Not sure how to visit Drayton Manor Resort? We share the best time to visit, how to get there and the best rides at Drayton Manor, in this complete guide.
One of the most exciting family-friendly adventures you can enjoy from Manchester is a visit to Drayton Manor Resort, one of the UK’s top theme parks and home to Thomas Land, thrilling rides, and even a zoo.
How to Visit Drayton Manor Resort
Why visit Drayton Manor Resort?
Drayton Manor Resort is located in Staffordshire, roughly 90–100 miles (around 150 km) from Manchester — close enough for a long day trip, but enjoyable enough to turn into a mini-holiday. It’s not just a theme park; it’s an entire resort experience with multiple attractions in one place:
- Thomas Land – A fully themed area based on the beloved Thomas & Friends series, ideal for families with young children.
- Thrill Rides – For adrenaline seekers, rides like Shockwave, Maelstrom, and Apocalypse deliver heart-racing excitement.
- Family Rides – Water rides, carousels, and classic amusement rides suitable for mixed-age groups.
- Drayton Manor Zoo – A surprisingly well-kept zoo within the park, featuring over 100 animals, offering both fun and educational experiences.
- Seasonal Events – Throughout the year, the park hosts themed weekends and seasonal celebrations, from Halloween frights to festive winter wonderlands.
For families, couples, and groups of friends alike, Drayton Manor provides a full day (or even two days) of entertainment — and visiting from Manchester is easier than many travellers think.
Getting to Drayton Manor Resort
There are several ways to travel between Manchester and Drayton Manor, depending on your budget, schedule, and preferences.
1. By Car
Driving is the most flexible option. The journey typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours via the M6 or A50, depending on traffic. Having your own car (or hiring a rental) means you can leave early, return late, and avoid being tied to train schedules. Parking at Drayton Manor is straightforward, with on-site car parks available for a daily fee.
2. By Train + Taxi
If you prefer public transport, you can take a train from Manchester to Tamworth (the nearest station to Drayton Manor). The train journey takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes with one change, typically in Stafford or Birmingham. From Tamworth station, it’s about a 10-minute taxi ride to the park.
3. Private Minibus or Group Transport
For groups, hiring a private minibus booking can actually be cost-effective — splitting the cost among family or friends makes travel easier, and you can enjoy the trip without worrying about navigation or parking. This is especially convenient during peak periods or if you’re coordinating with multiple families.
Best time to visit Drayton Manor Resort
1. Late Spring (May–June) & Early Autumn (September–October)
These months offer the best blend of pleasant weather and manageable crowds:
- May to June bring mild temperatures and lower chances of rain—perfect for enjoying outdoor rides comfortably.
- September to October offers cooler, still enjoyable weather, and the park often feels less crowded post-summer holidays.
Additionally, autumn brings seasonal charm—think Halloween-themed attractions and early festive pollen in December.
2. Summer (July–August)
Summer is fun but popular:
- Expect vibrant atmosphere, water-based events, and longer queues due to school holidays.
- Bonus: Draytona Beach Water Fest runs all of August—plus a “visit once, get a free return ticket” during the Summer months.
3. Seasonal Events
If you’re after special themes:
- Fireworks Extravaganza—first weekend of each month from April onward.
- Wild West Fest—early July.
- Draytona Beach Water Fest—August.
- Spooktacular Halloween—October.
- Christmas Wonderland—December brings festive lights, shows, and Thomas Land transformations.
Best rides and attractions at Drayton Manor
Thrill Rides
- Shockwave
- Europe’s only stand-up roller coaster and one of just a few worldwide.
- Reaches speeds of 53 mph with loops, corkscrews, and a zero-gravity roll.
- A must-do for adrenaline seekers.
- Stormforce 10
- A triple-drop water ride, themed around a lifeboat rescue mission.
- Famous for being the UK’s wettest ride—expect to get drenched!
- Great fun in summer and perfect for cooling off.
- Apocalypse
- A free-fall tower ride plunging 54 metres (177 feet).
- Riders can choose to sit, stand, or even stand without a floor beneath them.
- Often listed among the scariest drop towers in Europe.
- Maelstrom
- A huge gyro swing pendulum ride that spins while swinging back and forth.
- Creates moments of weightlessness with each arc.
- Incredible views of the park (if you dare to look!).
- Accelerator
- A family-friendly launched coaster reaching 50 km/h in seconds.
- Features twists, turns, and airtime hills.
- A good introduction to roller coasters for younger riders.
Family & Kids’ Rides (Thomas Land)
- Thomas Land
- A themed area with over 25 rides and attractions based on Thomas & Friends.
- Perfect for families with young children.
- Includes Thomas, Percy & Rosie train rides, Cranky’s Drop Tower, and Harold’s Helicopter Tour.
- Troublesome Trucks Runaway Coaster
- A small, family roller coaster themed around the mischievous trucks.
- Gentle drops and curves make it a fun ride for kids (minimum height applies).
- Jeremy Jet’s Flying Academy
- An aerial spinning ride where kids can “fly” their own plane.
- Interactive—children can control how high their plane goes.
Water & Seasonal Attractions
- Draytona Beach (Summer)
- A water-play area with fountains, slides, and splash zones.
- Great for cooling down during hot weather.
- Often part of special summer events like Water Fest.
Zoo & Animal Attractions
- Drayton Manor Zoo
- Home to over 500 animals, including tigers, monkeys, reptiles, and exotic birds.
- Features immersive areas like the Tiger Habitat and Reptile House.
- Educational talks and feeding sessions available.
Other Notable Attractions
- 4D Cinema
- A family-friendly experience with moving seats, water sprays, and special effects.
- Films change seasonally (often tied to Thomas & Friends or holiday events).
- Carousel & Vintage Rides
- Classic fairground fun for all ages.
- Great for a break between the big thrill rides.
Hotels Near Drayton Manor Resort
If you want to make your visit more relaxed, staying overnight near Drayton Manor is a smart choice. This allows you to enjoy the park without rushing, and you might even plan a two-day adventure including both Drayton Manor and nearby attractions. Here are some popular options:
On-Site: Drayton Manor Hotel
The resort has its own 4-star hotel, family-friendly and themed, with special Thomas & Friends bedrooms for kids. Staying here offers early access perks and packages that include park tickets — perfect for families who want a seamless experience.
Nearby Hotels (5–20 minutes away):
- Premier Inn Tamworth Central – Affordable, comfortable, and ideal for families.
- Holiday Inn Express Lichfield – Great for travellers seeking a balance between price and convenience.
- The Peel Aldergate – A charming independent hotel with a cosy atmosphere.
- The Castle Hotel Tamworth – Located in a historic area, adding a bit of character to your stay.
- Booking early, especially during school holidays, is recommended, as nearby hotels fill quickly.
Budget Tips for Visiting Drayton Manor
Theme parks can be expensive, but with smart planning, you can save significantly:
1. Book Tickets Online in Advance – Drayton Manor offers discounted online pricing compared to gate prices, and some seasonal promotions provide additional savings.
2. Travel Off-Peak – Visiting during term time or weekdays usually means shorter queues and lower hotel rates.
3. Use Family or Group Deals – Many parks offer bundle prices for families or larger groups — always check the official website before booking.
4. Bring Snacks and Drinks – While the park has multiple dining options, having water and a few snacks on hand can reduce costs (and waiting times).
5. Combine with Manchester-Based Accommodation – If you’re already staying in Manchester, you might not need to book an additional hotel near the park, especially if you’re okay with an early start and late return.
Drayton Manor Resort is one of the best theme parks in England, especially for those families that love animal related experiences too!
