Drayton Manor Resort
LocationDrayton Bassett, Tamworth, Staffordshire, England
Coordinates52°36′39″N 1°42′48″W / 52.61083°N 1.71333°W / 52.61083; -1.71333
StatusOperating
Opened1 May 1950 (1950-05-01)
OwnerLooping Group
SloganFun for everyone
Operating seasonTheme Park
Main season: March – November
Drayton's Magical Christmas: late November to December
February Half Term: selected days in February
Drayton Manor Zoo
Same Times As The Theme Park
Drayton Manor Hotel
Year-round
Conference Centre
Year-round
Area180 acres (73 ha)
Attractions
Total48
Roller coasters4
Water rides2
Websitedraytonmanor.co.uk

Drayton Manor Resort is a family theme park, zoo and accommodation in the grounds of the former Drayton Manor, in Drayton Bassett, Staffordshire, England, UK. It covers 180 acres (73 hectares), of which about 113 acres (46 hectares) are in use, and hosts about 1.5 million people each year. It is the fourth-largest amusement park in the UK by land area at 280 acres (110 hectares). The park is also home to Thomas Land and Drayton Manor Zoo, home to over 500 animals, including Red pandas, Eurasian lynx, Sumatran tigers and a variety of monkeys and gibbons.

On 3 August 2020, Drayton Manor Park was sold to Looping Group, who own two other attractions in the UK, West Midland Safari Park and Pleasurewood Hills.[1]

History

The land on which the theme park was built on once belonged to the Peel family. Drayton Manor mansion, built for Sir Robert Peel, 2nd Baronet in 1835, had been reduced to ruins by 1926, with only the clocktower surviving at the park entrance. The British Army requisitioned it as a training post during World War II. After the war, entrepreneurs George and Vera Bryan borrowed £6,000 and bought the land (and the 17 huts that the army had constructed during their stay). In 1950, they opened a small amusement park with just a handful of children's rides. In 1954, Mrs. Molly Badham, who later opened the nearby Twycross Zoo, partnered with the Bryans and opened a zoo to complement the amusement park. The amusement park grew slowly in the 1950s, '60s and '70s, but, in the late '80s, the park began to install bigger and more thrilling rides to attract customers from all over the United Kingdom and to compete with rival theme parks. In 1992 Colin Bryan, George Bryan's son, became managing director of the park.

On 9 May 2017, an 11-year-old girl fell out of a raft on the Splash Canyon Rapids ride. She then climbed an 'algae-covered travellator' before slipping and falling into a deeper pool of water where she drowned. According to Drayton Manor's director, George Bryan, park staff responded immediately and rescued the girl from the water. The girl was airlifted to Birmingham Children's Hospital, but was proclaimed dead from her drowning soon after arrival. The park was temporarily closed after the incident, and the ride remained closed until summer 2021.[2]

In February 2020, the park suffered flood damage from Storm Dennis.[3] Following this, the park was required to remain shut until July 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On 3 August 2020, the park entered administration and was bought by the Looping Group who own various parks, zoos and aquariums around Europe such as Pleasurewood Hills and West Midland Safari Park. However, the Bryan family still play a key part in running the business, with William Bryan's role being managing director, even though under new ownership.

In December 2020, the park suffered a fire[4] within the Thomas Land area of the park. The blaze started in a toilet block and was deemed accidental by investigators.[5]

At the end of 2021 the park announced that something big was coming with the teaser Invading 2022 in a Nordic Viking style, hinting at the fact there was to be a new area in 2022 called Vikings. After a soft opening on 17 May the intricately-themed area officially opened on 28 May, featuring three new rides and the rethemed Buffalo roller coaster.[6]

In either 2021 or 2022 the park announced a rebrand and a new logo, renaming from 'Drayton Manor Theme Park' to 'Drayton Manor Resort'.[7]

In July 2023, it was announced that the park would be opening an Intamin family thrill lift and launch coaster for the 2024 season.[8]

In December 2023, it was announced that Terence's Driving School would come back from the zoo to Thomas Land for the 2024 season.

Rides and attractions

Drayton Manor is split into various themed areas, composed of rides and attractions.

