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Drayton Manor Theme Park, located in Staffordshire, is celebrating its 75th anniversary in a big way—by offering two days of free entry to both the theme park and the zoo on April 24 and 25, 2025.
To honor its roots, the park is temporarily bringing back its original token pricing system from the 1950s. This means that while entry is free, visitors can choose between pay-as-you-go ride tokens or an unlimited ride wristband to enjoy the attractions.
How the Token System Works
- Guests can buy tokens in advance online or at the park on the day.
- Each ride will cost between 1 to 5 tokens, depending on the attraction.
- Tokens come in packs of 5 or 10, with prices ranging between £2 and £10.
- Alternatively, guests can purchase an unlimited wristband for £30 in advance or £35 on the day, giving full access to all 50 rides and attractions.
More Than Just Rides
Alongside the thrills, Drayton Manor also features a zoo with over 500 animals, including Sumatran tigers, Red pandas, Eurasian lynx, and several species of monkeys and gibbons. The zoo is included in the free entry offer.
As part of its anniversary celebration, Drayton Manor has opened a brand-new museum inside the Falls Theatre, showcasing the park’s fascinating history. Visitors can explore rare artifacts, vintage memorabilia, and iconic moments from the park’s seven-decade journey. The museum will be free to all guests through the end of the summer season.
Summer-Long Celebrations
The anniversary fun doesn’t stop in April. Throughout summer 2025, Drayton Manor is planning:
- Monthly Fireworks Extravaganzas (first weekend of each month)
- A diamond egg hunt
- Live music and themed family entertainment
- Special surprises across the park
What the Park Says
Victoria Lynn, Managing Director at Drayton Manor Resort, shared:
“Our 75th anniversary celebrations are in full swing, and we want to give families the chance to discover Drayton Manor for less.
We’ve been named the UK’s best value attraction for the last three years, and this free weekend is our way of saying everyone is welcome here.”
She added:
“Whether you come for a relaxed day with a picnic or go all-in with a wristband, there’s something for everyone to enjoy—not just this weekend, but throughout the entire year.”
Important Info
- Free tickets must be reserved online in advance to manage capacity
- Reservations open April 21 at 9:00 AM
- Walk-up entry is not guaranteed, so early booking is essential
A Park With Rich History
Drayton Manor welcomes around 1.5 million visitors annually and covers 280 acres, making it the fourth-largest amusement park in the UK.
The land originally belonged to the Peel family, with Drayton Manor Mansion built in 1835. After falling into disrepair by 1926, the grounds served as a British Army training venue during World War II. It was then transformed into a theme park in 1950, with only the original clock tower remaining from the manor house.
Today, the park is home to The Wave, a thrilling coaster that hits speeds of 52 mph, replacing the once-famous Apocalypse, which closed in 2022.
