Days out for all the family! |
DRAYTON MANOR TRIED & TESTED
"Drayton Manor is the perfect place for a great day out for all the family.
That sounds like a line from a marketing campaign but in this case it was spot on.
It has it all - white knuckle rides, 280 acres of woodland, a zoo and - the icing on the cake - the new Thomas Land.
For anyone with children under 10 years old, I would say a day out at Drayton manor was worth the ticket price and effort of getting there - just for the Thomas Land alone!
Our children - aged 13 - 10 - 6 loved every second of Thomas Land - even though it’s probably been eight years since we last watched an episode of Thomas the Tank Engine. My point being, you don’t have to be a fan to enjoy Thomas Land.
So what is it? Basically it’s a mini theme park, with 12 rides - some of which are scaled down versions of the bigger rides. It is beautifully put together, and set in 3 acres, with a Sodor-style design. When we visited, the big favourites were Cranky’s Drop Tower, and Troublesome Trucks Runaway Coaster.
There is also an indoor play area, outdoor play area, a cafe and a huge shop.
What we particularly liked about this part of the park was that on these rides, the whole family could go on together. One problem we find with theme park days out with kids is that often the children get bored queueing for the big kids to go on big rides, and the adults and teenagers get bored waiting for the younger children to finish their tiny rides.
At Thomas Land we all had a good few rides together and then we - the parents - sat and had a coffee while they went on a few more.
Drayton Manor is as good as any theme park for their toe curling scary rides too - including a roller coaster you ride standing up - and an upside down roller coaster where you hang from the hips. Once was enough for me!
To settle the stomach, we took a gentle stroll through the zoo. We spent a lovely hour seeing the animals and it was a bit of a haven away from all the excitement of the theme park.
Drayton Manor definitely scored top marks from all our family!" |
Drayton Manor Park
Nr Tamworth
Staffordshire
B78 3TW
Tel: 24 Hour Info Line 0844 4721950
www.draytonmanor.co.uk
Prices: £23.00 Adult (12yrs+)
£19.00 Child (4-11yrs)
£11.00 Snr Citizen
Free (under 4yrs)
Family Supersavers –
Family Ticket A (2 adults & 2 children 4-11) £70.00
Family Ticket B (2 adults & 3 children 4-11) £88.00
Family Ticket C (1 adult & 2 children 4-11) £54.00
Plus many other saving options
Drayton Manor Park has this year launched ‘Thomas Land – The Island of Sodar’ along with its super rides and fabulous Zoo makes this a great day out for kids and grown ups of all ages.
National Sealife Centre,
The Water’s Edge
Brindley Place
Birmingham
B1 2HL
Tel: 0121 633 4700
www.sealifeeurope.com
Prices: £14.95 Adult
£10.95 Child (3-14yrs)
£11.95 Senior/Student
Located in the city centre of Birmingham, making this an easy place to visit by train, coach or car. A chance to learn, discover, explore and help our worlds amazing oceans.
Woburn Safari Park
Woburn Park
Bedfordshire
MK17 9QN
Tel: 01525 290407
www.woburnsafari.co.uk
Prices: £17.50 Adult
£13.50 Child
£15.00 Snr Citizen (High Season)
Combine the excitement of the Safari Drive with fun of taking the Foot Safari round the Wild Leisure Area. Meet the animals, enjoy demonstrations, keeper talks and feeding times. Children can let off steam in the indoor and outdoor play areas, on the swan boats and railway... all inclusive.
Alton Towers
Alton
Staffordshire
ST10 4DB
Tel: 08705 204060 (Theme Park)
0871 2221100 (Hotel)
0871 2222300 (Water Park)
www.altontowers.com
There is something for the whole family. Alton Towers has fabulous fun packed activities for all ages. It’s a fantastic day out for the school holidays or you can make it a great short break and stay at the Alton Towers Resort, where you can enjoy the theme park, splash yourself silly in the waterpark, play on the extraordinary golf course or luxuriate in the spa. For prices and short break deals call the above numbers or visit their website above.
Twycross Zoo
Atherstone
Warwickshire
CV9 3PX
Tel: 01827 880250/880440
www.twycrosszoo.com
The zoo occupies over 40 acres and is set in open countryside. Despite its rural location, its only 4miles from the M42/A42 which links the M1 & M6.. The zoo concentrates on conservation and education, and takes part in many captive breeding programmes for endangered animals.
Prices: £9.50 Adult
£6.00 Child
£7.00 Senior Citizen
£29.00 Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children)
Warwick Castle
Warwick
Warwickshire
CV34 4QU
Tel: 0870 442 2000
www.warwick-castle.co.uk
Warwick Castle is situated less than 2miles from Junction 15 of the M40. There are a range of medieval attractions throughout the summer. There is plenty to explore in the castle and its medieval surroundings. A good family fun day out.
Prices: £17.95 Adult
£11.95 Child
£52.00 Family
Visit the website for special offers.
Cotswold Wildlife Park
Burford
Oxfordshire
OX18 4JP
Tel: 01993 823006
www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk
The park is home to a fascinating and varied collection of mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates from all over the world. You can visit the animals, enjoy the adventure playground, childrens farmyard, narrow guage railway and picnic area.