Attraction key Thrill rides Family rides Other

Adventure Cove

Name Opened Manufacturer Description
Air Race 2014 Zamperla A Zamperla Air Race ride, themed around a seaside air show. The ride replicates the sensations of an acrobatic aeroplane flight, spinning 360 degrees upside down. The ride is 8 metres tall and features 24 seats. Air Race replaced Black Revolvers, with the minimum height to ride being 1.2 metres. Incorporated into Adventure Cove in 2021.
Maelstrom 2002 Intamin An Intamin Gyro Swing ride, themed around a destructive maelstrom, featuring a circular gondola that rotates 360 degrees as it swings back and forth. The ride is 22.5 metres tall and features 32 outward-facing seats. The minimum height to ride is 1.3 metres. Maelstrom was incorporated into Adventure Cove for the 2021 season.
River Rapids 1993 (2021) Intamin An Intamin 455 metre long River Rapids ride, formerly known as Splash Canyon from 1993 until 2017. Themed around a voyage through a cartoon-style fishing port past vibrant painted shacks. The minimum height to ride is 1.2 metres, and anyone under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a responsible person aged 16 or over. Following four seasons not operating, the ride reopened in 2021 featuring all new boats, effects and theming, becoming a key attraction in Adventure Cove.
TBA 1994 (2024) Intamin A steel sit down looping coaster that reaches speeds of up to 85km/h with four inversions; a loop, a zero-g roll and a double corkscrew. The ride is 36 metres tall and seats 24 riders per train. The minimum height to ride is 1.2 metres. It was formerly a Stand-Up coaster known as The Shockwave
Stormforce 10 1999 BEAR GmbH A BEAR GmBH 500 metre long Flume ride, formerly sponsored by the RNLI. The ride is themed around a treacherous storm and features three drops including a 9-metre backwards drop. The minimum height to ride is 1.3 metres and anyone aged under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a responsible person aged 16 years or older. The ride underwent a major refit in 2017 and was repainted for 2021 in Adventure Cove.
Tidal Towers 2021 Outdoor Play UK An Outdoor Play UK Climbing Frame attraction, themed to the ocean. Featuring highly detailed play towers, with rope bridges and exhilarating slides. The attraction is connected to the Chicken Hatch. Tidal Towers opened brand new in 2021, becoming a key attraction in Adventure Cove.
Wave Swinger 2021 Zierer A Zierer Waveswinger ride, themed as a nautical adventure. The ride lifts up and swings round and round with a minimum height requirement of 1.0 metres with an adult and 1.2 metres alone. The attraction offers double and single seats with a full capacity of 40. The ride replaced G-Force and is a centre piece for the all new Adventure Cove.

Vikings

Name Opened Manufacturer Description
Jormungandr 1987 (28 May 2022) Zamperla A Zamperla Powered Coaster that goes over Drayton lake, themed around Loki's serpent snake, Jormungandr. The ride opened in 1987 as the Buffalo Coaster with white track and supports. In 2002, the ride was repainted to red and green. For the 2022 season, the ride was incorporated into the new Vikings area.
Loki 28 May 2022 Zamperla A Zamperla Nebulaz attraction, themed around the Trickster Viking God, Loki. Four arms swing about horizontal axes in a circular motion while the central tower rotates around itself, creating a hypnotic movement described as a 'visual riddle'. Loki is the first of its model in the country, making for a unique experience.
Sleipnir 28 May 2022 Metallbau Emmeln A Metallbau Emmeln Pony Trek tracked ride, featuring rocking horse cars. Themed around Odin's eight legged horse, Sleipnir. The ride is very popular with children as it gives a realistic feeling of riding real animals. The model has been installed across the country, including George's Dinosaur Adventure at Paultons Park.
Thor 28 May 2022 Zamperla A Zamperla Disk'o Coaster, themed around the Viking God of Thunder, Thor. Riders sit in a motorcycle-like position in outward-facing seats at the edge of a circular ride platform, then spin back and forth over a camel hump. Thor marks the third installation of the model in the country, following The Edge and Kobra.

