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VISITING Drayton Manor Park’s Magical Christmas experience is guaranteed to get the whole family in the mood for the big day.
Thomas Land – a treat for young fans any time of year – has been transformed into a true winter wonderland.
The Fat Controller and his team are singing carols, there is a pretty convincing snow blizzard every few hours plus the world’s most famous tank engine is decked out with a red nose and a pair of antlers.
We had a great time zooming through the air on Jeremy Jet’s Flying Academy, Harold’s Helicopter Tour and James and The Red Balloon ride. Then it was on to the hilarious Toby’s Tram Express and Rocking Bulstrode ride.
Our three-year-old son Freddie was in his element as we crammed in as many thrills as we could before our slot to see Santa in his grotto in the Castle of Dreams. Here Freddie chatted happily with elves who confirmed the importance of the good and the naughty list. The fun continued as Freddie had his face painted as a snowflake, before a train trip – on Thomas himself – to the heart of the zoo.
An impressive array of snakes, lizards and crocodiles in the indoor reptile house kept us entertained.
Outside the tigers, lynx, monkeys and exotic birds, as well as the gigantic models in the dinosaur trail, were pretty exciting too.
Make sure you stick around after dark for the grand finale – Drayton Manor’s glittering firework show.
To book visit draytonmanor.co.uk or call 0844 472 1950. Pre-booked tickets including Santa visit cost £12 for children aged 2-3, £20 for 4-11-year-olds and £24 for 12-59-year-olds. Under 2s free. Prices increase by £2 on December 23 and 24.