Drayton Manor Resort sits on the grounds of a former stately home in Drayton Bassett, Staffordshire, and combines a theme park, a zoo and a hotel. Thomas Land, built around the Thomas the Tank Engine series, is the main draw for younger children, with rides sized for them and a sing-along show with Sir Topham Hatt. Older visitors can head for the coasters, including the stand-up Shockwave, or the water rides. One ticket covers the theme park and the 15-acre zoo, which is home to endangered species such as Sumatran tigers and red pandas.
Grounds and history of the zoo
The resort sits on the grounds of the former Drayton Manor stately home at Drayton Bassett, in Staffordshire.
The zoo dates back to 1957, when it was set up to give school children an educational side to their trips. It now covers 15 acres and holds endangered species protected under a range of conservation programmes, including a pair of black leopards.
Thomas Land and the family rides
Thomas Land is based on the Thomas the Tank Engine series. It is Europe's only Thomas Land, and its rides and attractions are sized for younger children. An interactive sing-along show with Sir Topham Hatt runs there.
Outside Thomas Land, the park has a Wild West area, a carousel, a dinosaur zone and a 4D cinema, so the day can be split between a few different areas in a short time.
Coasters and thrill rides
Older riders have the thrill rides. Apocalypse is the world's first stand-up tower drop. Pandemonium turns riders upside down, and Maelstrom is a gyro swing.
Shockwave is Europe's only stand-up rollercoaster. Stormforce 10 is a water ride with a backward drop. For gentler water rides, River Rapids and Splash Canyon are on the site.
Inside the zoo
The zoo is laid out in zones for mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Visitors can see Sumatran tigers, South American tapirs, Cuban boas, red pandas and Eurasian lynx.
The zoo also has a museum, a farm, play areas and picnic tables, with cafés and restaurants nearby. Guests can book ahead to become a zookeeper for a day, feeding the animals and learning about the conservation work carried out at the zoo.
Visiting and getting around
Advance tickets are recommended, and lockers and baggage storage are available onsite. Parking is paid.
The entrance, restrooms, seating and parking lot are wheelchair accessible, and changing tables are available. Seasonal events include Halloween specials, a winter festive period with Christmas celebrations, and a fireworks display in November.
Food and drink on site
Restaurants and a bar sit on the site, and the menu is mainly fast food. Prices are high for the area, so many visitors bring their own food and drink. Some drink offers, such as unlimited hot drinks for the day, can help with the cost.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there one ticket for the theme park and the zoo?
Yes. One ticket gives entry to both the theme park and the zoo.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Advance tickets are recommended, and you can book them through the resort's website.
How long do you need for a visit?
A full day covers the rides, Thomas Land and the zoo.
Is the resort wheelchair accessible?
The entrance, restrooms, seating and parking lot are listed as wheelchair accessible.