Prices: £10 Adult
£7.50 Child (3-16yrs) & Snr Citizens
Legoland Windsor Park Ltd
Winkfield Road
Windsor
Berkshire
SL4 4AY
Tel: 0871 2222001
www.legoland.co.uk
At Legoland Windsor the entertainment is certainly hands on. Children aged 3-12yrs can take the road,soar through the skies and sail the seas in complete safety. With over 50 interactive rides, live shows, building workshops, driving schools and attractions, all set in 150 acres of beautiful parkland. For ticket prices call 0871 2222001 or visit their website above.
Twinlakes Park
Melton Spinney Road
Melton Mowbray
Leicestershire
LE14 4SB
Tel: 01664 567777
www.twinlakespark.co.uk
There is so much to explore at Twinlakes with 80 acres of attractions. Designed for every member of the family to have a great day out. Explore Twinlakes online, make sure you check out the Fun Map, its full of suprises. The park is situated off M1 Junction 21 on the A607.
Prices: £9.49 Adult/Child Free for under 92cm. Discounts available for 4-19 people |
Gullivers Land
Milton Keynes
Tel: 01925 444888
www.gulliversfun.co.uk
Gullivers is a place for families with children aged between
2 - 13years old, it provides a magical day out. It is sign posted from Junct 14 M1 (approx 5mins). Gullivers have many special events happening throughout the year, for example Teddy Bears Weekend, Dora the Explorer and Peppa Pig. Visit their web site to get a full listing.
Prices: £11.95
Adults £11.95
Children Free for under 90cm
National Space Centre
Exploration Drive
Leicester
LE4 5NS
Tel: 0116 2610261
www.spacecentre.co.uk
National Space Centre is the Uk’s largest attraction dedicated to space. From the minute you catch sight of the space centre’s Futuristic Rocket Tower you will be treated to hours of breathtaking discovery and interactive fun. Situated just off A6 2 miles north of Leicester City Centre.
Prices: £12.00 Adult
£10.00 Child
£38.00 Family Ticket of 4
£47.00 Family Ticket of 5
Cadbury World
Linden Road
Bournville
Birmingham
B30 2LD
Tel: 0845 45035990
www.cadburyworld.co.uk
Designed so that you can explore the world of chocolate in your own time. Learn about the fascinating story of the Cadbury Family and sample the chocolate. A reservation is essential to guarantee entry, this can be done online or by calling 0845 4503599.
Prices: £13.00 Adult
£9.95 Child (4-15yrs)
Free for Under 4’s
Thurleigh Farm Centre
Cross End
Thurleigh
Bedfordshire
MK44 2EE
Tel: 01234 771597
www.thurleighfarmcentre.co.uk
Thurleigh Farm and Adventure Playground aim to provide a venue for children and parents to play and learn together. Thurleigh is a working farm but with added facilities of indoor and outdoor play areas (included in the entry price). You can also visit the Wacky Woods, go Quad Biking, Pony Riding or have a Tractor Trailer Ride around the farm. There is a Tea Shop on site which offers a varied menu of Hot and Cold Food.
Prices: £4.75 Adults
£6.50 Children
£5.75 Under 3yrs. (Children not walking are Free)
Old Dairy Farm Craft Centre
Upper Stowe
Nr Weedon
Northampton
NN7 4SH
Tel: 01327 340525
www.old-dairy-farm-centre.co.uk
The centre offers visitors a unique selction of shops, restaurant and is also home to a selection of working artists and crafts people. The centre also have a small selection of animals. During the year the Centre holds several special events, with Lambing weekends in the spring, country food fayres are held monthly.
The centre is open daily between 10am-5pm.Admission Fees only apply when there is a special event, otherwise its Free.
Catanger Llama Trekking
18 High St
Weston
Towcester
Northampton
NN12 8PU
Tel: 01295 768676
www.llamatrekking.co.uk
Catanger Llama Trekking – Although you can’t actually ride them, these lovely pack animals will willingly carry your rucksack, whilst enjoy the beautiful scenery.
What better way to get away from it all than by leading a gentle llama along bridleways, farm tracks and country lanes. This is an experience to share with older children, not suitable for young children. No charge for children between 8-12yrs but they must be accompanied by 1 adult for each child.
Wicksteed Park
Barton Road
Kettering
Northamptonshire
NN15 6NJ
Tel: 08700 621193
www.wicksteedpark.co.uk
One of the biggest free playgrounds in Europe, Wicksteed has 147 acres of park and lakeland. It has a huge playground and 35 rides. Wristbands that can be purchased in the park give unlimited access to rides on the day of the visit. Admission is free, parking charges apply.
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Dunstable
Bedfordshire
LU6 2LF
Tel: 01582 872171
www.zsl.org
One of Europe’s largest wildlife conservation parks. Set in 600 acres of baeutiful parkland, the park is home to more than 2,500 animals, many of which are endangered in the wild. The park is signposted from M1 Junct 12.
Prices £15.40
Adult £11.90
Child (3-15yrs) Free under 3yrs
£49.10 Family Ticket of 4
Burnums Farm Yard Friends
Watford
Northamptonshire
NN6 7UH
Tel: 01788 822227
www.burnumsfarm.co.uk
At this working farm, you can bottle feed the animals, hand feed the larger animals, hold a chick and stroke a rabbit. With good weather, tractor rides are given and there are picnic and play areas. Open 10am – 5pm From Easter untill the End of August. Closed Mondays only from 21st July – 21st August.
Prices: £3.50 Adult
£2.95 Child
Free Under 3yrs. |
