FOR at least a year now, Harry has been begging us to take him to Drayton Manor and, more specifically, Thomas Land. So we were thrilled when Drayton Manor sent us a free family ticket.
Arriving around Sunday lunchtime during the summer holidays, we parked and – along with lots of others – ate our packed lunch on the grass. We worried that so many car park picnickers suggested the food in the park was overpriced, but thankfully this didn't turn out to be the case.
Once inside the park, our first stop was Thomas Land. Harry was keen to go on the big rides like Maelstrom and G-Force, but we told him he was too young and he was satisfied with that. Thank goodness, because neither David nor I would have been willing to go on them with him.
Immediately inside Thomas Land was Diesel's Locomotion Mayhem. This was pretty straightforward, much like the teacup or Cars rides at Disney or the feeble Dinosaur Egg ride at Gulliver's World, but Harry seemed to enjoy it.
From there it was off to queue for the Harold the Helicopter ride. Again, simple: a circle of helicopters go up… and come down. But as they circled and I watched from the ground, Harry and his dad waved at me and both looked delighted.
Me and David had decided to take turns taking Harry on the rides while the other walked around trying to get the (overtired) baby to sleep, so next up was me on the Rocking Bulstrode ride, which Harry and I both really enjoyed.
David took the Cranky the Crane bullet and then I drew the short straw with the Troublesome Trucks rollercoaster. Harry at five is much more of a rollercoaster fan than either of his parents. We queued for close to half an hour which was more than enough for me, particularly because the ride only lasted about a minute, but it was worth it to see Harry's laughing face.
On one of my wanders with Joe, I spotted the big ferris wheel. Harry loves big wheels and so we headed there next (it was the only ride we went on outside of Thomas Land). It was lovely. Simple, old-fashioned fun, livened up by the appearance, at the same level, of the upside down patrons of Pandemonium, kicking their legs like bugs. Harry thought it was hilarious.
Drayton Manor is in a lovely setting, with a lake and trees and rides pretty much as far as the eye can see. We'll definitely be going back, although we may have to wait until Harry's old enough to go on the scary rides by himself.
Visit Keris' blog – and find out all about her new book here, why don't you?
Read Linda's report on the rest of Drayton Manor and see videos (including Pandemonium!) here.
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