Drayton Manor's Magical Christmas - review and pictures

Children of all ages will be entertained by the rides, attractions, parades, fireworks and a meeting with Santa in his very own castle.

After making your way through the barriers, families are immediately treated to the Thomas Land Balcony Show, which sets up the whole day beautifully.

Songs are sung by the princess, the Fat Controller – it is Thomas Land after all – while the elves and helpers sing along to a selection of festive favourites.

The snow show – washing up liquid launched in the sky – is a lovely touch and confirms the Christmas season is well and truly upon us.

Then it's straight onto the rides and of course there are plenty to choose from.

I went with my wife, Kelly, and two-year-old daughter, Annabelle, as well as my sister, Hannah, brother-in-law, Bryan, and their children, Lucy, four, and Olivia, seven, so quite a wide range of ages.

Diesel's Locomotive Mayhem, Emily's Play Adventure, Jeremy's Jet Flying Academy and Lady's Carousel were perfect for the younger children, who were full of smiles throughout.

But there are also faster rides for older children, including Jolly Buccaneers ride – which Olivia enjoyed no fewer than three times – and for the even more adventurous the Ben 10: Ultimate Mission Coaster and 4D Cinema – The Polar express are also open in the main park.

After a quick bite to eat, which consisted of freshly-made doughnuts, a hot dog and some drinks, it was time to make our way to Santa.

We were not too sure how Annabelle would take to the visit but she was made to feel at home but the very friendly Father Christmas and really enjoyed the whole experience.

She now has an elf sat at home who she has to tell what she wants for Christmas, so he in turn can relay that information back to Santa. It was a lovely idea and one we'll probably keep alive in our house for as long as we can.

After leaving the castle it was onwards to the zoo where the children loved seeing the monkeys, reptiles and big cats. There is the chance to see the animals being fed at selected times too.

As it was a pretty cold day we decided against the Dino Trail and after another hot drink we all climbed aboard the Thomas, Rosie and Percy Engine Tour.

The train made the short journey back to Thomas Land, passing more animals and reindeer along the way.

Winston's Whistle Stop Tours was next up and, with the winter night drawing closer, it gave us lovely roof top view of the park all lit up with lights, followed by a quick run around in Emily's Play Adventure.

There was no time to try out Flynn's Fire Rescue, Cranky Cranes and Harold's Helicopter Tours, to name but a few, because there was just so much to try and squeeze in, but at least it means there would plenty for us to do for a return visit next year.

But the night was not over as all the families made their way back towards the main entrance for the parade from the band stand to the Christmas tree, where there was a short show involving the princess, a wizard, Santa, some snowflakes on stilts and Rory the Lion. Quite an unusual bunch but it does the trick.

With hundreds of children now on their parent's shoulder near the lake, it was time for the fireworks finale, which really capped off a wonderful day. Considering we arrived at 10.30am and left at 6pm, it was amazing how quickly it all flew by.

Drayton's Manor's Magical Christmas runs until December 31.

By James Driver-Fisher