Alton Towers or Drayton Manor with 3 yr old?

[Debs Hill]

Considering taking my 3 yr old to one of the above over Easter hols(alone) which would you recommend? Is there much to do at either for his age group....he is very adventurous, but not sure if height restriction would preclude him from lots!
Any thoughts greatly appreciated!
Debs

 

[KayleeUK]

Hello Debs

Have only been to Alton Towers but never with a three year old I think I remember a childrens area full of rides.

 

[Dimplenose]

There's certainly plenty to do at Alton Towers for little ones. As well as the rides there's an indoor play area and a kids show (used to be Barney but I believe it's Tweenies now.) I think there is also an ice show. The biggest problem will be resigning yourself to missing out on some of the rides you'd like but he won't be able to do. It is a large park so you will need to do quite a lot of walking, but they do have a cable car which is very pleasant. (I also quite enjoy the monorail from the car park!)

I've not visited DM but they have a small zoo there as well as an area of smaller rides. I beleive it is more compact than AT. Hopefully someone can help who's visited both.

Libby

 

[Terry&Janet]

As the above replies indicate AT has a dedicated area for small children, beautiful gardens, a show plus the fun of using the cable car. It is expensive unless you've managed to obtain some kind of discounted entry voucher and full value really is obtained by being able to make full use of what the park has to offer - and it is mainly geared towards thrill rides. I have not been to DM recently - it is cheaper and more compact for those little legs and there is the zoo for some time away from the rides.

Personally I would suggest waiting until your child was a bit older before going to AT.

Have fun

Janet

 

[Debs Hill]

Thankfully Jake will get in for free at either, so it will be just the price of my ticket! I know what you mean about the possible frustration at not being able to go on all the big rides at AT!! Does anyone know how many rides there are for little ones at DM? Is the zoo worth seeing or not? Haven't been there for many years!!!

 

[lisag1]

We found Drayton Manor better with younger children but then it was about 3 years since we went to AT so it may be a little different now.