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Thomas Land for the toddlers and Shockwave or Maelstrom when bigger kids want a thrill — a true all-ages park.
Drayton Manor has been family-owned since 1949 and uniquely covers the full age range on one ticket — Thomas Land for under-6s and Shockwave, Maelstrom and Apocalypse for teens, plus a zoo included with admission.
Visit official siteAt-a-glance
Key facilities and quirks for this park, in one row.
Paid parking
On-site parking — fee per car
On-site hotel
Themed hotel(s) on resort
Zoo / animals
Animal collection included with admission
Step-free / RAP
Step-free access and Ride Access Pass scheme available
Strict heights
Headline rides have firm height restrictions — measure first
Seasonal opening
Closed in winter — check the season calendar
Opening hours & best times to visit
When the park is open and when the queues are shortest.
Opening hours
- Season
- Late March – early November, plus Magical Christmas dates
- Typical hours
- 10:30 – 17:00
- Worth knowing
- Some weekday closures in shoulder season — check the calendar. Zoo is open year-round.
Busy & quiet times
Quietest
- • Term-time Tuesdays–Thursdays
- • First two weeks of September
Busiest
- • Every weekend in school holidays
- • October half-term (Hallowscream)
- • Magical Christmas weekends
Tip — Thomas Land queues build first — get there for opening, then move to the thrills after lunch when little ones tire.
Park guide
Everything you need to make the day work.
What to expect
Thomas Land (14 rides), Shockwave (Europe's only stand-up coaster), Apocalypse (the world's first stand-up drop tower), Maelstrom (a Gerstlauer Sky Roller), Wave Swinger, plus the zoo with tigers, leopards, monkeys and reptile house.
Plan your day
Split the day cleanly: Thomas Land in the morning, lunch at Knapford Café, then thrills (Shockwave, Apocalypse, Maelstrom) and the zoo loop in the afternoon. Save the Polperro Express for the walk back to the entrance.
Food & drink
No outside food in the park, but the Excelsior picnic area is right by the entrance. Inside, the Knapford Café (Thomas Land), 1949 Restaurant and the new Polperro Pizzeria are reliable; the hotel breakfast is open to non-residents.
Plan your day
Pick an age group and your must-do rides — we'll suggest a 1-day plan.
Your day at Drayton Manor
Pick an age group, choose your must-do rides, then hit Build my plan — we’ll sketch a full day from gate-open to last ride and give you a link to share.
A rough plan based on typical hours and queue patterns — actual times will vary.
How to get there
By car, train or bus — and where to park.
Drayton Manor Resort, Drayton Manor Drive, Tamworth, Staffordshire B78 3TW
By car
M42 J9 or J10, signposted off the A4091 — under 2 hrs from London. Parking £6/day.
By train
Tamworth is the nearest mainline station (~3 miles); the 110 bus runs hourly to the resort, or a £10 taxi.
What to bring
Pack list from people who've actually done this park.
Pack list
- Refillable water bottle — refill points across the park
- Sun cream and a sun hat — the zoo loop is mostly exposed
- A change of clothes for Splash Canyon
- Buggy/carrier for under-3s — the park is wide and walking-heavy
- Pre-booked tickets — gate prices are noticeably higher
Insider tips
Things you'd only know on a second visit.
- 1
The Polperro Express train is the best way to cross between Thomas Land and the thrill-coaster end — saves a 10-minute walk both ways.
- 2
Hallowscream mazes (October) are 14+ only — book separately and bring layers, the queues are outdoors.
- 3
Stay at the on-site hotel for early ride access on Apocalypse and Shockwave — both are walk-on at 9:30am.
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