Theme Parks

[Olive1]

Hi we are travelling to england next week and are staying in Derbyshire. We are thinking of going to either Alton Towers, Drayton Manor and just last night I found Gullivers. We have 2 children (age 5 and 1) Has anyone any recommendations on to which one would be most suitable.

Thanks

olive

 

[Parksy]

Hi Olive

My guess would be that Gullivers would be the best bet because of the ages of your children.

 

[Philspadders]

Gullivers is on the side of a valley and very steep, its not easy with a push chair or a 5year old.

I would not recommend it.

For preference i would go to Drayton Manor, it has Thomas Land and many other kids ride and is cheaper than Alton Towers and not nearly as spread out.

Alternatively there is Pleasure Island at Cleethorpes, cheapest ( probably ) of all, all onmj the flat and does have selection of kids rides and indoor play areas if it rains.

 

[dixie1]

Hi Olive

Alton Towers is fantastic for older children,(11 years plus) not as good for your childrens age group your choices of ride will be limited, also its expensive to get in and the car parking is extra. If you intend going to the towers either leave early and wait on the car park for opening time or go later in the day as the queues to get to the towers are very long. (i live about 5 mins from there). I have not been to drayton manor park myself but i know someone who went recently with young children and thought it was good .

Carmen

 

[Lakey]

Thomas Land at Drayton Manor! Great for kids of your ages.

Alton Towers is really for the older kids like me!!!!

Gareth

 

[Mel]

Gullivers is very very steep but is designed for preschool and younger children. I am fairly sure it is cheaper than drayton manor but Thomas Land at Drayton is good and your 5 year old would also like the pirate ship ride, the carousel and maybe the pirates of the caribbean ride. There is also the zoo. There is not loads for littlies at Alton towers.

mel

 

[Olive1]

Many thanks for taking the time to reply and it has certainly given us things to think about. I really appreciate the forum and that people take time to reply to topics.

Many thanks

Olive

 

[forestgump]

try wicksteed park near keetering its not as big you can take your caravan there.The other places you mantion are for kids of a higth restriction you may waste your monye'

 

[forestgump]

thers a ccc site at gullivers site is for toddlers more,it also has indoor water park again for toddlers.

 

[DeliDave_]

We have been to Drayton Manor a few times and find it great with grandchildren 4 and 6.It is cheaper ,easy to access the carpark for a picnic and you can buy tickets for rides instead of a wristband when they might not go on too many rides,the pirate ride is great and a little zoo as well.

 

[DeliDave_]

Also iirc there is a little caravan site there as well.

 

[DeliDave_]

A nice day out is also Hatton Country world a nice kids area aimed at younger children,shopping area a little CL if you want to stay a night.Have checked and Drayton manor can take vans

 

[Philspadders]

having done gullivers a few times as its close by, be prepared for a very steep climb with a puch chair.

Definately Drayton Manor, although if you do want to stay at Matlock and not go too far you could try the heights of abraham, not a theme park as such but good viewes from the top.

 

[Chrissylizzie]

We went to Alton Towers on Tuesday with a 4 year old and a 15 month old, plus adults. There were enough rides for the children and they enjoyed themselves. It was very busy with long queues for the adult rides and the car park charge was

 

[Olive1]

Many thanks we certainly have plenty to think about, had thought that Drayton Manor was for us but now thinking that as Alton Towers is closer we may try there. Many thanks for taking time to post your thoughts

 

[Mel]

Hi Olive. I posted above saying Alton Towers didn't have many rides for littlies. Having found ourselves in Alton Towers with our 12 year old lad and 3 year old grandson only yesterday I would like to revise my advice. The 3 yearold loved all the old Macdonalds farm rides and if he had been a little older he would have liked the teacups (now barrels) the beastie roller coaster and the mini pirate ship. There is also the Charlie Choc Factory ride and the mini driving school would be a hit with a five year old. Obviously far more rides for littlies than when said 12 year old was 5. The draw back is that the adults will have to pay the eye watering adult prices to get in and probably not go on the rides. There do seem to be lots of vouchers about though, try the various money saving/voucher sites.

BTW if you do get a chance to go on adult roller coasters, the new 13 ride is good, but my favourite is still Air.

have a fab time.

mel

 

[Olive1]

Hi Olive. I posted above saying Alton Towers didn't have many rides for littlies. Having found ourselves in Alton Towers with our 12 year old lad and 3 year old grandson only yesterday I would like to revise my advice. The 3 yearold loved all the old Macdonalds farm rides and if he had been a little older he would have liked the teacups (now barrels) the beastie roller coaster and the mini pirate ship. There is also the Charlie Choc Factory ride and the mini driving school would be a hit with a five year old. Obviously far more rides for littlies than when said 12 year old was 5. The draw back is that the adults will have to pay the eye watering adult prices to get in and probably not go on the rides. There do seem to be lots of vouchers about though, try the various money saving/voucher sites.

BTW if you do get a chance to go on adult roller coasters, the new 13 ride is good, but my favourite is still Air.

have a fab time.

mel

Many thanks for taking the time to post your comment. Yes I do think we will go to Alton Towers as we are staying just 12 miles away. I would hardly go on any of the big rides anyway so I'm quite happy to watch. I will let my husband go on any he wants I think I'm a big scaredy cat. Once again many thanks.

Olive