Drusillas Park
Latest Reviews
Had an amazing time with the children, also very helpful members of staff, a young lady called siobhian was very helpful with myself and children and was very welcoming. Would visit again!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
At other zoos I have visitied the animals are in small enclosures and they pace up and down looking unhappy. But at Drusillas the animals had a lot of space and seem really well looked after and engaged.
The park are really interactive as well, we got involved with all the animals and learnt about their feeding habits, where they are from and where we can see them in the enclosure if they like hiding (sneaky little red pandas).
All in all this is one of the best days out we've had in a long time, and we would definitely visit again, and is only about 20 minutes away from Brighton centre which is really convenient.
Thanks Drusillas!
Paige & Will
The park are really interactive as well, we got involved with all the animals and learnt about their feeding habits, where they are from and where we can see them in the enclosure if they like hiding (sneaky little red pandas).
All in all this is one of the best days out we've had in a long time, and we would definitely visit again, and is only about 20 minutes away from Brighton centre which is really convenient.
Thanks Drusillas!
Paige & Will
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We really enjoyed our day at drusillas Walked around twice and saw all the animals.
The animal encounter was a perfect gift for partner who had a great time with the keeper feeding the lemurs.
Would recommend this park to everyone
The animal encounter was a perfect gift for partner who had a great time with the keeper feeding the lemurs.
Would recommend this park to everyone
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We'd not been to Drusillas before but I was looking for a zoo keeper experience for my daughter's 7th birthday. After a bit of research in my area they seemed the best choice offering more of a variety of animals. I watched the video on the website but didn't get too excited as from past experiences some things are 'not always available on the day'. She did everything that was shown in the video and so much more. I was able to follow her into the enclosures so that I could take photos and enjoy the experience with her.
We had such an amazing day. The keepers Julie and Eva were so patient and cheerful and full of information about all the animals. They really made sure my daughter got the most out of her experience. She was made to feel really important throughout the day in her uniform that she was able to keep. During the talks at the feeding times they even mentioned her.
Admittedly it is not cheap but for a special treat it is worth every penny.
We had such an amazing day. The keepers Julie and Eva were so patient and cheerful and full of information about all the animals. They really made sure my daughter got the most out of her experience. She was made to feel really important throughout the day in her uniform that she was able to keep. During the talks at the feeding times they even mentioned her.
Admittedly it is not cheap but for a special treat it is worth every penny.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited Drusillas Park with my husband, daughter (4) and son (5 months) and we had a blast!
The zoo/farm animals were lovely to see and seemed to be very well kept and happy. Hello kitty secret garden wasn't too big and had a few fun rides as well as a little Thomas tank engine train ride. All suitable for young children with adult supervision. Staff were friendly too.
Large outdoor play areas with sections for different age groups, all very clean and well kept. Splash area and mini pool for warmer days looked lovely (will take swim wear next time!).
Indoor play area was great, clean and safe. Happy to say that adults were welcome to go play and climb as well 😉
There are 'add ons' such as pan for gold, face painting and bouncy slide which weren't too expensive but you need to have cash on hand if you intend to try them.
Every toilet was geared up for little people with family toilet seats, low sinks and baby change.
All except the eden's eye was pushchair accessible and obviously the train (disabled access only).
All in all, great family day out with more there then you expect!!!
Only downside, the burger place wasn't very nice. Described as a beef burger was anything but! Will try the cafe next time we go!
The zoo/farm animals were lovely to see and seemed to be very well kept and happy. Hello kitty secret garden wasn't too big and had a few fun rides as well as a little Thomas tank engine train ride. All suitable for young children with adult supervision. Staff were friendly too.
Large outdoor play areas with sections for different age groups, all very clean and well kept. Splash area and mini pool for warmer days looked lovely (will take swim wear next time!).
Indoor play area was great, clean and safe. Happy to say that adults were welcome to go play and climb as well 😉
There are 'add ons' such as pan for gold, face painting and bouncy slide which weren't too expensive but you need to have cash on hand if you intend to try them.
