Drusillas Park
Latest Reviews
We had a lovely day my 21 month old baby boy loved seeing all the animals and a special visit to Santa for the first time he loved it.
He would not put his gift down after
We will 100% go back again.
He would not put his gift down after
We will 100% go back again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I've visited Drusilla's quite a number of times over the past 8 years and can highly recommend it. It's excellent value for money and advance tickets can be bought on-line for a discount. There are lots of great interactive displays for the younger children to get involved with, and lots of play-park facilities for the kids to burn off some energy, which is broken up into a younger player area and an older children's area (plenty of climbing for your little monkeys!). There's also a new splash park so don't forget swimming costumes for the little 'uns. Theres a great 'Hello Kitty's section and no extra charge for rides. There are a couple of restaurants supplying either fast food (burgers, hot dogs etc), or a restaurant which supplies fresh sandwiches, salads, hot food such as jacket potatoes etc, and Starbucks for the grown-ups. But you can also take a picnic in the summer.
And finally, not forgetting the main attractions, the animals! There's a great selection of monkeys, reptiles, penguins, farm animals, meerkats, to name a few, and some great 'walk-through' enclosures, such as the lemurs, lorikeets, bats, where you can get really close to the animals.
Having visited numerous times I can honestly say I've never got bored, as it's such a delightful place to visit for the day.
And finally, not forgetting the main attractions, the animals! There's a great selection of monkeys, reptiles, penguins, farm animals, meerkats, to name a few, and some great 'walk-through' enclosures, such as the lemurs, lorikeets, bats, where you can get really close to the animals.
Having visited numerous times I can honestly say I've never got bored, as it's such a delightful place to visit for the day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I've been going to Drusillas as long as I can remember from being a kid right through to being the parent and now being the early grandparent! It's improved over the years and whilst it still feels the same that's because it has a winning formula. It's fun but educational for the kids and adults alike. Nice coffee house and some indoor areas for the small ones
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We first visited Drusillas when my son was 2, and now 7 years later, both children still find it a great day out. The information on the animals is fun but informative, and there are lots of interactive activities that the children love and can get involved with. The restaurant and snack bars are clean and bright, and offer a variety of hot and cold meals and snacks. You can spend a few hours visiting the animals alone, as there are quite a variety to see. They look well looked after and everything looks well maintained. And then the day is rounded off by the fantastic play area - which is great for all ages. Even if the weather isn't great - the indoor play area will keep the kids entertained. We visited on a hot sunny day and the water park area was a great refresher for the kids.For older children the rock climb and penguin plunge is a hit, and searching for gold - and for little ones there is a great train ride around the zoo, as well as the Hello Kitty area. Definitely recommend for a fun-filled full day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
For children under 10 thus place us truly amazing, so many interactive things for them to do. Then there are all the animals and play park areas. We have been several times with our grandsons, who both have a yearly ticket which us excellent value for money. Rain or shine, endless hours if fun & entertainment, especially at this time of year running up to Christmas.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A charming place to visit with the grandchildren!
Drusillas is quaint well thought out and avoids the tackiness of similar venues.
It is a good mix of an interesting showcase if animals and cute activities for smaller kids.
The animal enclosures are reassuringly natural and there is good information about each species.
After 3 hours strolling around we visited the restaurant. A lovely thatched roof venue with a good food offering at reasonable prices.
Top class!
Drusillas is quaint well thought out and avoids the tackiness of similar venues.
It is a good mix of an interesting showcase if animals and cute activities for smaller kids.
The animal enclosures are reassuringly natural and there is good information about each species.
After 3 hours strolling around we visited the restaurant. A lovely thatched roof venue with a good food offering at reasonable prices.
Top class!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a fantastic day at the park, lots for all ages of children to do and see. The only thing we wasnt happy with was the price. You pay the same amount for an adult ( as for the adults all we did was stand and watch !! ) I think the adults shouldnt have to pay the same amount as the child.
Also I think there should be winter prices and summer prices. It was very cold on the day we went so not able to do so much outdoors. We couldnt use the water facilities either as it was far to cold so i feel there should be a reduction in the prices when you cant use all the facilities.
