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’

Height Restrictions: Children under 1m must be accompanied by an adult
 

 

 

 

 

 

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Today at the theme park...

The park opens at 9:30am, rides start at 10:30am. The park closes at 5:00pm. Ride closures include Stormforce 10, Splash Canyon and Pandemonium.

Opening Times

July

M T W T F S S
 
 
  • Main Season - Please note that VertiGO is not available on this date.
  • Main season. The Park opens at 10am, rides start at 10:30am. The Park closes at 5pm.
  • Main Season - Please be aware we are expecting a high number of school groups on this date which may affect ride queues
  • Summer of Fun. The park opens at 10am, rides start at 10:30am. The park closes at 5pm.

August

M T W T F S S
 
 
  • Summer of Fun. The park opens at 10am, rides start at 10:30am. The park closes at 5pm.

September

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

October

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  • Main season. The Park opens at 10am, rides start at 10:30am. The Park closes at 5pm.
  • Park Closed
  • More Treat Than Trick
  • Fireworks Spectacular

November

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  • 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

December

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  • Drayton's Magical Christmas. The park opens at 9:45am, rides start at 10:30am. The park closes at 5:00pm
  • Drayton's Magical Christmas. The park opens at 9:45am, rides start at 10:30am. The park closes at 6:00pm.
  • Park Closed

January

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February

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March

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April

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May

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June

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