Every toilet was geared up for little people with family toilet seats, low sinks and baby change.
All except the eden's eye was pushchair accessible and obviously the train (disabled access only).
All in all, great family day out with more there then you expect!!!
Only downside, the burger place wasn't very nice. Described as a beef burger was anything but! Will try the cafe next time we go!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had an amazing day out with my three children and husband to this park. Plenty to see. Lots of lovely animals and many interesting facts for the children to read and explore. Some fun activities all around the zoo. Rides were spot on for my just turned 4 year old. Older kids had a laugh too. Wonderful play areas. Food was very good quality and something for everyone. Would definitely recommend feeding the brightly coloured birds was my favourite part of the day. Very impressed. Look forward to returning.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Another visit to Drusilla's today. We have been coming for years with our son who is now 6 and it is well worth the journey from Portsmouth. There is just so much to do - my son and his friend were kept entertained all day - which is not an easy task. I really can't recommend this place highly enough!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Thanks to everyone at Drusillas today, they all made us feel so welcome. Sarah has always wanted to see an armadillo and Drusillas made it happen.
We spent the day having fun looking at all the animals, but Gretel the armadillo was the high light.
I'd recommend this zoo to anyone, as you feel so close too the animals, it doesn't feel like a zoo. The staff are very friendly and very knowledgeable.
What a great day we've had.
We spent the day having fun looking at all the animals, but Gretel the armadillo was the high light.
I'd recommend this zoo to anyone, as you feel so close too the animals, it doesn't feel like a zoo. The staff are very friendly and very knowledgeable.
What a great day we've had.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I had a wonderful day with my daughter and her two sons. Harry, the elder grandson, (aged 9) was Keeper for the Day, and said it was the best day of his life. He so enjoyed seeing so many animals close up, feeding and stroking them. My daughter and I took turns to be with Harry and his guide, and loved going behind the scenes, and into the enclosures. Even not doing that, being with the younger grandson and seeing his obvious enjoyment was a real pleasure. We all learned so much from our day, and look forward to coming back, when Harry's brother can be Keeper for the Day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I went here for something to do on a trip with my family and we loved it we have been to many zoos around the country and we always compare them to our local zoo which is Colchester and drusillas matched it equally the only reason I never gave it 5 stars is I thought it was a bit pricey for the size Colchester zoo is only a few quid dearer and there is a lot more to do but saying that there is some things at drusillas that would be great at Colchester zoo like feeding the lorikeets which was great but if anyone likes a zoo then drusillas is a must
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having suffered Legoland I was nervous about taking my boys to a well-known attraction during the school holidays. We visited on a Monday which was dry and sunny. Drusillas is part zoo and part theme park aimed squarely at younger children. We spent about 2 hours looking at all the animals - because you can see them all in their enclosures unlike many zoos - then spent about the same length of time in the adventure play areas. It is pretty costly to get in but after that there is very little else to pay for so you don't feel exploited. Even the shops and restaurants aren't extortionate although we brought a picnic.
As we left mid afternoon I noticed that the overflow car park was half full but the park didn't feel crowded and we didn't have to wait longer than 5 minutes to get on any of the rides in Hello Kitty world.
As we left mid afternoon I noticed that the overflow car park was half full but the park didn't feel crowded and we didn't have to wait longer than 5 minutes to get on any of the rides in Hello Kitty world.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I've been going with my daughter for 3 years, she's now 5. Drusillas is well thought out, can do different routes and activities which is like going to a new place each time.
The Discoverers restaurant I find best value with a wider range of good food options.
We like the, Staff, easy parking, facilities [including baby changing, child toilet seats and wash basins. Lots to do all year round indoors and outside.
The Discoverers restaurant I find best value with a wider range of good food options.
