Drayton Manor

Drayton Manor is a family-friendly theme park, zoo and hotel located near Tamworth in Staffordshire, United Kingdom. In this article, we’ll explore the attractions it offers visitors, provide an overview of the site, and highlight upcoming events.

What is Drayton Manor?

Drayton Manor theme park is considered one of the most famous family amusement parks in England, combining several different formats:

• a classic theme park;
• a large zoo;
• a family resort with a hotel.

The park has been in operation since the mid-20th century, having opened in 1950. Drayton Manor Resort focuses not only on extreme rollercoasters but also on family holidays with children.

One of the distinctive features of Drayton Manor is the balance between family attractions and entertainment for a more adult audience. Whilst Thorpe Park is better suited to adrenaline seekers, Drayton Manor Zoo is considered a more versatile destination.

The park, for example, features Thomas Land – the only fully-fledged Thomas & Friends themed area in Europe. This is precisely why families with younger children often choose Drayton Manor over Alton Towers, which is also very popular but places greater emphasis on large-scale extreme rides and massive roller coasters.

In terms of atmosphere, Drayton Manor is often compared to Chessington World of Adventures: both parks are geared towards family holidays, combining rides and animals, but Drayton Manor is not as noisy; there is a more intimate atmosphere here.

If you compare it to Paultons Park, there is more to do here. Paultons Park is famous primarily for Peppa Pig World. Drayton Manor has more ‘classic’ themed areas and a wider selection of rides for teenagers and adults, and it has its own hotel.

What is there to see at Drayton Manor theme park?

The park features rides, a zoo and themed areas. These attractions ensure an exciting experience for visitors of all ages.

Thrill rides

There are several dozen rides within Drayton Manor Park, the highlights of which include:

1. Shockwave – the UK’s only standing rollercoaster featuring loops, twists and high-speed drops.
2. Gold Rush – a family-friendly Intamin thrill Lift and Launch Coaster, operational since 2024.
3. The Wave.
4. Maelstrom.

Zoo

The zoo covers 15 acres and is home to over 100 animals of various species, including:

• big cats;
• primates;
• reptiles;
• birds.

The park actively participates in wildlife conservation programmes and organises educational events.

Thomas Land

The most famous part of the park – Thomas Land – is its flagship attraction. This vast area is themed around Thomas & Friends and features over 25 rides and attractions.

For children, there are mini-trains, carousels, water rides and play areas. Among the most popular attractions are:

1. Troublesome Trucks Runaway Coaster.
2. Thomas & Percy’s Submarine Splash.
3. Cranky’s Drop Tower.
4. Harold’s Helicopter Tours.
5. Flynn’s Fire Rescue.
6. Jeremy Jet’s Flying Academy.

Throughout the day, there are shows featuring Sir Topham Hatt and themed meet-and-greets with the characters. For children aged 2 to 8, this is one of the most exciting family zones in the whole of Great Britain.

Adventure Cove

Adventure Cove – a marine-themed area featuring family rides and water attractions. There are fewer ‘extreme’ rides here, but plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy together.

Main attractions:

1. River Rapids.
2. Wave Swinger.
3. Tidal Towers.
4. Flying Dutchman.
5. Jolly Buccaneer.
6. Dodgems Ahoy.

This part of the park is particularly popular in summer thanks to its water attractions and more relaxed atmosphere.

Vikings

Vikings is one of Drayton Manor’s new themed zones, designed in the style of Norse mythology. It opened in 2022 and has added more modern, family-friendly thrill rides to the park.

Vikings offers a whole new level of excitement. That said, the zone remains family-friendly – it’s not ‘hardcore’ thrills in the style of Thorpe Park, but rather a gentler adventure format for teenagers and parents.

Frontier Falls

Frontier Falls is the park’s new Wild West zone with an American frontier atmosphere, and has become one of the main updates in recent years. The key attraction here is Gold Rush. In addition to this, the zone features:

1. Sheriff’s Showdown.
2. Blasting Barrels.
3. The Haunting.

In addition, Frontier Falls hosts themed shows with a cowboy theme and live performances.

Events at Drayton Manor

Throughout the year, Drayton Manor hosts several major seasonal events. Each season features its own shows, music and decorations, and even some of the attractions change.

Halloween at Drayton Manor

In autumn, the park transforms into a huge family-friendly Halloween venue. The event takes place in October and is called Blazing Halloween. It is aimed at families with children rather than horror fans.

During Halloween, the park features:

1. The Trick or Treat Trail with sweets and themed stops.
2. An evening show featuring fire, light and music.
3. Revenge of the Haunted Express – a themed train with a ‘spooky’ atmosphere
4. Halloween characters and photo opportunities.

