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Drayton Manor's Magical Christmas is a fantastic day out for all the family

Drayton Manor's Magical Christmas is a fantastic day out for all the family

Our fantastic family day out at Drayton Manor's Magical Christmas

December 7, 2016

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... well it is now!

Our Family Life were invited to the opening day of Drayton Manor's Magical Christmas.

Are we nearly there yet? No. Are we nearly there yet? No. Are we nearly there now? Yes! This was what our son Jacob, who's five, asked nearly all the way in our car journey to Drayton Manor near Tamworth in Staffordshire. On and off for 3 hours!

When we arrived, we headed to Drayton Manor's 4-star on site hotel. Where we would be staying for 2 nights. There are 15 Thomas and Friends themed rooms, and you can even book to have a character breakfast with favourites from the series.

The hotel was all lit up and looked lovely as we approached. Famous for Thomas Land, the hotel reception didn't disappoint.

The Jennings family at Drayton Manor

The Jennings family at Drayton Manor

Jacob just had to press the button which made the large carousel with Thomas and Percy in it, go round to soothing music. I don't think there will be any calm children here, just excited ones!

Jacob would have to wait just that little bit longer to go to the park as it was now the evening and we would visit the park tomorrow.

After checking in, we dropped our bags in our lovely room, which had a double bed and a double sofa bed. Yes Amber (our 13 year old) you will have to share a bed with your brother for a couple of nights. She made some kind of grunt, I'm not that good with teenager speak just yet, as we are new to it!

Can you spot Jacob? Blending in with the residents of Sodor in the hotel lobby

Can you spot Jacob? Blending in with the residents of Sodor in the hotel lobby

With two restaurants to choose from, we decided to walk across to The Grill Inn. With lots of yummy food on the menu, it was a perfect way to spend our first evening.

Questions is, would the children go to sleep early? Erm, no!

'Stop touching me' Amber said. 'I'm not, you are on my side', came Jacob's reply. This went on for a couple of hours, until finally they were both asleep.

Up bright and early the next morning. Breakfast was included in our stay. There was so much to choose from the buffet breakfast. Even if you have a fussy eater, they should like something on offer.

We jumped in the car and headed down to the main entrance, which wasn't very far, but we wanted to save energy for the day.

Jacob excited to be visiting Thomas Land

Jacob excited to be visiting Thomas Land

Upon entering Drayton Manor, Jacob spotted Thomas Land. This is where we would be getting our train to the other side of the park. We jumped on the train pulled by Percy, and was whisked away through the snowy park. 

Our first stop would be to see the reindeers. Jacob was mesmerised. After learning about them, what they like to eat and what their natural habitat is like, we decided to go and see the other animals in the zoo.

Jacob meeting a festive Thomas the Tank Engine

Jacob meeting a festive Thomas the Tank Engine

We loved the fact that as we walked towards the parrots, they said 'Hello'. Not just one, but 4 parrots said hello to us. Jacob found this really funny.

We also walked the Dino trail which was great to see. Some really big dinosaurs in there!

As we approached the rides, Amber spotted the Ben 10: Ultimate Mission Coaster. Jacob was the right height for it, but decided he didn't like it after walking in the entrance and promptly came back out. Leaving dad, Mark, and Amber to have a ride. They went on it 4 times that day!

Not all of the park is open as it is out of season. But there are still lots of things to see and do, and plenty of places to grab a bite to eat. It's always difficult to get the kids to sit and eat something, as they are too excited.

There's also an indoor ice rink, Slide & Glide, you've seen Bambi, right?!

The beautiful Christmas tree

The beautiful Christmas tree

Mark and Amber went in to The Polar Express 4D cinema experience, and said it was brilliant.

There's a huge, beautiful Christmas tree which has a lights on it, when it gets dark, the light show is lovely.

We spent most of our time in Thomas Land. What a fab place this is. Jacob could go on all these rides. Which he did, and Amber went on most of them with him. 

There are over 25 rides and attractions in Thomas Land. So if your child is a Thomas fan, they will love it!

Jacob had great fun on Bertie Bus, he sailed the seas on Captain's Sea Adventure, flew in Harold's Helicopter Tours, loved the Carousel, took out one of Sodor's Classic cars for a drive, had a go on the Cranky Crane, and had great fun on Jeremy Jet's Flying Academy.

He absolutely loved the Troublesome Trucks Runaway Coaster, and I think Mark and Amber did too!

Time for a cup of tea and a rest for 10 minutes. It's cold out there, so make sure you wrap up warm on your visit.

Flying lesson at Sodor airport in Thomas Land

Flying lesson at Sodor airport in Thomas Land

Jacob with the Fat Controller and daddy photobombing the picture!

Jacob with the Fat Controller and daddy photobombing the picture!

Back in Thomas Land, we danced and sang along with the Fat Controller and his Fungineer friends. Much to Amber's embarrassment, I was singing 'Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow', at the top of my voice. "Oh mum, can you stop please' Amber said.

Then it started to snow! It was great to see Jacob's little face, as we all got covered in snow.

After getting the feeling back in our toes from all the dancing, it was time to visit Father Christmas. Jacob was very excited as we entered the Castle of Dreams. Walking down the warm walkway, he walked in silence, no jumping around, just walking nicely, which makes a change. Anyone would think he was making sure a certain someone had him on the nice list!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Jacob loved the 'snow'

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Jacob loved the 'snow'

An elf guided us to a door, and as we walked in Jacob said 'Hello Father Christmas'. I always get a bit emotional whenever my children do anything like this. Christmas school nativity has me weeping like a baby!

