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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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'

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

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

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.

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.

A thrilling family day out at Thorpe Park Resort

We were all so excited to be going to Thorpe Park Resort for a family day out.

Our team for the day was me, my mum Elaine (Nonna to the kids), Amber and Jacob. Dad, Mark, was off at a festival for the weekend.

As we looked at the park map on thorpepark.com before we set off, our daughter Amber was excitedly telling me which rides she wanted to go on. We even had a sneaky look on YouTube at some of the rides before we went. Our son Jacob couldn't wait to go to Angry Birds Land. 

In about an hour and a half's drive, we got nearer the park. The kids shouting out every time they saw the brown signs saying 'Thorpe Park'.

Just about to go into Thorpe Park. Very excited!

Heading through the famous entrance, we picked up our tickets and map, walked over the bridge, past the Shark Hotel and through the dome to collect our Fastrack wristbands.

While we collected our Fastrack passes, we were booked a time slot for the new Derren Brown's Ghost Train! Eeek!

A really good tip is to go to Guest services located just underneath the Dome. We got Jacob's height measured and he got a wristband saying he could go on ride of 1.1 metres and under. Just saves hassle with the height restrictions.

As we got there a little later to avoid queues, people were already on the rides. You could hear screams coming from the brave people on the rollercoasters nearby!

Looking at our big map, we planned where we would go first. Amber wanted to head over to Vortex as that was the nearest ride.

Jacob deciding which rides he wants to go on at Thorpe Park

Having fastrack really does make it quicker going on the rides, you don't have to wait as long in the queues.

The good thing about having my mum come with us, she is a bit of a thrill seeker, and would be Amber's ride partner for the day. I'm a bit of a scaredy cat!

While my mum and Amber went on Vortex, me and my son, Jacob watched them. Ambers face was a picture when she got off! 

Next Jacob and Nonna headed to Mr Monkey's Banana Ride, which is a big banana that swings. Jacob loved it.

We were quite near one of the big roller coasters, Colossus. Again, team thrill seekers rushed off to join the queue. Amber is 12 now, so is the perfect height to go on any of the monster rides. I think because her friends at school had been on them, she wanted to go on them too. And this was a big one! She's so much braver than I am, must take after her dad for that!

Having lunch in the Bush BBQ at Thorpe Park

As it was lunchtime, we decided to grab some food. There's plenty of food outlets for all tastes, pizza, fish and chips and burgers among a few. We decided to have a burger in the Bush BBQ as it was near the Derren Brown's Ghost train.

Thorpe Park thrill seekers: Elaine and Amber

Me and mum shared a chicken BBQ melt burger, Jacob had a cheeseburger and Amber had lattice fries (I think she was a bit nervous to eat much). All washed down with a free refill in the £6 cup we bought. There are plenty of outlets to keep you hydrated around the park and once you buy the cup, you can go to any (take your receipt) and fill it up.

As they had a time slot, getting on the Derren Brown's ghost train didn't take too long. And before we knew it my mum and Amber came out looking shocked! Of course, I didn't go on it, someone had to look after Jacob - well that was my excuse anyway!

I can't tell you anything about the ghost train, as it would spoil it for people. But all I can say, is Amber and my mum had an experience they will never forget!

Amber a bit nervous about going on Derren Brown's Ghost Train at Thorpe Park

Jacob didn't like the Angry Birds 4D experience

Thorpe Park is great because everything is close together. You don't have to walk miles to get to the next ride.

As we entered Angry Birds land, we decided to all go in the Angry Birds 4D experience. Something I thought would be ok for Jacob. I was wrong!

After settling in our seats and putting on our special glasses, the animation started. The seats moved, we were sprayed with water, felt wind rushing in our faces among other things. Jacob hated it. I think it was the shock of the seats moving, but he took his glasses off and spent the rest of the show with his hat over his eyes, very upset!

That's better! Jacob enjoying the teacups with his nonna at Thorpe Park Resort

He soon got over his experience as nonna took him on the Storm in a Teacup. He was back to a smiling happy boy. 

I can't quite believe that Amber went on the Angry Birds Detonator ride. I don't think she realised what it was until she was right up at the top, when the countdown began. Gulp!

After another application of suncream (it was very hot that day), we went to the Rhumba Rapids at the top of the park. I didn't go on as I wanted to take pictures and video of them on it. Jacob took great delight in telling me all about it!

Amber in front of the Angry Birds Detonator ride at Thorpe Park Resort

After another drink refill stop, Amber wanted to go on another of the big rides, Nemesis Inferno. Just by the name, you can tell it's going to be high and very fast.

Amber with her refillable cup at Thorpe Park Resort

Amber was a bit gutted that Stealth was closed for maintenance work, but she said it gives us another excuse to come back another day!

Mum and Amber rushed off to join the queue, a little time went by, then I got a phone call from Amber saying - with an excited voice - 'Mum, me and Nonna are going on Nemesis again, see you in a bit'. 

Jacob enjoying Angry Birds Land at Thorpe Park Resort

As the rides closed at 6pm, people were running around the park to get a last thrill before the park closed. 

Walking back to the car, we talked about our day. It was such a great family day out, something for everyone and even if, like me, you aren't too keen on going on the rides, just seeing the faces of your loved ones coming off rides is a pleasure to see.

Not big enough yet! Just a few more years until he's big enough to go on nemesis Inferno!

Sleepy boy!

With our memories of the day still whirring around in our heads, we walked back to the car with the kids, over-excitedly reminiscing about the day.

No sooner had we got on to the motorway on our journey home, Jacob was fast asleep.

We made a video of our day which you can watch below.

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When you've been out for the day, and you get back home, the last thing you want to do is start cooking a big meal. So I decided to make my mum's Shepherds Pie with Branston Baked Beans. After all, I had the expert with me and my helpers Amber and Jacob!

Here's what ingredients you will need - Serves 4/6 people:

• 500g beef mince
• 1 tin of Branston Baked Beans
• 1 onion
• 4 stock cubes (whichever flavour, but we think beef is best)
• 2 tbsp gravy granules
• 5/6 medium potatoes
• Splash of milk
• 1 tbsp butter
• Cheese of your choice (enough to sprinkle on top)

Here's how we make our Shepherds Pie:

1: Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees.
2: Peel potatoes and put them on the hob to boil.

3: Chop the onion.

4: Put mince and onion in an oven-proof dish, break the mince up.

5: Crumble 4 stock cubes over the mince and onion

6: Add boiling water (just enough to cover everything) and give it a good stir.

7: Put it in the oven for 30 minutes.
8: Take out of the oven and add your tin of Branston Baked Beans.

9: Add the gravy granules and give it another stir.
10: When the potatoes are cooked, mash them using a splash of milk, and butter.

11: Take out the mince mixture from the oven and scoop the mash on top.

12: Add grated cheese on top of the mash.

13: Eat any cheese that's left over! My little cheese monster, Jacob!

13: Put it back in the oven until the cheese has melted and is a golden colour.

14: Serve with gravy and either on it's own or with vegetables.

Enjoy!

Empty plates all round!

This blog post is in association with Branston UK