Also I think there should be winter prices and summer prices. It was very cold on the day we went so not able to do so much outdoors. We couldnt use the water facilities either as it was far to cold so i feel there should be a reduction in the prices when you cant use all the facilities.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My daughter Neve had an exceptionally enjoyable day at Drusillas being a 'Keeper for the Day'. Eva, the keeper, was brilliant throughout and I highly recommend this experience for any kids - especially 10 year old girls! Excellent day all round!!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Just wanted to thank Laurence and his team for a very enjoyable day at Drusillas. It was really great to walk around the zoo and see the wide variety of animals on show, fab interactive information throughout the "Zoo Route" to keep both adults and children entertained and informed. You can see that the animals are all well cared for. The children's play areas and rides were busy with kids having loads of fun and the addition of the "Go Safari" attraction next year will certainly add to their enjoyment. There really is loads to do here, the food is good and the staff all very knowledgeable and friendly.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went to shriek week loved being chased by a mummy in the maze also liked the zoo part very well laid out with hands on parts .Very good play area with seating for older persons.Seemed expensive when booking but there was plenty to do .Was very busy so was obviously very popular.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited during half term so the place was busy as expected but it did not feel over crowded. We have been a few times before and it aways proves to be a good day out, the weather was nice which always helps! Having arrived at opening we stayed right until closing so although it's not cheap to get in it is good value.
We ate in the explorers cafe where we have eaten before. This time the catering manager was on the door and we were kept waiting outside for a few minutes for a table, this seemed to work well and the self service area was not as busy as it has been on previous visits. The food was good, we had lasagne and salad the kids had nuggets and pizza. The lasagne tasted home made and the kids ate most of theirs so it must have been good! It was not too expensive either.
I really like the zoo bit, it's always well presented and there are lots of interesting animals to see, they were all particularly active today, which was nice. The children had fun in the huge outdoor and indoor play are, shame it wasn't warm enough for the new water play area.
We ate in the explorers cafe where we have eaten before. This time the catering manager was on the door and we were kept waiting outside for a few minutes for a table, this seemed to work well and the self service area was not as busy as it has been on previous visits. The food was good, we had lasagne and salad the kids had nuggets and pizza. The lasagne tasted home made and the kids ate most of theirs so it must have been good! It was not too expensive either.
I really like the zoo bit, it's always well presented and there are lots of interesting animals to see, they were all particularly active today, which was nice. The children had fun in the huge outdoor and indoor play are, shame it wasn't warm enough for the new water play area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Used to go to Drusillas in the late 1980's with my own children when living in Brighton, but not been for at least 25 years.
This time with my grandchildren aged 4 and 2. They of course enjoyed the 'Thomas' Train ride (which is free within the price), and the rides within the 'Hello Kitty' complex - again all rides free.
There were also 2 adventure playgrounds, one specifically for the under 6's.
Plenty of animals to see, quite a long walk round really. Problem was we didn't realise the eateries were at the end of the animal section, if we'd have known better we'd have taken a shortcut, as we needed to retrace our steps after lunch to catch the 50% of animals we'd rushed past. Lunch at the 'Explorers' Café was quite good, plenty of high-chairs, nice fish and chips.
In general animals seemed well kept, although there were 2 young calves that seemed a bit skinny on the rump.
Plenty of different monkeys, including ring-tailed lemurs, also meerkats and penguins. The lorikeets were very friendly.
Will probably resume making this an annual experience until the children grow out of it.
This time with my grandchildren aged 4 and 2. They of course enjoyed the 'Thomas' Train ride (which is free within the price), and the rides within the 'Hello Kitty' complex - again all rides free.
There were also 2 adventure playgrounds, one specifically for the under 6's.
Plenty of animals to see, quite a long walk round really. Problem was we didn't realise the eateries were at the end of the animal section, if we'd have known better we'd have taken a shortcut, as we needed to retrace our steps after lunch to catch the 50% of animals we'd rushed past. Lunch at the 'Explorers' Café was quite good, plenty of high-chairs, nice fish and chips.
In general animals seemed well kept, although there were 2 young calves that seemed a bit skinny on the rump.
