Drayton Manor/Thomasland

[Pogologo]

DH and I are taking DS, who is turning 5, on a trip to Thomasland, staying at Drayton Manor for 2 nights. We're going on public transport. I'd be really grateful if anyone could help with the following...

Is the upgrade for the character breakfast worth it?
There's something on the hotel website about buying or hiring trains at the hotel - what are these, how much are they and are they worth it?
What's the evening entertainment like at the hotel?
Is there anywhere good within walking distance that we can pick up picnic food, beer/wine or a takeaway?

Any general advice about Thomasland would also be much appreciated!

Hi. We've just been. I really enjoyed it, and I did bring a small boy to justify the trip...

Didn't see anywhere to buy food within walking distance. Bring stuff with you. Or get a cab into Tamworth?

Hiring trains at the hotel is about hiring wooden Thomas trains for a £10 deposit, as the restaurant and bars are peppered with wooden train tables, around which many young boys are engaged in complicated swaps of Spencer, Hiro et al. So, make sure you bring your own wooden trains but keep an eye on them. There is a shop in the hotel if you want to buy more, or any other Thomas related merchandise!

We didn't do the evening entertainment, as we were so busy with the train tables!

My kids quite liked the character breakfast but it was in our package. Not sure how much it is, but I don't think it would have been worth much to them - probably rather have something out of that shop.

Thanks outputgap... we don't have any of the wooden trains although have loads of other Thomas stuff so fear we may be hiring them.

We'll have a think but might end up offering DS the choice between a character breakfast and something out the shop; hopefully he'll go for the shop!