Main Park

Name Opened Manufacturer Description
4D Cinema (Drayton Theatre) 2009 Simworx A theatre which shows a short film. From the 2021 season onwards, it shows Thomas & Friends 4-D Bubbling Boilers.
Accelerator 2011 (2017) Vekoma A junior boomerang roller coaster that reaches speeds of up to 62km/h on a 180-metre-long track and reaches a height of 20 metres. The minimum height to ride is 1 metre and the rider must be over 4 years old. Riders below 1.2 metres must be accompanied by an adult. Formerly known as Ben 10: Ultimate Mission
The Bounty 2007 Intamin A swinging pirate ship that swings to an angle of 75 degrees. The minimum height to ride is 1.2 metres. The Bounty was the long-awaited replacement for the old Pirate Ship which closed in 2003 to make way for the new main park entrance
Carousel 1958 Savage A vintage merry-go-round ride. The minimum height to ride alone is 1.1 metres.
Dodgems Ahoy 1990 I.E. Park A dodgems ride with a pirate theme. The minimum height to ride is 1.2 metres if accompanied by an adult and 1.45 metres if unaccompanied by an adult. The ride underwent a refit in 2017.
Drunken Barrels 2006 Intamin A teacup style spinning barrels ride on a circular platform that has an extending arm that lifts the platform up to 45 degrees. The minimum height requirement is 1.1 metres. Drunken Barrels replaced Cyclone a HUSS Enterprise that's now at Thorpe Park under the name 'Zodiac', towards the end of the 2023 season the ride has currently closed for a retheme to reopen in 2024 under a new name and a new area the name is currently unknown but the German Oktoberfest style theme has been removed.
Flying Dutchman 1983 Intamin A wave swinger ride. The minimum height to ride is 1 metre.
The Haunting 1996 Vekoma A madhouse ride themed as an old and haunted vicarage. The minimum height requirement is 1.2 metres, if unaccompanied. The attraction had a minor refurbishment with a different story in 2016.
Jolly Buccaneer 1992 Mack Rides A spinning boat with a pirate theme. The minimum height requirement is 1.2 metres, if unaccompanied.
Polperro Express Train 1971 (2003) Severn Lamb A 2-foot long (610mm) narrow gauge train ride that goes around the park via the Adventure Cove River Rapids (was Splash Canyon) and Shockwave. The new Polperro Express locomotive (2003) is based on the Severn Lamb Texan model with a facelift to be a more English-style loco/train rather than classic western American.
Sheriff's Showdown 2000 (2018) I.E. Park An indoor laser shoot-out ride with a Wild West theme. The minimum height requirement is 1 metre. It was previously known as "Golden Nuggets: Wild West Shootout" until it was refurbished in 2018, with a new gun system and new theming elements.

