The 2026 theme park season officially kicks off at Drayton Manor Resort, and opening day is shaping up to be very exciting.

Whether you’re planning to visit on day one or just want to know what to expect, here’s your complete guide to The Big Restart—including ticket info, ride closures, weather, and top tips.

What is “The Big Restart”?

The Big Restart marks the official reopening of Drayton Manor for the 2026 main season, running from 27th–29th March 2026.

This is the park’s big seasonal launch event, bringing rides, entertainment, and attractions back to life after the winter break.

Key highlights:

• Reduced ticket price – from just £24.90
• Brand-new entertainment and character appearances
• Late opening until 7pm on Saturday & Sunday
• A new end-of-day lake show (details TBC)

The park has also warned that, as it’s the first weekend back, operations may take time to settle, meaning queues could be longer than usual.

What Rides & Areas Are Available?

Drayton Manor is home to over 40 rides and attractions, including family favourites and major thrill rides.

Major areas to explore:

• Thomas Land – perfect for younger guests
• Frontier Falls – home to the new Gold Rush coaster
• Adventure Cove – family water rides and attractions
• Vikings – themed thrill rides like Thor and Loki
• Drayton Manor Zoo – over 100 animals to see

The headline coaster remains Gold Rush, the park’s newest family thrill ride which opened in 2024 and features a unique forward-and-backward experience.

Confirmed Ride Closures on Opening Day

While most rides are expected to operate, the following attractions are closed on day one:

Adventure Cove

• River Rapids

Frontier Falls

• Flying Dutchman

Vikings

• Thor
• Jormungandr

Thomas Land

• James & The Red Balloon
• Bertie Bus
• Diesel’s Locomotive Mayhem
• Harold’s Helicopter Tours (weather dependent)

Closures like this are fairly common early in the season, especially during testing, maintenance, or poor weather conditions.

Opening Day Weather Forecast

Here’s what to expect if you’re visiting on Friday 27th March:

• Cloudy with spells of rain and drizzle
• Occasional brighter intervals later in the day
• Breezy conditions
• Maximum temperature: 11°C

Weekend Outlook:

• Saturday: Cold, windy, sunny spells and showers
• Sunday: Increasing wind with periods of rain
• Monday: Drier, breezy, slightly milder

In short: wrap up warm and expect mixed conditions

Tickets & Value

Opening weekend is one of the cheapest times to visit:

• Standard tickets from £24.90
• Ideal for families looking for a budget-friendly day out

Considering the park’s size (around 180 acres) and range of attractions, it’s widely considered one of the best-value theme parks in the UK.

Is Opening Day Worth It?

If you love theme parks, opening day is definitely worth experiencing.

You’ll get:

• A lively atmosphere
• Cheaper tickets
• The first chance to ride in 2026

However, if you prefer:

• Short queues
• Fully operational rides

…it may be better to visit later in the season.

Drayton Manor’s Big Restart 2026 is set to be a fun, energetic start to the theme park season. While a handful of rides may be closed and the weather looks mixed, the value, atmosphere, and excitement make it a great day out—especially for families.

Information is correct at the time of publication. Ride availability, entertainment, and opening details may change. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the park’s official website.