Plenty of different monkeys, including ring-tailed lemurs, also meerkats and penguins. The lorikeets were very friendly.
Will probably resume making this an annual experience until the children grow out of it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Even on a rainy day... the animals kept us entertained and the children enjoyed the playpark! It was a lovely adventure. There's no healthy food here though!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
So many animals that all appear happy, it's very interactive and great for all ages of children. There is a great walk through leemur enclosure, feeding the lorikeets and a walkthrough bat display. It's fun and informative. There is even the best child's play area I've seen. The only one drawback which made it a 4 star is the prices for children, fortunately we took a one year old who was free, but children over two are the same price as adults, which i feel is a bit steep.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Drusillas park is definitely place to go with children :) I won't lie...I was probably exited as much as my kids. loads of animals and attractions for little ones and there is also place to eat witch is not the best but I guess that's not the problem as you not going there to dine but to watch animals. I would say that one more thing witch could be different is ...a price....it is quite expensive ...
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
On the morning we went it was pouring with rain and found various places to shelter from the rain while still being able to observe the animals. We had a lovely day once the sun came out and impressed by the variety of animals as well as the kiddies rides. Train rides was fun ride for the kiddies
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Did feel quite guilty about the animals in captivity but as an introduction to wildlife for children Drusillas was great. We thought we'd be there about an hour and a half but spent the whole day. There is so much to do and see. Fabulous day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited Drusillas earlier this month as part of a home educating group. With a wide age range of children I did wonder if there would be enough to keep all entertained. I needn't have been concerned, there was plenty to occupy all of us, from the wonderfully informative staff answering in detail questions we had on various animals, to the fabulous play areas, not to mention the good food and coffee served, we had a brilliant time and the day flew past. Highly recommended!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Drusillas or 'Sillas' as my two year old calls it is a perfect day out with young children. The park is extremely well kempt and very safe. For a mother who has a toddler with the tendency to run off I never feel concerned that there are any areas where she could potentially hurt herself. I feel very strongly about animal welfare so don't tend to visit zoos often as I often leave feeling a bit sad, but the animals appear to be looked after very well, enclosures are always very clean and all of the zoo keepers very attentive and knowledgeable. My daughter loves the play areas both outside and the soft play and attention to detail with all the little extras means that she never gets bored and we visit at least once a month if not more!! I can't speak highly enough of this park and it will continue to be a regular day out for our family!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We recently took our son for his 3rd birthday and the whole family had a fantastic day! There is so much to do, that it's impossible to get round everything! Both his sister and he loved the train and the hello kitty cars!
I would really recommend this to any family! Great day out!
Susy
I would really recommend this to any family! Great day out!
Susy
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We live in nearby Eastbourne, and frequently visit Drusillas Park. It's exceptionally clean, family friendly and fun for everyone! *The zoo itself is wonderful, and very engaging for young children. All the animals look very healthy and happy. Our favourite bits are the sloths and feeding the rainbow Lorikeets is really fun! Then you enter the Fantastic play area, which suits any age of child really. The new 'get wet' area is an excellent addition!!! The train is always a hit with our boys and Hello Kitty's Secret Garden is magical! Food and drink is delicious and well priced. Over all, 5 stars! A fantastic fulfilling day for the whole family and worth every penny
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Took our two Grandaughter here for a day out, they have lots of Amimals in the zoo part, they look,well kept and the viewing of the animal is good, lovely cages/spaces they are kept in they all seamed to be out and were interested in us as we were of them. There is lots of things to do as you go around, we picked up a small free booklet at the beginning to spot the different animals and you collect stamps as you go around, this was great for our eldest (9) she also enjoyed the different informative things they have as you go round, the interactive stuff is good too, how long can you stand on one leg like the flamingos? How load can you shout? Great ways of learning stuff and they didn't even notice! It has a great play area foe different ages, you can also get something to eat here we spent £26 on a meal for the 4 of us, it was feashly cooked, and good portions on the potatoes and fillings, lots of places to pick up a coffeeMor ice cream on the way round and plenty of toilets too at different stages of the park and zoo. There is a great wet attraction if the weather is good, the Thomas ride is good,,and the hello kitty area was greatn fun, just enough rides aimed at the little ones. Everything is included in your entrance fee, (just under £50) apart from face painting, tattoos, but these are an added bonus if you want them. This is a fair weathered attraction as it is all outside. We visited in October and were lucky with the weather, we arrived just after 12.30 on a Saturday and left about 4.45 we didn't have to quee to get in but it looked well organised for busy days, they have different things going on throughout the year so well worth the while to check on their website for those to be prepared for the crowds. This was well worth the money as it was extremely well maintained, clean, and good staff, when you think taking into account petrol as well a day out probably cost you about £100 a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As a birthday present our 9 year old daughter was a penguin keeper for the afternoon. In her words it "was amazing"!. After spending time learning about penguins, she then went behind the scenes and helped prepare their food. Then came the best bit - going into their enclosure and feeding them! There was just her, her Godmother and the Head Penguin Keeper in the enclosure so it was almost a one to one experience which she loved! Thank you Drusiilas for making her birthday extra special - she's still taking about it now!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We travelled down from Kent and paid in advance to save some money which is all good and well. It was quiet which we expected which was alright as our little one could walk around without it being busy. The outdoor and indoor park areas are good and children could have hours of fun there.
