James and the Red Balloon: a New Thomas Land Ride

Drayton Manor is now home to a brand new Thomas Land ride! Our new ride, James and the Red Balloon is now on the Island of Sodor for the young and young-at-heart to enjoy.

Follow the sounds of whistles and toots, look for the red balloon in the sky, and make sure you’re one of the first to enjoy our amazing new James and the Red Balloon attraction by booking a stay and play package at our 4* hotel and make your Thomas Land visit unforgettable. 

This exciting new balloon ride will take Thomas fans high up in the air above Thomas Land. Choose a red balloon, climb in, and be delighted by a brand-new adventure on the Island of Sodor. As described in the famous television series:

‘THE BALLOON COULD BE SEEN BY EVERYONE ON THE ISLAND OF SODOR’

Minimum height graphic Height Restrictions: Children under 1m must be accompanied by an adult
No expectant mothers graphic Recent medical conditions graphic Heart problems graphic
No smoking graphic No food or drink graphic  

Sign up homepage banner

 

 

Drayton Manors James and the Red Balloon Ride Drayton Manors James and the Red Balloon Ride

 

 

Book

a short break

Upcoming events

click here

Today at the theme park...

The park opens at 9:30am, rides start at 10:30am. Please note that Thomas Land will open at 10:30am today. The park closes at 5pm. Rides closed include Splash Canyon, Stormforce 10, Pandemonium and Chairlift.

Opening Times

September

M T W T F S S
 
 
  • Summer of Fun. The park opens at 9.30am, rides start at 10:30am. The park closes at 5pm.
  • Main season. The Park opens at 10am on weekdays and 9:30am on weekends, rides start at 10:30am. The Park closes at 5pm.
  • Park Closed

October

M T W T F S S
 
 
  • Main season. The Park opens at 10am on weekdays and 9:30am on weekends, rides start at 10:30am. The Park closes at 5pm.
  • Park Closed
  • More Treat Than Trick. Gates open at 9:30am, rides start at 10:30am. Rides close at 5pm.
  • Fireworks Spectacular

November

M T W T F S S
 
 
  • Park Closed
  • Drayton's Magical Christmas. The park opens at 9:45am, rides start at 10:30am. The park closes at 6:00pm.
  • Drayton's Magical Christmas. The park opens at 9:45am, rides start at 10:30am. The park closes at 5:00pm. The rides closes at 4:30pm on Christmas Eve. Please note that Father Christmas leaves us on 24th December and is not available from 27th Dec - 31st Dec.

December

M T W T F S S
 
  • Drayton's Magical Christmas. The park opens at 9:45am, rides start at 10:30am. The park closes at 5:00pm. The rides closes at 4:30pm on Christmas Eve. Please note that Father Christmas leaves us on 24th December and is not available from 27th Dec - 31st Dec.
  • Drayton's Magical Christmas. The park opens at 9:45am, rides start at 10:30am. The park closes at 6:00pm.
  • Park Closed

January

M T W T F S S
 

February

M T W T F S S
 
 

March

M T W T F S S
 
 

April

M T W T F S S
 
 

May

M T W T F S S
 
 

June

M T W T F S S
 
 

July

M T W T F S S
 
 

August

M T W T F S S
 
 

We use cookies on this site. By continuing to browse you are consenting to this. Find out why we use cookies and how to manage your settings.