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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  

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

 

 

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Opening Times

September

M T W T F S S
 
 
  • Drayton's Summer of Fun. The gates open at 9:30am, Thomas Land rides start at 10am, all other rides start at 10.30am. The park closes at 5pm.
  • Main Season 2019. Park opens at 10am and all rides start at 10.30am. The park closes at 4pm.
  • Main Season 2019. Park opens at 9.30am and Thomas Land rides start at 10am. All other rides start at 10.30am. The park closes at 5pm.
  • Park Closed

October

M T W T F S S
 
 
  • Park Closed
  • Main Season 2019. Park opens at 10am and all rides start at 10.30am. The park closes at 4pm.
  • Main Season 2019. Park opens at 9.30am and Thomas Land rides start at 10am. All other rides start at 10.30am. The park closes at 5pm.
  • More Treat Than Trick Halloween. Park opens at 9.30am and Thomas Land rides start at 10am. All other rides start at 10.30am. The park closes at 5pm.

November

M T W T F S S
 
 
  • Fireworks Spectacular. The park opens at 10am and rides will start at 10.30am. The park will close at 8:30pm.
  • Park Closed
  • Drayton's Magical Christmas. The park opens at 9.45am, rides open 10.30am and park closes at 5pm.

December

M T W T F S S
 
 
  • Drayton's Magical Christmas. The park opens at 9.45am, rides open 10.30am and park closes at 5pm.
  • Park Closed
  • Drayton's Magical Christmas Christmas Eve. The park opens at 9.30am, rides open 10.00am and close at 4pm. The park closes at 5pm.
  • Drayton's Magical Christmas - No Father Christmas. Park opens at 9.45am, rides start at 10.30am and the park closes at 5pm.

January

M T W T F S S
 
 
  • Park Closed

February

M T W T F S S
 
 
  • Park Closed
  • Thomas & Friends February Half Term.

March

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April

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May

M T W T F S S
 

June

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July

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August

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Today at the theme park...

The park opens at 10am with rides starting at 10:30am. The park will then close at 4pm. Please note, Bryan's Works Museum will be closed today.

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