Thomas Land

Name Opened Manufacturer Description
Bertie Bus 15 March 2008 Zamperla A crazy bus ride. In partnership with Arriva.
Blue Mountain Engines May 2011 Zamperla A junior regetta ride including Skarloey, Rheneas, Sir Handel and Peter Sam. Relocated in 2015 in the new Thomas Land expansion.
Captain's Sea Adventure 8 April 2015 Zamperla A watermania ride.
Cranky Crane 15 March 2008 Zamperla An 8 metre high sky drop ride.
Diesel's Locomotive Mayhem 15 March 2008 Zamperla A demolition derby ride featuring themed cars resembling Diesel, Mavis, Iron Bert, Salty, Dennis and Rusty.
Discover Thomas & Friends Exhibition July 2009 HiT Entertainment An indoor miniature model railway exhibition with the original models from the first to twelve series of the TV series. Relocated in 2023 in the exit to Winston’s Whistle-Stop Tour.
Emily's Adventure Play 15 March 2008 Unknown An indoor soft play area.
Flynn’s Fire Rescue 8 April 2015 Zamperla A fire brigade ride. In partnership with West Midlands Fire Service.
Harold Helicopter 15 March 2008 Zamperla A samba tower ride. Features Tidmouth Sheds outside with Edward, Henry, Gordon, Toby, and Rosie.
James and the Red Balloon 1 April 2017 Zamperla A samba balloon ride located at the back of the Thomas Land expansion area that opened in 2015.
Jeremy Jet 15 March 2008 Zamperla An aero top jet ride. Relocated in 2015 in the new Thomas Land Expansion.
Lady's Carousel 15 March 2008 Zamperla A junior carousel ride.
Mrs Kyndley's Tea Rooms 15 March 2008 Zamperla A cafe at the far end of the Zoo
Rocking Bulstrode 15 March 2008 Zamperla A rocking tug ride.
Sodor Classic Cars 1972 (15 March 2008) Supercar A car ride. Originally known as simply the Classic Cars, and is the only attraction in Robinsons Land that was kept for Thomas Land.
Spencer's Outdoor Adventure Play 15 March 2008 Unknown An outdoor adventure play area.
Terence's Driving School 15 March 2008 SB International A driving school ride. Relocated in 2011 to the Farmer McColl's Farm area. Relocated in 2024 to the Main Thomas Land Area.
Thomas and Percy's Submarine Splash 29 April 2023 Soquet A 455-metre-long mini flume ride.
Thomas, Rosie and Percy Engine Tours 15 March 2008 Metallbau Emmeln A themed narrow-gauge train ride that takes you from the Thomas Land area to the zoo. Thomas and Percy were the original engines, with Rosie being added in 2009. The Rosie locomotive was repainted from pink to red in 2019, in line with the TV series.
Toby's Tram Express 8 April 2015 Zamperla A barnyard ride.
Troublesome Trucks Runaway Rollercoaster 15 March 2008 Gerstlauer A junior roller coaster located in Thomas Land. The minimum height requirement is 1 metre with an adult and 1.2 metres if unaccompanied.
Winston's Whistle-Stop Tour 19 July 2013 Zamperla An aerial monorail-style attraction with commentary taking you around Thomas Land.

Other attractions

Name Opened Description
Dino Trail 2010 Walk-through prehistoric dinosaurs.