Apart from the park areas the rest of the park is a little disappointing. Considering the price you pay I was expecting more. Possibly more exciting animals and better layout. It's definitely a park for under 13's.
We visited the explorers cafe for lunch, the food was good but there weren't much to choose from regarding hot food.
Apart from the park areas the rest of the park is a little disappointing. Considering the price you pay I was expecting more. Possibly more exciting animals and better layout. It's definitely a park for under 13's.
We visited the explorers cafe for lunch, the food was good but there weren't much to choose from regarding hot food.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Has been a place that I have wanted to visit for a while, as I like to go to many wildlife parks/zoos in the area, and this was one that had a few animals that my local zoos did not have, and wanted to see and try and photograph.
Went on a drive from my house in Fareham to here and took over 2 hours mainly due to the road traffic around Chichester.
Parking in the park as large enough and as it was raining meant could park more in the closer parking area, than further away.
Price was reasonable and for the time I was there worked out about under £5 an hour.
The zoo walk was fun and had many interesting facts and little activities for kids to keep them interested during a visit. Would suggest if your an adult going here that you come along on a school day and when it is quiet to get the best of the zoo, as it is more geared towards small and young children.
The walk in enclosures where fun, and the lemur one which is next to the lorikeets had a couple of staff in them that you can ask questions and get information from. Also a couple of the lemurs got very curious of my camera gear and had one jump on my camera bag, with one sticking it's head into the lens hood.
Food and prices in the cafe was reasonalbe and the right sort of sizes I would expect for the price paid. Had a poke in the shop that was more geared towards kids.
Friendly staff and asked a couple questions I had, one being time hot food was available as there was no clear sign in the cafe to be seen, and later on directions back to said cafe.
Will be a place that I will visit again and be added to my list of places to have an annual visit, while not during weekends and school holidays.
Went on a drive from my house in Fareham to here and took over 2 hours mainly due to the road traffic around Chichester.
Parking in the park as large enough and as it was raining meant could park more in the closer parking area, than further away.
Price was reasonable and for the time I was there worked out about under £5 an hour.
The zoo walk was fun and had many interesting facts and little activities for kids to keep them interested during a visit. Would suggest if your an adult going here that you come along on a school day and when it is quiet to get the best of the zoo, as it is more geared towards small and young children.
The walk in enclosures where fun, and the lemur one which is next to the lorikeets had a couple of staff in them that you can ask questions and get information from. Also a couple of the lemurs got very curious of my camera gear and had one jump on my camera bag, with one sticking it's head into the lens hood.
Food and prices in the cafe was reasonalbe and the right sort of sizes I would expect for the price paid. Had a poke in the shop that was more geared towards kids.
Friendly staff and asked a couple questions I had, one being time hot food was available as there was no clear sign in the cafe to be seen, and later on directions back to said cafe.
Will be a place that I will visit again and be added to my list of places to have an annual visit, while not during weekends and school holidays.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
