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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.

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Drayton Manor Resort

Location	Drayton Bassett, Tamworth, Staffordshire, England
Coordinates	52°36′39″N 1°42′48″W
Status	Operating
Opened	1 April 1950
Owner	Looping Group
Slogan	Fun for everyone
Operating season	Theme 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
Area	180 acres (73 ha)
Attractions
Total	48
Roller coasters	4
Water rides	2
Website	draytonmanor.co.uk

On 3 August 2020, Drayton Manor Park was sold[1] to Looping Group,[2] who own two other attractions in the UK, West Midland Safari Park and Pleasurewood Hills.[3]

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.

George Bryan is the grandson of the founders of Drayton Manor Park. Along with his brother and cousins, he grew up in the family business, working – albeit unofficially – from the age of 12 or 13. This career began with menial tasks, before progressing to more complex aspects of operations. George Bryan went on to develop expertise throughout the whole business. In 2013 George's brother, William Bryan, became managing director while George moved out of operations to work at board level; the park in 2020 has been taken over by a corporate group, called The Looping Group.^{[citation needed]}

In February 2020, the park suffered flood damage from Storm Dennis.[4] 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 Midlands 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[5] within the Thomas Land area of the park. The blaze started in a toilet block and was deemed accidental by investigators.[6]

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 soft opening on 17 May the intricately-themed area officially opened on 28 May, featuring three new rides and the rethemed Buffalo roller coaster.[7]

In May 2022 the park announced an entire rebrand and a new logo, renaming from 'Drayton Manor Theme Park' to 'Drayton Manor Resort'.[8]

Rides and attractions

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

Attraction key	Thrill rides	Family rides	Other

Adventure Cove

	Name	Opened	Manufacturer	Description
	Shockwave	1994	Intamin	An Intamin Stand-up Roller Coaster that reaches speeds of up to 85 km/h with four inversions; a loop, a zero-g roll and a double corkscrew. The ride is 36m tall and seats 24 rides per train. The minimum height to ride is 1.4m. Shockwave is iconic and unique, being the last Intamin stand-up coaster left in operation. The attraction was given a burst of colour in 2021, incorporating it into Adventure Cove.
	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 22.5m tall and features 32 outward-facing seats. The minimum height to ride is 1.3m. Maelstrom was incorporated into Adventure Cove for the 2021 season.
	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 8m tall and features 24 seats. Air Race replaced Black Revolvers, with the minimum height to ride being 1.2m. Incorporated into Adventure Cove in 2021.
	Stormforce 10	1999	BEAR GmbH	A BEAR GmBH 500m long Flume ride, formerly sponsored by the RNLI. The ride is themed around a treacherous storm and features three drops including a 9m backwards drop. The minimum height & age to ride is 1.3m/14 Y.O alone. The ride underwent a major refit in 2017 and was repainted for 2021 in Adventure Cove.
	River Rapids	1993 (2021)	Intamin	An Intamin 455m 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 1.2m and under 16 with an adult and 14 Y.O alone. Following four seasons not operating, the ride reopened in 2021 featuring all new boats, effects and theming, 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 1.0m with an adult and 1.2m 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.
	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 and has a 6 Y.O minimum age requirement. Tidal Towers opened brand new in 2021, becoming a key attraction in Adventure Cove.

Vikings

	Name	Opened	Manufacturer	Description
	Thor	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.
	Loki	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	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.
	Jormungandr	1987 (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.

Main Park

	Name	Opened	Manufacturer	Description
	Bounty Pirate Ship	2007	Intamin	A swinging pirate ship that swings to an angle of 75 degrees. The height limit is 1.2m. The Bounty replaced the old Pirate Ship which operated until 2006.
	4D Cinema	2009	Simworx	A 4D cinema which shows a short film. In the 2021 season it will be showing Thomas & Friends 4-D Bubbling Boilers.
	Accelerator	2011/2017	Vekoma	A junior boomerang roller coaster that reaches speeds of up to 62 km/h on a 180m long track and reaches a height of 20m. The height limit is 1m and the rider must be over 4 years old. Riders below 1.2m must be accompanied by an adult.
	Carousel	1958	Savage	A vintage merry go round ride. The height limit is 1.1m alone.
	Dodgems Ahoy	1990	I.E. Park	A dodgems ride with a pirate theme. The height limit is 1.2m & 8 Y.O with an adult and 1.45m & 12 Y.O to drive. The ride undergone a refit in the 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 height limit is 1.1m. Drunken Barrels replaced Cyclone a HUSS Enterprise that's now at Thorpe Park under the name 'Zodiac'.
	Flying Dutchman	1983	Intamin	A wave swinger ride. The height limit is 1m.
	Jolly Buccaneer	1992	Mack Rides	A spinning boat with a pirate theme. The height limit is 1.2m alone
	Polperro Express Train	1971 (2003)	Severn Lamb	A 2 ft long (610 mm) 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 face lift 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 height limit is 1m. It was previously known as "Golden Nuggets: Wild West Shootout" until it was refurbished in 2018, with a new gun system and new themeing elements.
	The Haunting	1996	Vekoma	A madhouse ride themed as an old and haunted vicarage. The height limit is 1.2m alone. The attraction had a minor refurbishment with a different story in 2016.

