Drayton Manor Resort

Drayton Manor Theme Park – 2026 Operating Schedule

• Main Park (Standard Days): 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• School Holidays & Weekends: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (extended hours)
• Summer Peak (July - August): 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily
• Zoo: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (included with park ticket)
• Thomas Land: Same hours as main park (extremely popular with young families)
• Closed: Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, and select weekdays in January for maintenance (re-opens mid-February half-term)

⭐ Top tip: Arrive by 9:30 AM to be first through the gates. Thomas Land gets very busy – go there first thing or visit during lunchtime when queues are shorter.

Online Saver Tickets (book at least 7 days in advance):

• Adult (12+): £32.00 (gate price £52.00)
• Child (2-11): £28.00 (gate price £47.00)
• Under 2s: Free entry
• Senior (65+): £28.00 online
• Carer: Free with valid documentation (companion ticket required – book in advance)

🎫 Bundles & Annual Passes:

• Family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children): From £109 online
• Drayton Manor Annual Pass: £99 – unlimited entry for 12 months, 10% off food & retail, free parking
• Premium Annual Pass: £129 – includes 20% off, priority entry, and exclusive event access

🚂 Important note: Thomas Land is included in standard park admission – no separate ticket required! The zoo is also included.

Address: Drayton Manor Theme Park, Drayton Manor Drive, Fazeley, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B78 3TW, United Kingdom

By Car: From M42 Junction 9 or M6 Toll Junction T4, follow brown tourist signs for Drayton Manor. Free on-site parking for all ticket holders (spacious car park close to entrance).

By Train: Nearest station: Tamworth (3 miles). Direct trains from London Euston (1 hour 20 minutes), Birmingham New Street (15 minutes), and Derby (30 minutes). Connecting taxi or bus from station to park (approx £8-10 by taxi).

By Bus: Arriva bus route 110 from Birmingham and Tamworth stops near the park entrance. Also shuttle services during peak season.

📍 Satnav: Use postcode B78 3TW. For accessible parking, follow blue badge signs to the designated area near the main entrance (free with valid badge).

Make the most of your family day out at Drayton Manor with these insider tips:

• 🚂 Thomas Land strategy: Visit Thomas Land first (opens with the park) – hit Thomas & Friends™ Engine Tours, Harold's Helicopter Tours, and Cranky's Drop Tower immediately. Alternatively, visit after 3pm when queues drop significantly.
• 🎢 Thrill rides for older kids: Don't miss The Shockwave (stand-up coaster), Apocalypse (drop tower), Maelstrom (giant pendulum), and The Haunting (dark ride). For a classic family coaster, try The Buffalo.
• 📱 Download the official app: Real-time queue times, interactive map, character appearance schedule (Thomas & Friends characters appear daily), and mobile food ordering.
• 🍔 Best dining spots: The Grill Inn (family restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating), Thomas Land's Knapford Station Café (themed food), or bring a picnic – there are plenty of picnic areas throughout the park.
• 🚂 Character meet & greets: Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends appear multiple times daily in Thomas Land. Check the app for exact times – queues form early, so arrive 15 minutes before.
• 🐅 Zoo tip: Drayton Manor Zoo is home to over 100 species including endangered red pandas, lemurs, meerkats, and big cats. Visit early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active.
• 👟 What to bring: Rain jackets (some rides continue in light rain), comfortable walking shoes (the park is large but manageable), refillable water bottles (free refill stations), suncream, and spare clothes for younger kids (Stormforce 10 gets you wet!).
• 🏨 Stay overnight: Drayton Manor Hotel offers themed rooms (Thomas & Friends, Safari, and Royal themed), early park access, and breakfast packages. The hotel has an indoor pool and outdoor adventure play area.
• 🎃 Special events: Halloween at Drayton Manor (October half-term) and Christmas events (November-December) are very popular – book tickets in advance.

🎁 Money-saving tip: Book the "2-Day Ticket" – often only £5-8 extra per person, giving you a second day free (essential if you have young Thomas fans who want to do everything twice!). Also check for Tesco Clubcard, Blue Light Card, NHS discounts, and hotel packages that include tickets.

♿ Accessibility: Drayton Manor is mostly flat and wheelchair accessible. Mobility scooter hire available. Rider Swap available for families. Carers go free with valid documentation (must book in advance).

👶 Best for ages: Thomas Land is perfect for 2-8 year olds. The zoo suits all ages. Thrill rides are great for 8+ (height restrictions apply). There's genuinely something for everyone in the family!