Thomas Land is a themed area at Drayton Manor Resort in Staffordshire, England, based on the popular long-running children's television series, Thomas & Friends. It stands on the former site of Robinsons Land, a themed area sponsored by the soft drinks brand of the same name. The construction began while the park was still open in September 2007, and many of the Robinsons Land rides were moved to other areas of the park for the remainder of the season. Many of the rides housed in Robinsons Land except the Veteran Cars (now Sodor's Classic Cars) were sold to Funland in Hayling Island. Thomas Land officially opened to the public on 15 March 2008. An expansion of Thomas Land with additional attractions and private party rooms opened on 8 April 2015.[1]
Thomas Land is set in 3 acres (12,000 m2) of parkland and features many themed rides, alongside outdoor and indoor play areas and the "Discover Thomas & Friends Exhibition".
A junior regetta ride with cars resembling Skarloey, Rheneas, Sir Handel and Peter Sam. The ride was originally located in space where Terence’s Driving School originally stood, but was moved to the Thomas Land Expansion in 2015, where Merrick was added to the middle of the ride until sometime in 2018, when he was moved next to it.
A demolition derby ride featuring 6 themed cars based on Diesel, Mavis, Iron Bert, Salty, Dennis and Rusty. Originally known as Diesel's Locomotion Mayhem
A Harold-themed samba tower ride, formerly known as Harold's Heli-Tours. It is located within Tidmouth Sheds, where guests can gain photo opportunities with Edward, Henry, Gordon, Toby, and Rosie (repainted red in 2019).
A driving school ride with Terence-themed cars. Relocated in May 2011 to the Farmer McColl's Farm area. Relocated in February 2024 to the Main Thomas Land Area.
An indoor miniature model railway exhibition with the original models from the first to twelfth series of the television series. Relocated in 2023 in the Thomas Land Shop near Winston's Whistle-Stop Tour.
Models of Thomas, Percy and Rosie are used on a 2 ft (610 mm) narrow gauge[2] railway that takes visitors through the park. The line features Tidmouth Sheds with stationary facades of other engines, Knapford Station, which serves as the main station and a refreshment stand, Dryaw and Tidmouth Hault. It also has many sidings and sheds along the way, one of which used to feature a "sleeping" model of James, which was moved near to the James and the Red Balloon ride in 2017.
