Thomas Land (Drayton Manor)


Thomas Land is a themed area at Drayton Manor Theme Park in Staffordshire, England, based on the children's television series Thomas and Friends. It stands on the former site of Robinsons Land, a themed area sponsored by the soft drinks brand of the same name. The construction began while the park was still open in September 2007, and many of the Robinsons Land rides were moved to other areas of the park for the remainder of the season. Many of the rides housed in Robinsons Land except the Veteran Cars were sold to Funland in Hayling Island. Thomas Land officially opened to the public on 10 June 2008. An expansion of Thomas Land with additional attractions and private party rooms opened on 8 April 2015.

Rides

Thomas Land is set in of parkland and features many themed rides, alongside outdoor and indoor play areas and the "Discover Thomas & Friends Exhibition".
#NameOpenedManufacturerDescription
1Bertie Bus2008ZamperlaA Bertie themed crazy bus ride, formerly known as Crazy Bertie Bus. In partnership with Arriva.
2Blue Mountain Engines2011ZamperlaA junior regetta ride with cars resembling Skarloey, Rheneas, Sir Handel and Peter Sam. The ride was originally located in space where Terrence's Driving School once stood, but was moved to the Thomas Land expansion in 2015, where Merrick was added to the middle of the ride.
3Captain's Sea Adventure2015ZamperlaA watermania ride with Captain themed vichicles.
4Cranky's Drop Tower2008ZamperlaA Cranky themed 8m high sky drop ride.
5Diesel's Locomotive Mayhem2008ZamperlaA demolition derby ride featuring themed cars based on Diesel, Rusty, Dennis and Bert
6Flynn´s Fire Rescue2015ZamperlaA fire brigade ride with Flynn-themed cars. In partnership with West Midlands Fire Service.
7Harold's Helicopter Tours2008ZamperlaA Harold-themed samba tower ride.
8James and the Red Balloon2017ZamperlaA samba balloon ride.
9Jeremy Jet's Flying Academy2008ZamperlaAn aero top jet ride with Jeremy the Jet Plane themed cars. Was formerly known as Jeremy's Flying Academy until relocating to the expansion in 2015.
10Lady's Carousel2008ZamperlaA junior carousel ride with engines instead of horses.
11Rocking Bulstrode2008ZamperlaA rockin' tug ride.
12Sodor Classic Cars1958SupercarA car ride. This is the only ride in the area not themed to Thomas and Friends, and was left over from the Robinsons Land area.
13Toby's Tram Express2015ZamperlaA Toby-themed barnyard ride.
14Troublesome Trucks Runaway Rollercoaster2008GerstlauerA junior roller coaster located in Thomas Land with Troublesome Truck themed cars. The height limit is 1m with an adult and 1.2m alone.
15Winston's Whistle-Stop Tours2013ZamperlaAn aerial ride with Winston themed cars.
16Thomas, Rosie and Percy Engine Tours2008Metallbau EmmelnA themed train ride. The Ride first included Thomas and Percy engines, while Rosie was added in 2009.
A CGI face were added to Thomas in 2014, while CGI faces were added to Percy and Rosie in 2015. Rosie was later repainted red in 2019.
17Terence's Driving School2008SB InternationalA driving school ride. Relocated in 2011 to the Farmer McColl's Farm area.
18Spencer's Outdoor Adventure2008UnknownAn outdoor adventure play area.
19Emily's Adventure Play2008UnknownAn indoor soft play area.
20Discover Thomas & Friends Exhibition2009HIT EntertainmentAn indoor miniature model railway exhibition with the original models from the first twelve series of the TV series.

Train rides

Models of Thomas, Percy and Rosie are used on a narrow gauge railway that takes visitors through the park. The line features Tidmouth Sheds with stationary facades of other engines, Knapford Station, which serves as the main station and a refreshment stand, Dryaw and Tidmouth Hault. It also has many sidings and sheds along the way, one of which used to feature a "sleeping" model of James, which was moved to where the James and the Red Balloon ride is in 2017, akin to the ride's opening.

Discover Thomas & Friends

In early 2009, HIT Entertainment announced that models from the live-action television series would be put on display at Thomas Land in an exhibit called "Discover Thomas & Friends", as production was to move to Canada, now that the series was to be animated with CG animation. The exhibit opened in July 2009. Various props from the show are on display, including brass operating models of Thomas, Edward, Toby Stepney, Harvey and Rosie. 2020 later brought in Daisy, D261, Cranky, Old Slow Coach, Molly, Mighty Mac, Rocky and Hank along.