Theme Park

Having never taken my two-year-old son to a theme park before I was a little sceptical as to what the visit to Thomas Land at Drayton Manor Theme Park would bring.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Jul 2018, 08:22 BST
Updated 20th Jul 2018, 08:27 BST
Thomas the Tank Engine tour engineThomas the Tank Engine tour engine
Thomas the Tank Engine tour engine

Along with a friend and her daughter of the same age, we packed up a picnic and headed off down the M1 to Tamworth, in Staffordshire.

The 90 minute drive meant the little ones were ready to explore when we arrived.

James and the Red Balloon rideJames and the Red Balloon ride
James and the Red Balloon ride
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The 2018 season marks the tenth anniversary of Thomas Land, and for my train-obsessed boy it was great.

From the moment we entered the gates to the Islands of Sodor, set in the heart of the theme park, we were completely immersed in the world of Thomas and Friends, based on the much-loved television series.

I was concerned that our two toddlers wouldn't be able to go on the manjority of rides, but I couldn't have been more wrong.

It was fantastic - there were 20 very different rides and attractions that were all suitable for young children.

Toby's Tram ExpressToby's Tram Express
Toby's Tram Express
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After reassuring our toddlers that mummies were going on the rides too, they soon got into the spirit of the day on the Blue Mountain Engines.

A particular hit was Captain's Sea Adventure, where we got to squirt people while spinning around in a boat. Both my son and I spent the whole ride giggling as we cooled down on the hot day.

Another hit with both toddlers was Winston's Whistlestop Tours, where each car completes a circuit on an elevated track which goes above and around the attractions in Thomas Land, and a tour on Thomas which took a journey through Thomas Land to the zoo.

The whole place was very child-friendly, and the rides varied and fun.

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If the weather had taken a turn for the worse then there was also the newly refurbished Emily's Play Adventure, an indoor play centre.

The zoo provided a welcome break from the rides, with dozens of different animals to see.

The rest of the theme park is more suitable to older children with larger rides including roller coasters, a haunted house and several water rides.

For those wanting to extend their day out, then there is also an onsite hotel, where there is 15 Thomas and Friends themed rooms.

But after six hours of exploring in the hot weather, we headed back up the M1 with two worn out toddlers in the back of the car.

For more information visit www.draytonmanor.co.uk