Thomas Land’s magical island of Sodor has new trains and is better than ever
Despite an impossibly catchy theme tune, families won't leave Drayton Manor's Thomas Land disappointed
“THERE’S two, there’s four, there’s six, there’s eight, shunting trucks and hauling freight, red and green and brown and blue, they’re the Really Useful Crew.”
Thomas the Tank Engine’s theme tune is guaranteed to put a smile on the face on any young fan — and listening to a brass band perform it is an experience to be enjoyed by young and old alike.
This was the setting as I stood in line with my three-year-old son, waiting for a turn on the brand-new James And The Red Balloon theme park ride.
We were at Europe’s only Thomas Land, based at Drayton Manor Park, Staffs — a place where the magical land of Sodor comes to life through a number of rides and attractions inspired by the famous blue engine and his pals.
James is the latest character to join the line-up of fun and thrills with his very own merry-go-round-style adventure.
Riders get their own hot air balloon, which gently rises skywards before dipping down again as it runs out of air (or steam, if you are up to speed with the tale).
We particularly liked the fact that each of the eight baskets could be spun individually — at a rate depending on your spinning power!
At the ride’s highest point, you can enjoy views over Sodor and plan the rest of your activities.
Rides range in excitement levels, from Cranky’s Tower Drop, which shoots up into the air and back down again, to Thomas, Rosie & Percy Engine Tours, which offers visitors a more gentle train tour of the land.
MOST READ IN TRAVEL
It is not only the land-based characters that get their own rides.
Younger riders will love Harold’s Helicopter Tours. Pods taking up to four people gently climb to the top of a tower, slowly rotating to give a perfect bird’s-eye view of the whole of Thomas Land.
And Captain’s Sea Adventure gives the little ones a nice gentle spinning ride on a lake.
Drayton Manor has plenty of adrenalin-filled rides for older thrill-seekers too, like the rollercoaster Shockwave and its zero-gravity roll, or the dizzying Maelstrom.
There are Thomas-themed rooms at the Drayton Manor Hotel to continue the fun after the park closes.
They boast bunk beds for the kids with brilliant Thomas murals and built-in TVs.
And the blackout curtains are great when trying to get an excited child off to sleep.
If you stay at the weekend or during school holidays, you get to take breakfast (full English, of course) in the company of one of the book’s characters.
Just make sure you book these in advance — or else the Fat Controller, may have to cut short your day.
To find out more, see or call 0844 472 1950.