The Fat Controller and his friends during their entertaining show in Thomas Land

The Fat Controller and his friends during their entertaining show in Thomas Land

Jacob sat next to Father Christmas, and had a good long chat to him. He told Santa that he wasn't quite sure what he wanted for Christmas yet, could he let him know!

Time for our photograph to capture the memory of the day. Of course we all piled in to the picture. You're never too old to have your picture taken with Father Christmas.

Meeting the big man himself. We enjoyed meeting Father Christmas

Meeting the big man himself. We enjoyed meeting Father Christmas

Clutching his present, Jacob had a big smile on his face as we left Father Christmas, saying 'Bye' about 10 times.

And to finish off the day, we watched a brilliant firework display over the lake.

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It really was a Magical Christmas event. Perfect family day out. And yes, we now feel all Christmassy.

We also made a video of our day. See below.

If you would like to visit Drayton Manor's Magical Christmas, here is what you need to know:
Website: draytonmanor.co.uk
Opening times: 19th November to 31st December. See website for details as it isn't open Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Boxing Day as Father Christmas is a bit busy!
Prices including park entry and to visit Father Christmas:
Under 2s = free
Age 2-3 = £12
Age 4-11 & 60+ = £17
Age 12+ =£22
4-Star Hotel: Magical Christmas Stay & Play, Stay in November from just £131.60 for a family for a family of 4** in a family room or £92.50 based on 2 adults.
Stay in December from just £114.80 for a family of 4** in a family room or £78.40 based on two adults***
** Prices based on a Stay and Play for 2 adults and 2 children aged 5.
***  If staying on boxing day, the day in the Park will be on the 27th December.

In Days out with the kids, British family days out, Video Tags Drayton Manor, Theme Park, Christmas, Kids, Children, Family day out, Father Christmas, Santa, Rides, Family, Video, Vlog, Thomas the tank engine, Thomas Land
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Amber with the characters from Madagascar

Amber with the characters from Madagascar

Family fun day out at Chessington World of Adventures

April 28, 2012

It was a bit of a girly weekend when my mum Elaine and I took my daughter Amber to Chessington World of Adventures.

We had a fun-filled couple of days at the theme park in its 25th anniversary year. They have a great new stage show, Madagascar Live!

We were lucky enough to be among the first to see it.

If, like us, you love the Madagascar films you will enjoy seeing the characters and joining in the fun with Alex, Gloria, Mort and the penguins. You can pose for photos too, as did Amber, eight, with her favourite King Julien.

We stayed in the safari-themed hotel only a few strides away.

It is a great base from which to explore the Park, zoo and Sea Life Centre.

Now we know the answer to: “What’s better than spending a day at Chessington?

It’s: “Spending two days there.”

For a fun family day out visit: www.chessington.com.

In Days out with the kids, British family days out, Family Tags Chessington, Family, Blog, Family blog, Days out with the kids
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Amber outside the Eureka! museum

Amber outside the Eureka! museum

Visit Eureka! the national children's Museum this half-term holiday

October 21, 2011

Stuck for somewhere to take the kids this October half-term holiday? Why not visit the Eureka! museum in Halifax, West Yorkshire.

When I say museum, this isn't a place that you have to look but don't touch, this is a hands on interactive museum that we spent hours in!

Everything at Eureka! has been designed to inspire children to find out about themselves and the world around them through 100s of hands-on exhibits.

They are just putting the fiendish finishing touches to their haunting Halloween programme for October half-term, so keep checking for the latest updates on their wicked week of tricks and treats for all the family.

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We had a great time. Our daughter Amber loved the different galleries. The Me & My Body gallery where she learned about how the body works. She especially liked putting the bean bag into the mouth and watching what happens to it.

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Lots of sights, sounds and smells! She went on the special bike to see a moving skeleton appear! She enjoyed measuring all of our stretch, reach and stride. We all had a go. There's something for everyone.

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The Town Square at Eureka! is really well done, it's so cute! It provides a wonderful opportunity for role play - a small world for small people!

Children can explore the world of work as they become cashiers, postal workers and mechanics or try out some everyday grown up tasks such as writing cheques, going shopping and making lunch.

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There is even a gallery for under 5s. Baby Jacob was quite happy playing in the Baby Oasis.

Amber really enjoyed the Soundspace where you can make music and use the sliders to change the music and lighting.

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There really is so much to see and do that I can't mention them all!

There is a large cafe if you get peckish or they have a picnic area if you want to bring your own. The large car park is very nearby.

During the half-term week visitors can enjoy a Spooktacular Halloween.

Wandering through the galleries, children can watch out for scary characters including the Banshee, Medusa, Vampires and Grave Robbers.

After surviving the murky swamps, the daring explorers can investigate the wreckage of cursed ship the 'Black Light' in search of treasure and delve into its disgusting barrels. To help them on their quest they can confuse the spooks by Mummifying their Mummies and making new pirates out of discarded bones.

Buy your tickets anytime before the day of your visit and jump the queue. See the website for details www.eureka.org.uk During the holidays the museum is open everyday from 10am to 5pm. Admission prices are: * Adults: £9.95 Children age 3+ : £9.95 Toddlers age 1-2: £3.45 Babies age 0-11 months: free.

*Prices correct at the time of writing this blog.

www.eureka.org.uk

In Family, Days out with the kids, British family days out Tags Days out with the kids, Family, museum
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AdeleNew pic2021.JPG

Hello! I’m Adele

I’m a mum of two, Art Director
of The Sunday Mirror & The Sunday People newspapers and a Tech Savvy Mum. Trying to navigate my way around the world of online to help my kids and other parents keep their children safe and have a great experience in the wonderful world of online.
I love design, lattes and learning new things!

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