Drayton Manor Park and Zoo
IT IS not difficult to see that Drayton Manor Park and Zoo is enjoying something of a boom. The gentler Thomas Land, in tribute to the ever-popular Thomas the Tank Engine, has added to the thousands of people already drawn to white-knuckle rides such as Shockwave and Apocalypse.
Long queues of traffic began on the road outside the 286-acre leisure complex near Tamworth and continued on the seemingly endless drive to the main public car parks.
But, once inside Drayton Manor, the delay simply melted away for my six-year-old grandson, Liam.
Although Thomas Land, complete with rides ranging from Crazy Bertie Bus to Cranky's Drop Tower, is new for 2008, six-year-olds are at the age where they are starting to grow out of Thomas the Tank Engine.
So it was off to explore the many other attractions that make this such a popular place to visit as it gears up towards its 60th anniversary in October 2009.
Big rides like Stormforce 10, G-Force, Splash Canyon and Pandemonium are much too daunting for a six-year-old - and his grandparents! - so it was a question of having to find something a little less challenging.
At Drayton Manor, the only difficulty was in trying to enjoy as many rides and attractions as possible given the queues at each of them.
We certainly did all right though!
The Buffalo Coaster ride was just the right balance between high speed and managing to retain your stomach contents, while other excellent junior attractions included The Flying Dutchman, the indoor Pirate Boat ride and the Wild West Shootout.
Another new attraction, which opened in the Big Top in July, is the live show entitled Crusade to the Lost Temple, combining speciality acts and song set within an explosive adventure story.
The 15-acre open plan zoo gives visitors of all ages the chance to chill out quietly. As well as the popular tigers, Drayton Manor has reptiles, apes, birds and a children's farm and you can also be a zoo keeper for the day.
Visitor Info
Drayton Manor Theme Park Tamworth Staffordshire B78 3TW The 2008 season runs till November 2. Rides operate from 10.30am to 5pm or 6pm depending on the time of year. Please note that the theme park is CLOSED on September 22, 23, 29, 30 and October 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 (Zoo remains open). Zoo open all year except during certain dates each Christmas and New Year. Thomas Land also open for selected pre-Christmas dates. See website for family package ticket prices. Basic admission: Adult (12+) £23; child (4-11) £19, Grandee (60+) £11. 24-hour information line: 0844 472 1950 Ticket hotline: 0844 472 1960 Website: www. draytonmanor.co.uk