Past rides and attractions

Name Opened Closed Description
Waltzer 1965 1979 Replaced by a newer model in 1980.
Roller Coaster 1960s 1983 Small oval roller coaster. Replaced by Super Dragon.
Jumbo Jet 1981 1983 A City Jet coaster replaced by Python Looping Coaster. Was subsequently moved to Nigloland in France and now operates at Parc de la Vallée.
Quasar 1985 1987 Sold to showman Michael Phillips in September 1987.
Dodgems 1952 1989 Replaced by a new set in 1990.
Mississippi Showboat 1988 1994 A showboat-themed fun house. Closed and didn't operate for the 1994 season. Was left SBNO at Drayton Manor for years until the end of 2016 when it was removed.
Snake Train 1950 1995 A land train replaced by The Haunting.
Rowing Boats 1950 c.1997 Rowing Boats on the lake that were removed due to the popularity of Drayton Queen.
Paratower 1982 1997 A Parachute Tower, sold to Pleasure Island Family Theme Park.
Octopus 1984 1997 Polyp ride.
Cleo 1986 1997 Junior magic carpet.
Junior Combat Star 1986 1997 Junior Jets.
Kiddie Concorde Jets 1986 1997 Junior Jets.
Red Baron 1986 1997 Junior Jets.
Balloon Race 1987 1997 A Wave Swinger ride where Maelstrom is currently located.
Log Flume 1981 1998 The original Log Flume replaced by Stormforce 10. Parts of the original Log Flume were used to lengthen Klondike Creek which used to be at Flamingo Land.
Haunted Crypt c.1970s 2001 A ghost train ride, later replaced by an indoor play area.
Jungle Cruise 1976 2001 A river raft ride replaced by Excalibur.
Giant Slide 1985 2002 Astroglide.
Pirate Ship 1982 2003 A swinging Pirate Ship, removed to make way for the new main park entrance.
Cine 180 1985 2003 A 180-degree cinema.
Sky Flyer 1989 2003 Vekoma Skyflyer, opened by John Pertwee. Upgraded to Pandemonium in 2004.
Klondike Gold Mine (Python Coaster) 1984 2004 A Pinfari Zyklon ZL-42 roller coaster which was replaced by G-Force. It was sold to Funland Hayling Island in 2005 and operated there until 2015. Was later sold to Irish, and currently, American operators.
Tea Cups 1988 2004 A Tea Cups ride replaced by G-Force. Now located at Adventure Wonderland.
Cyclone 2003 2005 An Enterprise ride, relocated to Thorpe Park as Zodiac. It was replaced by the Drunken Barrels.
Super Dragon 1984 2007 A Pinfari MD31 coaster. Was removed after the closure of the Robinsons Land area, and sold to Funland Hayling Island in 2008. Currently operates at Camel Creek Adventure Park as "Magic Dragon". Replaced by Troublesome Trucks Runaway Rollercoaster.
Cadbury's Junior Pirate Ship (Operated By Cadbury) 1986 2007 Junior Pirate Ship. Was removed after the closure of the Robinsons Land area, and sold to Funland Hayling Island in 2008. Was soon removed, and currently owned by unknown owners.
Junior Carousel 1986 2007 A carousel. Replaced by Lady's Carousel.
Ladybirds 1986 2007 Modern Products
Lunar Carousel 1986 2007 A Carousel-type ride. Was removed after the closure of the Robinsons Land area, and sold to Brean Leisure Park in 2008. Currently operates as "Looney Tunes".
Arriva Crazy Bus 1998 2007 Crazy Bus converted to Bertie Bus.
Flying Jumbos 1998 2007 Elephant shaped jets. Was removed after the closure of the Robinsons Land area in 2008. Current owner is unknown. Replaced by Jeremy Jet's Flying Academy.
Frog Hopper 1998 2007 A Small drop tower. Was removed after the closure of the Robinsons Land area, and sold to Funland Hayling Island in 2008. Currently owned by an unknown owner. Replaced by Cranky Crane Drop Tower.
Mini Balloons 1998 2007 Samba Balloons. Was removed after the closure of the Robinsons Land area, and sold to Funland Hayling Island in 2008, where it currently operates.
Pirate Raft Ride 1998 2007 Junior jet ride. Was removed after the closure of the Robinsons Land area, and sold to Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach in 2008.
Whirly Copter Wheel 1998 2007 A Junior Ferris Wheel. Was removed after the closure of the Robinsons Land area, and sold to Funland Hayling Island in 2008. Currently operates in South Africa. Replaced by Harold's Helicopter Tours.
Jolly Roger 2004 2007 Rockin Tug Pirate Ship. Converted to Rocking Bulstrode.
Black Revolver 1980 2010 An enclosed waltzer. Replaced by Air Race. Now operates at Rainbow Park, Hunstanton, replaced by air race.
Sombrero 1998 2010 A Polyp ride replaced by Accelerator.
Excalibur 2003 2012 Tow boat ride that took riders on a humorous tour of a Medieval village with an indoor finale. Designed by Farmer Studios. The boats are in a storage area by the hotel and many themed elements can be found on the lake to this day.
Pirate Adventure 1990 2015 A pirate themed water dark ride inspired from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland. It closed in 2016 with various parts sold off at a private auction in 2020. Boats for the ride are still on-site and located in a storage area by the hotel.
Drayton Queen 1992 2016 The Drayton Queen was a paddleboat that gave people rides around the lake, in the 2018 season it was decommissioned and left in a storage area by Splash canyon. In the 2019 season it was moved to a storage area by the hotel, which is where it is today and can be seen over the fence under a black cover.
Chair Lift 1964 2017 The chair lift offered a view from the entrance to the back of the park; height limit none / 16 years alone. Removed and put into storage. The ride closed with no statement given. Some gondolas are for sale in the surf shack/stormforce 10 shop, selling for £1200 each.
Big Wheel 1986 2017 A ferris Wheel. Replaced by a pay-for-ride themed around Accelerator. Following the closure, it was sold to Billing Aquadrome outside Northampton Northamptonshire.
G Force 2005 2018 The world's first X-Car steel rollercoaster with a unique Loop inversion lift hill that reached speeds of 43 mph (70 km) on a 1263 ft-long track (385 m) and a height of 82 ft (25 m) with 3 inversions; loop, bent Cuban eight (sidewinder immediately followed by a cutback) height limit 1.35 m. Closed after maintenance issues and it constantly broke down. It did not operate for the 2019 Season and was deconstructed during the 2019–2020 off season. The ride is currently in storage in The Netherlands and has since been replaced by a new outdoor play area called Tidal Towers and a wave swinger.
VertiGo 2016 2019 A high ropes adventure course.
Pandemonium 2004 31 October 2021 A 360° swinging inverter ride which in turn was upgraded from an old Vekoma swinging inverter called the sky flyer. The ride was retired on 31 October 2021 for future park developments.
Apocalypse 27 May 2000 30 October 2022 A stand-up and sit-down drop tower ride with a 54m drop. It was the first stand-up drop tower in the world.

