Drayton Manor Park, Birmingham

I'm a big fan of theme parks and fairground amusements in general, and it seems my daughters have followed suit. I try to visit at least one UK theme park every year, and this year we choose to go to Drayton Manor Park in Staffordshire. I wanted to go here for two reasons, firstly it is home to Thomasland, a part of the park themed around the Thomas and Friends franchise which would be a lovely treat for my Thomas-mad eldest daughter. Secondly, purely for selfish reasons, I'm a big roller coaster nut and have been wanting to ride The Shockwave, the parks signature ride, for many years. I made ... more

I have to say when I was told where I was going this weekend I was slightly dubious. Mainly becausehaving been there a year or so ago, I found it quite boring - but I thought well I have different company this time so you just never know! Thankfully this time I was with a bit more of a vaired group of people so got to see something more than just the main park! So What Is Drayton Manor Park? According to the official web-page of Drayton Manor it is 'everyone's favourite theme park packed with a host of great rides and attractions, set in 280 acres of lakes and parkland.' I will definately give ... more

Please Note: This review is based solely on Drayton Manor's Magical Christmas at Thomas Land and not on the full park, as this was the only section open at the time, unlike the summer when the whole park is open. After watching a TV advert for Drayton Manor's Magical Christmas we decided that our daughter Holly nearly 4 would love the day out and as the price would shoot up after 20th December when Holly would be 4 we decided to go that weekend. The Magical Christmas is geared up for children under the age of 9 and is based mainly in Thomas Land. The park opens at 12 pm and closes at 6pm ... more

I have now visited Drayton Manor Park about five or six times during the last ten years or so, and it has never failed to be a fun day out, and money well spent. The park has this year been voted to be the best family day out throughou the whole of the UK, which as far as I know, is pretty accurate. The park is not in the same league as Alton Towers for example. But you do not pay the price ofalton towers, or have to queue for anywhere near as long as at Alton Towers. My most recent visit the the park, was last month (April 2007) and the longest i had to queue for was about 55 mins, This was ... more

Drayton Manor Theme Park is set near Tamworth in Staffordshire which first opened it's gates all the way back in 1949. The theme park is home to many thrilling and unique rides as many of it's rides hold the title of 'Only... in the world/ Europe' which gives this theme park a bit of an edge over others. I visited Drayton Manor last year and it was my first trip to a theme park of any kind and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Unfortunately we didn't get around to going on any of the big rollercoasters due to insufficient time and long queues. I hope I can go back again some day and try them but until ... more