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Drayton Manor (Ready Camp)

Staffordshire B78 3 Tw, Staffordshire, England
1 acre hosted by Ready C.
Thrills and spills with safari tents right next door to one of England's best loved theme parks
A shrill scream whips through the air. “That was horrible” a young girl exclaims, “and it was so cold and misty”, her friend shudders. Another scream. “I won’t be doing that again any time soon”. It’s not exactly what you want to hear, is it?

But don’t worry folks, they can scream all they want (and trust us, they will) because it’s not the campsite we’re talking about but its namesake theme park around the corner, Drayton Manor, home to not only the mist shrouded haunted house but also Europe’s only stand-up roller coaster, Shockwave. In fact, the theme park is a treasure chest of well-named thrills and spills: Ultimate Mission, Apocalypse, G-Force, Maelstrom, Drunken Barrels, Flying Dutchmen … the list goes on and so, of course, does the screaming, laughing and general pandemonium (yes that is the name of another ride – who chooses these things?)

One of the most popular points is actually the zoo, a spot for some down time when you’re dizzily stumbling around, and it’s home to a staggering array of species. The meerkats are now a universally loved icon, as fun to observe as the children squeaking “simples” through the glass, and the Sumatran tigers are an equally impressive sight. It seems ever so appropriate then, that Drayton Manor Campsite (a separate enterprise from the theme park) is now home to a set of brand new safari tents. They’re not exactly out-of-Africa, it has to be said, and certainly they’re a little more separate from the tigers than you’d get on a safari, but nevertheless for nights under canvas these are the one’s to choose.

Situated on a long established campsite run by the Camping and Caravanning Club, the Ready Camp safari tents bring a new flare to the scene and offer up nights beneath the stars with some of the added luxuries you long for. Peeling back the tent flaps you find a living space with a sofa, dining furniture and a fully equipped kitchenette, while two further bedrooms feature a double bed and bunk beds. The safari tents have a modern air about them and are tucked in their own space onsite with access to all of the usual camping facilities. After a leg-shaking day on the roller coasters it’s nice to have a proper bed to return to.

But it’s not all about the bounty of the theme park (The Bounty… yup, you guessed it) there’s plenty more to see nearby. Despite the name, there’s no majestic manor house to view – the building actually crumbled into ruins about a century ago – but drive the half hour to the National Forest and you’ll discover the clock’s being turned back to precisely that era. Once a blanket of woodland, the bold environmental project is regenerating forest in the heart of England and the maze of different aged trees provide an excellent place to walk. It’s a similar length journey to the National Memorial Arboretum, a stark contrast to the frolics of the theme park. It stands as a place for peace, quiet and remembrance but the monument is also a beautifully landscaped 150-acre space that’s a joy to quietly explore on foot.

From woodland to theme park, landscapes to cityscapes and screaming kids to quiet memorials, this area has all the ups, downs, twists and turns of a roller coaster. So get a ticket and join the queue because, we reckon, Drayton Manor Campsite and its brand new safari tents are well worth the wait.

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Location
Staffordshire B78 3 Tw, Staffordshire, England, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Ready C.Joined in March 2016
From the host
Your time spent…where it matters Time away with family & friends is great, but let’s be honest - it can sometimes be hectic to even think about! Ready Camp takes away some of the stresses and hassles of camping - having a pre-erected, canvas-wrapped haven with real beds, a kitchen and dining area. There’s no need to fill the car rammed to the rafters with an endless supply of ‘just in cases’. We give you back the time to do the fun things together with your friends and family. Pack your bedding & a sense of adventure Walk into a comfortable haven with cosy furnishings and oodles of little luxuries.  With two bedrooms, an open plan living/dining area where you can wine and dine to your hearts content or put your feet up on the comfy settee after a long day’s adventure. The Kitchen area includes a fridge, microwave and hob, along with basic cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery. (We’ve even supplied the corkscrew!) When it comes to light’s out…we’ve even included a torch for those midnight toilet trips, or just to make funny shadows on the tent!
Nearby attractions
Undoubtedly Drayton Manor theme park (08444 721950) is the main attraction here and it would be pretty unusual to camp at this site without paying it a visit. The theme park gates open at 9:30 with rides commencing from 10:30. Closing time varies but it is always 5pm or later. See their website for pricing details. Other local attractions include the National Memorial Arboretum (01283 245100) at Alrewas, Tamworth, with its castle (01827 709626) and Snow Dome (08448 000011), and The National Forest (01283 551211).
Food and drink
There is a small onsite shop selling essentials but nearby Tamworth has everything you will really need. There is a supermarket, a diverse range of eateries and a farmers market takes place every Tuesdays and Saturday.

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