Zoo

Drayton Manor is also home to a 15-acre (6 ha) zoo. It contains over 100 species from all over the world.

Events

Drayton Manor offer a range of family-friendly events throughout the season.[9]

Halloween at Drayton

Pumpkin Smash Bash

Open from 10:30 am – 5 pm daily, this event is tailored towards the park's younger visitors. The signature attraction is 'The Castle of Spooks' which offers a 15-minute experience where guests get to meet Halloween characters and take part in spooky activities including scary stories, interactive games, and trick or treating. The park's signature area Thomas Land is dressed with creepy decorations, pumpkins and spooky entertainment.[10]

The Haunted Manor

Advertised as the 'Ultimate Halloween Event', this event runs on selected dates throughout October, from 5–9:00 pm. Aimed at the park's older visitors, on top of the scare attractions, guests get to experience night rides, live DJ, characters and fireworks.[11] The event was named 'Night at the Manor' in its first year.[12]

The Haunted Manor Scare Attractions
Year Attractions (number of seasons)
2022 Castle of Screams (1) The Haunted Express (2) Hunt for Zebadiah (1)
2023 Castle of Shadows (1) Chaos Cove (1) The Haunting: Reclaimed (1) Vikings: Ragnarok (1)

  – Previous Haunted Manor attraction.   – Current Haunted Manor attraction.

Accommodation

Drayton Manor Hotel

In 2009, plans for a hotel at Drayton Manor were submitted to Lichfield District Council. Planning permission for the hotel was granted in 2007, though the applicants felt that the scheme could benefit from further improvements without increasing the site area required.

The 4-star hotel with 150 well-appointed contemporary guest rooms including 15 Thomas & Friends themed bedrooms is designed to primarily meet the demand from park visitors as the park is attracting families from all over the UK, especially since the arrival of Thomas Land.

Camping and Caravanning Club

The Camping and Caravanning Club have a site at Drayton Manor. On the site there are 90 pitches, glamping tents (available through Ready Camp) and a children's playground.

References

  1. ↑ "Drayton Manor theme park sold after entering administration". BBC News. 3 August 2020.
  2. ↑ "11-year-old girl dies after falling off Splash Canyon". BBC. 9 May 2017. Retrieved 9 May 2017.
  3. ↑ "Drayton Manor closes due to flooding in the aftermath of Storm Dennis". Tamworth Informed. 17 February 2020. Retrieved 19 February 2021.
  4. ↑ "Large fire breaks out at Drayton Manor Park". Tamworth Informed. 15 December 2020. Retrieved 19 February 2021.
  5. ↑ "Drayton Manor blaze declared 'Accidental' by Fire Investigators". Tamworth Informed. 17 December 2020. Retrieved 19 February 2021.
  6. ↑ GmbH, WABSOLUTE. "Vikings | Theme Park | Drayton Manor Resort". Drayton Manor. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
  7. ↑ GmbH, WABSOLUTE. "News Detail". Drayton Manor. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
  8. ↑ Mitchell, Bea (13 July 2023). "Exclusive: Drayton Manor working with Intamin on new family thrill coaster". blooloop. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  9. ↑ GmbH, WABSOLUTE. "Events | Theme Park | Drayton Manor Resort". Drayton Manor. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
  10. ↑ GmbH, WABSOLUTE. "Halloween | Pumpkin Smash Bash". Drayton Manor. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
  11. ↑ GmbH, WABSOLUTE. "Events | The Haunted Manor". Drayton Manor. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
  12. ↑ GmbH, WABSOLUTE. "Halloween | Night At The Manor". Drayton Manor. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
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