Thomas Land

David takes the family to Thomas Land in Staffordshire

Thomas Land, Staffordshire Last year Europe’s only Thomas Land at Drayton Manor Theme Park in Staffordshire, underwent a massive £2.5 million expansion. Voted the UK’s best children’s attraction I was looking forward to being transported to the magical Island of Sodor with my family and little grandson Dylan.

Drayton Manor Theme Park originally opened in 1950 and is still owned today by the Bryan family. There’s lots of adrenaline pumping rides at Drayton Manor but thankfully I was here for Thomas the Tank. The Park is located near Tamworth in the Midlands and is easily accessed by car off the M6. I had combined our visit with a stay at the Drayton Manor Hotel. This is a lovely Thomas themed, 4 star hotel set in 280 acres of beautiful lakes and parkland conveniently situated near the park entrance.

Hotel Facilities

Rooms were very comfortable with all the amenities you would expect from a 4 star hotel, and for a truly magical stay there’s the opportunity to upgrade to a Thomas & Friends themed bedroom and add on a Character Breakfast where you meet The Fat Controller in person. Drayton Manor Hotel, Thomas Land There’s a Thomas Land gift shop in the reception area, two well-stocked bars, two restaurants and a relaxing lounge. The restaurants offered a great choice of good quality family meals with excellent service. A couple of Thomas train tables were strategically placed for the little one’s to enjoy even more Thomas! Entertainment was also laid on for the children in the evening.

The World’s Biggest Thomas Shop

Thomas Land itself is well laid out and a lovely area to explore with over 25 rides and attractions including the world’s biggest Thomas gift shop. The area is packed with family fun … fly high on Jeremy Jets, runaway on the Troublesome Trucks and take a high level tour on Winston’s monorail. There’s Flynn’s Fire Rescue, Toby’s Tram Express, Captain’s Sea Adventure, Cranky Crane drop and lots more!

The Fat Controller, Thomas Land Catch the Thomas train and hop off at Tidmouth Hault. Here you’ll find a captivating little zoo and a Dinosaur Trail with larger than life exhibits.

Conclusion

This was a great family day out, highly recommended if you’re a fan of the little blue engine (and let’s face it, who isn’t). We created special family memories that will stay with us for a very long time. But, more importantly, what was little Dylan’s verdict? “When are we going again Grandad?”

More Information

For more information on Thomas Land and the Drayton Manor Hotel visit www.draytonmanor.co.uk

264 people found this helpful
18362

Share Article:

David Powell

Travel editor

Leave a comment

*

Sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest travel tips on top destinations.

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Most Recent Articles

There’s something refreshingly nostalgic about the quintessential British coach holiday….

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.