HIT Ent. and the Drayton Manor Theme Park in Staffordshire have opened Europe’s first Thomas Land in the U.K. Taking up three acres of parkland, the attraction features 12 rides based on the popular story books and animated preschool series Thomas & Friends. In addition to a 600-meter Thomas train ride, fans can enjoy an indoor play center, a caf’ and a retail shop.
The first Thomas Land was launched in Japan in 1998 by Fujikyu Corp. as part of its Fujikyu Highland theme park. Featuring a number of Thomas-themed rides and hotel rooms, it welcomes more than 1.7 million guests each year. The addition of the U.K. location is expected to drive that number up to 3 million annually.
Thomas Land at Drayton Manor Park opened on March 15. Themed rides for children and their parents include Cranky’s Drop Tower, the Troublesome Trucks Runaway Coaster, Harold’s Heli Tours and Jeremy’s Flying Academy. Other attractions found in the 280-acre amusement park include a 15-acre zoo that is home to more than 100 different animal species from around the world. For more information, go to www.thomaslanduk.co.uk.
