A couple of weeks ago we headed to Drayton Manor for the day.

We haven’t been to Drayton Manor in years, so I was eager to re-visit and see how much it had changed.  The boys look so young on our last trip there.

Our Park Tickets

Our tickets were from 365 Tickets which has some decent deals on attractions.  Keeping the kids entertained in the summer holidays can get quite expensive.  So, it’s great to make some savings helping our money stretch further whenever possible.

Queues

Being the summer holidays naturally the park was very busy.   We would have liked more time to get around all the rides.  But we still managed to fit in quite a few.  The park seems to have developed considerably since we last visited in 2012.  Usually we have a plan for which rides we will head to first based on those that are busiest.  But this time we didn’t do any research and just dived straight into the Drayton Manor park!  That might have been a mistake as preparation does pay off when you visit theme parks.

Our Day at Drayton Manor

The Buffalo Coaster had a very long queue.  I would advise getting that done early on!  It’s quite a long track and you do two circuits so getting through the queue takes a while!  Having said that it was one of their favourite rides, so I am glad we preserved with the queue.  I remember this ride from my own childhood!

We arrived when the gates opened and strolled around the zoo first until the rides starting operating.  The parrot shouting “hello” was a real highlight, he was such a character.

My husband saw Air Race and thought it looked like a nice sedate ride for me to try with the kids!  I was like do you not see the roller coaster harnesses… Eldest and myself still decided to brave it anyway.

It was quite entertaining although a bit nerve wracking when the plane actually started looping and your hanging upside down!

The Haunting was atmospheric and a little spooky but the ride itself was okay.  It’s like Hex at Alton Towers.  The operator was lovely, he was celebrating his birthday but still giving his heart and soul into the performance.  He would come up behind you and try and scare you!  It made the walk-through more entertaining.

The 4D cinema was lots of fun.  The boys liked being squirted with water.  It’s such an immersive experience and the story was very funny.  Poor Scrat trying to hang on to that nut is hilarious!

The Grill Inn

To refuel after a busy morning at the park we headed to The Grill Inn.  The restaurant is located just outside the park but you can get your hand stamped to easily return again.

The food was presented appealingly and tasted good.

I was impressed with the portion sizes, plenty of food to keep you going.  I couldn’t manage to fit in a dessert after my BBQ Chicken Burger.  Although the boys all did, but they always say they have separate dessert tummies.  However when my husband’s Mississippi Mud Pie came out I wish I had squeezed one in too!  He did let me steal a spoonful but I could have quite happily wolfed the lot

We were seated in a comfortable booth in pleasant surroundings.  It really was a welcome break from the busy park.  Phoebe who waited on us was very friendly and attentive.  She thoughtfully asked if we wanted the kid’s starters with the mains.  That was perfect for us grownups who were very hungry!  It meant we got our food quicker.  Phoebe came back a couple of times to check everything was okay.  Always very courteous and helpful.

On arrival the boys were given Puzzle Time Bizzi Hats which had lots of interesting puzzles to keep them occupied.  Food took 20 minutes to arrive which I thought was acceptable for a busy day in the summer holidays.  It meant it didn’t eat into our park time too much.  We could still enjoy an appetizing meal and still have plenty of time at the park again afterwards.

My eldest had a kid’s burger and said, “this burger is proper!” meaning he thought it was good quality meat.  I was glad that the kid’s meals came with vegetable sticks, so it was more nutritious and healthier than some of the kid’s meals you see.  The kids meals priced at £9.95 for three courses was very affordable.

I would recommend booking ahead.  We overheard a couple of guests who hadn’t pre-booked being told there would be a thirty-minute wait.  Mind you the food and service is worth the wait.

Thomas Land

This area has added lots more rides.  You do need a fair bit of time to do this section justice.  Captain’s Sea Adventured opened in 2015 so we missed this last time.  However, don’t be fooled by the Thomas theme older children will love squirting water at the queue line and the other locomotive ships.

The Troublesome Trucks Runaway Coaster is a good introductory coaster but still one my two enjoyed at 9 and 11.

I think Drayton Manor have a good mix of rides.  Plenty to suit the little ones through to the thrill-seeking tweens and teens!  I definitely want to come back again soon.  We must tick off a few more rides.  I don’t want to leave it so long between visits either.  Almost six years was far too long!

I will have to see what other attractions we can save money on the 365 Tickets site as I fancy another day out before the summer holidays ends.