Thomas Land

	Name	Opened	Manufacturer	Description
	Bertie Bus	2008	Zamperla	A crazy bus ride. In partnership with Arriva.
	Blue Mountain Engines	2011	Zamperla	A junior regetta ride. Relocated in 2015 in the new Thomas Land expansion.
	Captain's Sea Adventure	2015	Zamperla	A watermania ride.
	Cranky's Drop Tower	2008	Zamperla	An 8m high sky drop ride.
	Diesel's Locomotive Mayhem	2008	Zamperla	A demolition derby ride featuring themed cars resembling Diesel, Mavis, Bert, Salty, Dennis and Rusty.
	Discover Thomas & Friends Exhibition	2009	HIT Entertainment	An indoor miniature model railway exhibition with the original models from the first twelve series of the TV series.
	Emily's Adventure Play	2008	Unknown	An indoor soft play area.
	Flynn´s Fire Rescue	2015	Zamperla	A fire brigade ride. In partnership with West Midlands Fire Service.
	Harold's Helicopter Tours	2008	Zamperla	A samba tower ride. Features Tidmouth Sheds outside with Edward, Henry, Gordon, Toby and Rosie.
	James and the Red Balloon	2017	Zamperla	A samba balloon ride located at the back of the Thomas Land expansion area that opened in 2015.
	Jeremy Jet's Flying Academy	2008	Zamperla	An aero top jet ride.
	Lady's Carousel	2008	Zamperla	A junior carousel ride.
	Rocking Bulstrode	2008	Zamperla	A rocking tug ride.
	Sodor Classic Cars, Originally Classic Cars	1972 (2008)	Supercar	A car ride that was re-themed to fit the area that is now known as Thomas Land, after Robinson's Land was dismantled.
	Spencer's Outdoor Adventure	2008	Unknown	An outdoor adventure play area.
	Terence's Driving School	2008	SB International	A driving school ride. Relocated in 2011 to the back end of the zoo near the exhibition.
	Thomas, Rosie and Percy Engine Tours	2008	Metallbau Emmeln	A themed 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 burgundy in 2019, in line with the TV series.
	Toby's Tram Express	2015	Zamperla	A barnyard ride.
	Troublesome Trucks Runaway Rollercoaster	2008	Gerstlauer	A junior roller coaster located in Thomas Land. The height limit is 1m with an adult and 1.2m alone.
	Winston's Whistle-Stop Tour	2013	Zamperla	An aerial monorail style attraction with commentary taking you around Thomas Land.

Other attractions

	Name	Opened	Description
	Bryan's Works Museum	1990	A large collection of penny slot machines.
	Crazy Golf	1992	A crazy golf course.
	Dino Trail	2010	Walk-through prehistoric dinosaurs.
	HB Leisure Games	1994	A number of arcade games.
	Tiny Tots Play Farm	2019	Small play park located at the back of the zoo, next to the Discover Thomas & Friends Exhibition.

