Long drive, absolutely worth planning, especially if you love a drop tower
Drayton Manor Park is a family theme park near Tamworth in Staffordshire, home to Thomas Land, the world's only Thomas the Tank Engine themed land, and a range of thrill rides including the UK's only stand-up roller coaster. Reopened under new ownership following a brief closure in 2021 with significant investment in new attractions and improved guest experience.
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The only stand-up roller coaster currently operating in the UK. Riders stand upright in individual restraints through multiple inversions at speed. Significantly different physical sensation to a seated coaster. Height: 140cm.
Gyro drop tower, 54 metres. Slow ascent to the top before controlled free fall at up to 55mph. The slow ascent is a deliberate feature. Height: 130cm.
Water rapids ride with circular course and significant final drop. Guests will get very wet. Spectators on the viewing bridge alongside also frequently get soaked. Height: 90cm.
Spinning coaster, good entry point for guests building towards larger coasters. Compact layout, spinning cars. Height: 120cm.
11 rides themed around Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends including Day Out with Thomas, Harold's Helicopter Tours and Dustin's Dino Dig. Detailed theming throughout. Ideal for ages 2 to 8.
Available online at draytonmanor.co.uk, significantly cheaper in advance. Prices vary by date. Zoo included at no additional cost. Family tickets and annual passes available.
Book Official Tickets →Arrive as close to opening as possible.
Queues for popular rides are shorter before midday.
Storm Force 10 can get riders soaked.
It is included and many visitors overlook it entirely.
Check out TobesVerse Drayton Manor Park videos and visit notes on the channel.
Yes, particularly for mixed age families. Thomas Land for younger children and proper thrill rides including the UK's only stand-up coaster make it a park that genuinely works when not everyone wants the same thing.
A fully themed area dedicated to Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends containing 11 rides, included in standard park admission. Consistently rated one of the best children's themed areas at any UK theme park.
For thrill seekers, Shockwave is the most unique experience as the only stand-up coaster in the UK. Apocalypse is the most intense single experience. For younger children, Thomas Land is the clear highlight.
Approximately 2 hours via the M1 or M40 and M42 in normal traffic. Near M42 junction 9 with free parking on site.
Yes. Thomas Land is one of the best children's areas at any UK theme park and the included zoo adds further appeal for young families.
Yes. Drayton Manor Zoo is included in standard park admission and contains over 100 animals across multiple species within the theme park grounds.
Shockwave (stand-up coaster, 140cm), Apocalypse (drop tower, 130cm) and Storm Force 10 (water rapids, 90cm) are the major thrill attractions.
Weekdays during school term time for shortest queues. Busiest during summer holidays and bank holiday weekends. Halloween events run in October.
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