Drayton Manor Park, set in 280 acres (113 hectares) of lakes and parkland, is the UK's largest family owned theme park. It offers a fun day out for young and old alike with intense thrills on legendary rides such as Cyclone, Shockwave, Pandemonium, G-Force and Apocalypse - the world's first stand-up drop tower, to family adventures in Thomas Land. There is also the cinematic 4D experience ‘The Curse of Skull Rock', a fun filled adventure! Plus a zoo that's home to over 100 species from all over the world including big cats, monkeys, reptiles and an exotic creature reserve. In addition to the theme park and zoo, Drayton Manor also hosts wedding receptions and corporate events at its function rooms

The site, which dates back to the Norman Conquest, was originally the home of the Bassett family until the 13th century. With no males heir the estate passed to Margaret Bassett who married Edmund Lord Stafford. The estate remained in the ownership of the Earl of Stafford until 1483, when it passed to the Crown. It then had several owners included the Earl of Leicester, the Earl of Essex and the famous Peel dynasty, notably prime minister Sir Robert Peel. He demolished the old manor house and its three storey banqueting house, and replaced it with a grand mansion, incorporating a three storey tower designed in the Elizabethan style by architect Robert Smirke. The house ceased to be the principal residence of the Peel family and in 1929 it was demolished. Only the clock tower now remains.

When the site was sold in 1949 to George and Vera Bryan it was a crumbling ruin. George Bryan borrowed money to buy the derelict site that had been used by the army during the war, and began the task of reconstructing the 17 army huts, installing a few simple rides and digging a kiddies' boating pool, to open for the first time in 1950. Now Drayton Manor is home to some of the best rides in the world

After more than half a century providing family entertainment at its most exciting, Drayton Manor has also now become the assembly and starting point for the annual Ride to the Wall. Drayton Manor Theme Park near Tamworth was chosen by the RTTW team, due to its central location, large capacity and the generous support offered by the owners.

Read more at the Drayton Manor  website HERE (opens a new window)

Article by Patricia Hall