Past rides and attractions

Name	Opened	Closed	Manufacturer	Description
Log Flume	1981	1998	Reverchon Industries	The original Log Flume replaced by Stormforce 10. Parts of the original Log Flume were used to lengthen Klondike Creek that used to be at Flamingo Land.
Klondike Gold Mine (Python Coaster)	1984/1995	2004	Pinfari	A Pinfari Zyklon ZL-42 roller coaster. Was sold to Funland Hayling Island in 2005 and operated there until 2015. Was later sold to Irish, and currently, American operators.
G Force	2005	2018	Maurer Söhne	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 (385m) and a height of 82 ft (25m) with 3 inversions; loop, bent Cuban eight (sidewinder immediately followed by a cutback) height limit 1.35m. 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.
Jumbo Jet	1981	1983	Anton Schwarzkopf	A City Jet coaster replaced by Python Looping Coaster. Was subsequently moved to Nigloland in France and now operates at Parc de la Vallée.
Super Dragon	1984	2007	Pinfari	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".
Haunted Crypt	c.1970s	2001	Orton & Spooner	A ghost train ride, later replaced by an indoor play area.
Paratower	1982	1997	Vekoma	A Parachute Tower, sold to Pleasure Island Family Theme Park
Black Revolver	1980	2010	Jackson	An enclosed waltzer. Replaced by Air Race. Now operates at Rainbow Park, Hunstanton, replaced by air race.
Sombrero	1998	2010	Soriani & Moser	A Polyp ride replaced by Accelerator.
Jungle Cruise	1976	2001	Alan Hawes/Bennett	A river raft ride replaced by Excalibur.
Excalibur	2003	2011	BEAR GmbH	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 themeing elements can be found on the lake to this day.
Sky Flyer	1989	2003	Vekoma	Vekoma Skyflyer, opened by John Pertwee. Upgraded to Pandemonium in 2004.
Tea Cups	1988	2004	Zamperla	A Tea Cups ride replaced by G-Force. Now located at Adventure Wonderland.
Pirate Ship	1982	2003	HUSS Park Attractions	A Pirate Ship replaced by Bounty. G-Force stood where Pirate Ship once was.
Snake Train	1950	1995	In House	A land train replaced by The Haunting.
Cyclone	2003	2005	HUSS Park Attractions	An Enterprise ride, relocated to Thorpe Park as Zodiac.
Cine 180	1985	2003	OmniVision Technologies & Ferretti Brothers	A 180-degree cinema.
Balloon Race	1987	1997	Zamperla	A Wave Swinger ride where Maelstrom is currently located.
Quasar	1985	1987	A.R.M.	Sold to showman Michael Phillips in September 1987.
Octopus	1984	1997	Soriani & Moser	Polyp ride.
Rowing Boats	1950	c.1997	Rowing Boats on the lake that were removed due to the popularity of Drayton Queen.
Junior Carousel	1986	2007	Modern Products	A carousel.
Flying Jumbos	1998	2007	Zamperla	Elephant shaped jets. Was removed after the closure of the Robinsons Land area. Current owner is unknown.
Junior Combat Star	1986	1997	Modern Products	Junior Jets.
Cadbury's Junior Pirate Ship (Operated By Cadbury)	1986	2007	Modern Products	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.
Kiddie Concorde Jets	1986	1997	Modern Products	Junior Jets.
Lunar Carousel	1986	2007	I.E. Park	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".
Giant Slide	1985	2002		Astroglide.
Cleo	1986	1997	Modern Products	Junior magic carpet.
Red Baron	1986	1997	Soriani & Moser	Junior Jets.
Ladybirds	1986	2007	Modern Products
Frog Hopper	1998	2007	Zamperla	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.
Mini Balloons	1998	2007	Zamperla	Samba Balloons. Was removed after the closure of the Robinsons Land area, and sold to Funland Hayling Island in 2008, where it currently operates.
Arriva Crazy Bus	1998	2007	Zamperla	Crazy Bus converted to Bertie Bus.
Whirly Copter Wheel	1998	2007	Modern Products	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.
Waltzer	1965	1979	Lakin	Replaced by a newer model in 1980.
Dodgems	1952	1989	Orton & Spooner	Replaced by a new set in 1990.
Roller Coaster	1960s	1983	Supercar	Small oval roller coaster. Replaced by Super Dragon.
Pirate Raft Ride	1998	2007	Zamperla	Junior jet ride. Was removed after the closure of the Robinsons Land area, and sold to Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach in 2008.
Jolly Roger	2004	2007	Zamperla	Rockin Tug Pirate Ship. Converted to Bulstrode
Mississippi Showboat	1988	1994	S.D.C	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.
Big Wheel	1986	2017	Helmut Hauser	A ferris Wheel. Replaced by a pay for ride themed around Accelerator. Following the closure, it was sold to Billing Aquadrome outside Northampton Northamptonshire
Pirate Adventure	1990	2015	Mack Rides	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.
Chair Lift	1964	2017	British Chairlifts	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.
Drayton Queen	1992	2016	Severn Lamb	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.
VertiGo	2016	2019	Ropes Course, Inc	A high ropes adventure course.
Pandemonium	2004	2021	Fabbri	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 31/10/2021 for future park developments
Apocalypse	2000	2022	Intamin	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 10:30am - 5pm 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]

Night at the Manor

Advertised as the 'Ultimate Scare Experience', this event runs on selected dates throughout October, from 5pm-9pm. Aimed at the park's older visitors, on top of the scare attractions, guests get to experience night rides on the Haunting and rides in the new Vikings themed area - which also features the park's resident DJ. [11]

Night at the Manor Scare Attractions

Year	Attractions (number of seasons)
2022	Castle of Screams (1)	The Haunted Express (1)	Hunt for Zebadiah (1)

  – Previous Night at the Manor attraction.   – Current Night at the 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

External links

• Official website

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