Drayton Manor’s a third of the size of nearby Alton Towers, but it has a friendlier, more personal feel, and still packs a lot into its 280 acres. The big rollercoaster here is Shockwave, an aqua green steel monster on which adrenaline junkies ride standing up (well, perched on a bike-saddle). Its swooping drop-over-the-rapids ride is a blast.
Other highlights include log-flume Stormforce 10, which supplies a soaking through three high-speed drops (including one backwards plunge). The Ben 10: Ultimate Mission rollercoaster is an ace family thrill and Thomas Land has more than a dozen rides lovingly themed around Thomas, Percy, Rosie and friends to cater for younger guests. Best avoided is G-Force, a compact coaster that’s more uncomfortable than exciting.
Top ride
Apocalypse After being winched up a 170-foot drop-tower, riders plummet back to earth at 50mph, experiencing four seconds of freefall. It’s enough to turn even the most confident adrenaline junkie into a weeping wimp.
Don’t want to go home?
The on-site hotel – a four-star guesthouse – is sleek, stylish and comfortable. ‘Thomas & Friends’-themed rooms feature bunk beds, railway wallpaper and some hidden surprises, but can add a hefty sum to the price of your stay – and there’s no early ride access for hotel guests.