Chuffed to meet lifelong heroes

I need to get something off my chest.

Ever since I was a little boy and watching Thomas the Tank Engine on television, I have had an ambition – one I was finally able to fulfil recently.

It's a little embarrassing, so please don't judge me too harshly.

Now, this won't necessarily mean anything to anyone who is only familiar with the new Thomas theme and titles (the ones that go... 'they're two, they're four, they're six, they're eight, shunting trucks and hauling freight...') but those of you who remember the old titles, think back.

Of course there is Thomas (pulling Annie and Clarabel) travelling along the horizon towards a giant windmill, but before he pulls into the station he travels under a bridge with a small boy leaning over and watching.

As sad is it may sound, I've always wanted to be that boy. Just once.

And thanks to Thomas Land at Drayton Manor Theme Park, that is something I can finally tick off my bucket list (who needs to swim with dolphins or walk the Great Wall of China anyway?) – my 29-year-old face must have been a picture as Thomas went by and my childhood flashed before me.

Did I look childish? Yes. Was I bothered one jot? Of course not!

When I received the invitation to attend the opening day of Drayton's Magical Christmas, I'll admit I was dubious.

I mean, come on, who goes to a theme park in winter? Especially with two small children in tow.

As it turns out, aside from being the coldest day of this winter to date, it wasn't the worst idea in the world after all.

Favourite

Anyone who has ever queued an hour to go on their favourite ride will know the feeling of frustration as the line edges forward slower than Percy trying to pull 10 troublesome trucks up a steep hill.

With barely a queue in sight, you can move around the park like Gordon's express train. I should make it clear for anyone who has been in the summer before that not all of Drayton Manor is open during this period – the main rides remain shut, but Thomas Land is fully operational, as well as a few extras like the Jolly Buccaneer spinning pirate ships and Ben 10: Ultimate Coaster (although this was shut on the day we attended).

You can also iceskate for the additional price of £2 for roughly quarter of an hour.

Having experienced other children's theme parks, my concern was with how family-friendly the rides would be (by that, I mean, not mind-achingly dull for the older ones in the party).

In the main, the rides are just thrilling enough to keep the majority of adults entertained while you can be safe in the knowledge your little ones won't be too scared and having a whale of a time.

My only complaint would be there were not enough warm indoor spaces to get out of the cold due to a few of the food outlets being closed.

There is the big marquee next to the main food section, but it's not quite the same as bricks and mortar, and when you have little kids with you it can be important to warm up for 20 minutes before hitting the rides hard again.

Overall though, my inner child – as well as my two actual children – had a fantastic time made perfect by our train ride through the zoo (being pulled by Percy one way and Thomas the other, of course) and visit to one of the more magical Santa's Grottos at the Castle of Dreams, with everything capped off by an evening fireworks display over the lake.

Travel Facts

Drayton's Magical Christmas ran until December 31

Prices started from £15 for adults if pre-booked online or £20 to include a visit to Father Christmas in the Castle of Dreams.

Adults over 60 and children from four to 11 years, £10 or £15, two to three-year-olds £5 or £10 and under-twos free.

Full details can be found at draytonmanor.co.uk