Georgie Crawshaw and her three year old Thomas fan enjoy an unforgettable visit to Sodor and beyond!
Fancy a day off from adulting? For big kids (and little ones) nothing quite hits the spot like a trip to a theme park. Add a dose of your three-year-old’s favourite storybook character to the mix and you’re definitely on to a winner.
All aboard for a fun-filled family day out at Drayton Manor – home to Europe’s one and only Thomas Land!
Just two hours from Bath (door to, well, first rollercoaster ride) it’s definitely drive-able in a day. We’ve decided to make a mini-break of it and splurged on the ‘Stay & Play’ package; a night in the on-site hotel, hot buffet breakfast, free parking and two-day theme park entry – not to mention exclusive perks like a ‘ride fast pass’ each to jump the queue!
In the words of the Fat Controller (who also makes a guest appearance at brekkie I’m told) ‘really useful’, especially on Saturdays and Sundays which are significantly busier than weekdays.
After dropping off our bags, it’s just a short walk to all the action. In fact, the four-star hotel is so close we can already hear the squeals of excitement and screams of terror! With over 100 rides and attractions, it’s hard to know where to start but, needless to say, the small human is in charge and it’s full steam ahead to the magical island of Sodor.
This place is a dream come true for Thomas fans. From flights on Harold the helicopter and Jeremy Jet, to water cannon fun on fire engine Flynn and lifeboat Captain; driving Terence the tractor and Bertie Bus, to the slightly more adrenalin fuelled Cranky’s Drop Tower and the Troublesome Trucks Runaway Rollercoaster – there’s something to suit every age and level of daredevil.
Of course, height restrictions apply on some rides but it’s guaranteed smiles all round – especially the singalong shows featuring the big man himself, Sir Topham Hatt, and his trusty sidekicks Rusty and Dusty.
If you want to escape the crowds for a bit, hop aboard what the wee man (almost speechless with delight) declares ‘the actual Thomas’ at Knapford Station. I have to admit, with his moving eyes and cheerful chuffs, he does seem like the real deal.
After waving to ‘the actual Percy’ and his passengers, we disembark for a much needed pit stop at Spencer’s Outdoor Adventure Play. Don’t worry if picnics aren’t your thing, there’s lots of places to refuel around the park – from fish ‘n’ chips and pizza to afternoon tea and snacks aplenty.
Of course, there’s much more to Drayton Manor than Thomas Land – older kids, teens (and adults) are spoilt for choice too. A leisurely stroll back through the 15-acre, open plan zoo brings us face-to-face with everything from meerkats and monkeys, to red pandas and parakeets, and even a dinosaur or two!
But my mini thrill seeker is more interested in exploring Frontier Falls, Adventure Cove and the Vikings zones – especially now he’s officially 1.05m tall. After riding Loki (the UK’s first Zamperla Nebulaz) and Accelerator (as fast and furious as it sounds) back-to-back – even my stomach is starting to feel a bit queasy. I’m actually a little relieved it’s closing time.
As days go, I’m not sure this one could get much better. But our Thomas & Friends themed bedroom is about to top it all – the look on the wee man’s face when the door opens is priceless. Following the train track carpet to the Thomas bunk bed he’s soon snuggled up in a (yes – you’ve guessed it) Thomas blanket with Harry (the Drayton Manor hotel bear) watching his favourite Thomas episode on his personal, in built TV screen – what a treat. Talk about a ‘number one’ day out… we can’t wait to do it all again tomorrow!
Ticket prices start at £27.50 for an adult & toddler (weekdays/off peak periods). To book online, or for more information on hotel packages, visit draytonmanor.co.uk