Christmas Wonderland

In winter, Drayton Manor hosts Christmas Wonderland – one of the main Christmas events among British family theme parks. The grounds are decorated with fairy lights, lanterns and Christmas decorations, and some of the attractions remain open even during the cold season.

Main winter attractions:

• Santa’s Grotto;
• Twinkle Express;
• Christmas shows;
• themed meet-and-greets with elves and Santa;
• evening shows by the lake;
• special festive food zones.

In recent years, major attractions such as Gold Rush and The Wave have continued to operate at Drayton Manor during the winter months. This is a rarity for British theme parks.

Fireworks and evening shows

Throughout the season, Drayton Manor hosts fireworks displays. The most spectacular of these take place during Halloween and Christmas Wonderland. The park makes extensive use of water, light projections, music and pyrotechnics.

Seasonal family events

As well as major holidays, the park regularly hosts smaller themed weekends and family events:

• themed days with characters;
• family shows;
• themed activities in Thomas Land;
• special events at the resort hotel.

The schedule changes every season; the park publishes updates on its official website.

Where is Drayton Manor?

Drayton Manor is located in Staffordshire, near the town of Tamworth, approximately 30 kilometres from Birmingham. It is situated in the heart of Great Britain, so the park is relatively easy to reach from almost any major city in the country. The park itself is not located in the town centre, but in a greener area near the former estates of Staffordshire.

Map of Drayton Manor

The Drayton Manor map is divided into several themed zones, making it very easy to find your way around the park. The main areas are Thomas Land, Vikings, Adventure Cove, Frontier Falls and the Zoo. The main attractions and the lake are located in the centre, with restaurants and rest areas nearby.

The map also shows:

• entrances and car parks;
• toilets and baby changing facilities;
• a first-aid point;
• picnic areas;
• food courts;
• the hotel and guest services.

How do I get to Drayton Manor?

Drayton Manor – one of the UK’s most famous theme parks – is easily accessible by both car and public transport; it is located near Tamworth and not far from Birmingham.

By car. Most visitors arrive by car. The M42 and M6 motorways run nearby. There is a large car park at the entrance.

By train. The nearest railway station is Tamworth railway station. It is served by West Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast and CrossCountry trains. The distance from the station to the park is about 3 miles. You can get there quickly by taxi from Tamworth station. The journey takes about 10 minutes.

By bus. Arriva buses run to Drayton Manor:

route 110 – from Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield and Tamworth;

route 115 – from Tamworth, Hurley, Dosthill and Kingsbury;

You need to get off at The Square bus stop in Fazeley.

By coach. The park offers organised trips for groups. This option is popular with schools and tour groups.

Visitor information

Before visiting Drayton Manor Resort, it’s worth checking the opening times, buying tickets and making arrangements for accommodation.

Opening times

Drayton Manor is open seasonally – usually from March to early November, plus on specific dates in winter during Christmas events. The park is usually open from 10.30 am to 5.00 pm, but opening times vary depending on the season and events. We recommend checking the current opening times on the official website before your visit.

Tickets

Prices for tickets to Drayton Manor theme park depend on the date of your visit and whether you buy tickets in advance online.

Prices may be higher during peak season and at Halloween or Christmas Wonderland.

Accommodation

The most popular option for an overnight stay is the Drayton Manor Hotel, located next to the park. The hotel offers family rooms, themed rooms and ‘Stay & Play’ packages including park tickets.

Near Tamworth, there are also:

1. Premier Inn Tamworth Central hotel – a budget hotel a 10-minute drive away.
2. Travelodge Tamworth Central – an affordable option near the centre of Tamworth.
3. Castle Hotel – a small historic hotel in the city centre.
4. The Globe Inn – a cosy guesthouse with a restaurant.

Many people stay in Birmingham and visit the park for a day trip. The most popular campsites are Kingsbury Waterpark Camping and Caravanning Club and Syerscote Meadow Caravan And Campsite (located about a 15-20-minute drive from the park).

Food and drink

There are several cafés, kiosks and family restaurants within Drayton Manor. Among the most popular spots are:

• Safari Pizza & Pasta.
• Chicken Diner.
• Fish ’N’ Chips.
• Crepe Shack.
• Funky Fries.
• The Manor Bar & Brasserie.

The park offers vegetarian and vegan options. You are also allowed to bring your own food.

Parking

The park has several car parks – near the main entrance and by the hotel. Pre-booking online is cheaper (from £9.90) than buying a parking space on the day of your visit (£11.90–£12).

Contact details and postcode

Address:

Drayton Manor Resort

Drayton Manor Drive

Near Tamworth

Staffordshire

B78 3TW (draytonmanor.co.uk)

Hotel reservations telephone number: 01827 285 55

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