We like the, Staff, easy parking, facilities [including baby changing, child toilet seats and wash basins. Lots to do all year round indoors and outside.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
To be honest, park was fine, but I was less then impressed with the price, taste and quality of the restaurants food, it was served up by the friendly restaurant staff, but the floor and chairs were disgusting, I am pretty sure the pizza has made me sick, i had the meat feast pizza and chips, it wasn't a pleasant taste, but there was no way I was going to throw away food at those prices, so I forced myself to eat it, it was only a small slice, but now I am paying the price for that dodgy pizza. I'm sick as a parrot.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Excellent place for under 12 yr olds. Good food halls. Several great rides. Many many rare animals. Face painting etc.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Second time visiting drusillas. Great for kids & adults ( our party ranged from 1yr - 60yrs) and all thoroughly enjoyed it. There is such a lot to do there that you could easily stay the whole day. Outside play area brilliant and hello kitty rides were very much enjoyed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lots of things to do and see for little kids and interesting for adults too. My Grandson loved Thomas the Tank Engine.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went as a couple without children as we were in the area and my partner loves zoos and animals. It was good, and had animals we hadn't seen in other zoos. They have a great farm yard section which I hadn't seen at many others. We did however manage to complete it in 2 hours because it's not as big as some of the others. There was, however, a lot of children's activities and playgrounds as well as mazes and a mini train for small children to play on which make a good day for children. The food was also cheap which I was surprised about, as usually these kinds of attractions charge a fortune for food. Good picnic areas too if you were to bring your own food.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited here in the summer holidays, our visit was because there was a teenage mutant ninja turtles meet and greet and my son is a big fan.
We arrived late morning, it was busy so we had to park in the very last field, we had pre booked tickets so it was cheaper.
We took our sons three wheeled scooters so that they could get round easily, but when we went through the ticket booth the young lady very rudely said you can't take the scooters in! We asked why and she said for health and safety reasons, we said well it doesn't say anything about this on your website and she said no it's new! So we had to trudge back to the car to drop off the restricted scooters, considering our car was parked in the furthest field this was a right pain!
Plus once inside we was shocked to see lots of children on scooters! How ridiculous!
We had a lovely time here, the animals are all on the children's eye level so they can see them with ease, our children especially enjoyed the meerkats and penguins, we took a packed lunch and there is lots of tables to sit and eat.
The teenage mutant ninja turtles meet and greet was fab, we got some great pictures with them.
Sadly after this the heavens opened and it just rained constantly, we had a drink in the cafe to keep out of the rain, but sadly had to leave after this as the rain did not stop! So we didn't get to do everything we wanted to do, but we have been here many times before so it wasn't too bad.
Will return for sure as its perfect for kids and so much to see and do.
We arrived late morning, it was busy so we had to park in the very last field, we had pre booked tickets so it was cheaper.
We took our sons three wheeled scooters so that they could get round easily, but when we went through the ticket booth the young lady very rudely said you can't take the scooters in! We asked why and she said for health and safety reasons, we said well it doesn't say anything about this on your website and she said no it's new! So we had to trudge back to the car to drop off the restricted scooters, considering our car was parked in the furthest field this was a right pain!
Plus once inside we was shocked to see lots of children on scooters! How ridiculous!
We had a lovely time here, the animals are all on the children's eye level so they can see them with ease, our children especially enjoyed the meerkats and penguins, we took a packed lunch and there is lots of tables to sit and eat.
The teenage mutant ninja turtles meet and greet was fab, we got some great pictures with them.
Sadly after this the heavens opened and it just rained constantly, we had a drink in the cafe to keep out of the rain, but sadly had to leave after this as the rain did not stop! So we didn't get to do everything we wanted to do, but we have been here many times before so it wasn't too bad.
Will return for sure as its perfect for kids and so much to see and do.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The zoo part is great. The kids had little tasks to along the route, like testing their pulling strength to compare it to animals. The animals were all visible and active.
The play area is excellent and suits all ages and the Hello Kitty themed ride were perfect for my toddler.
It's also exceptionally clean with not a single piece of rubbish in sight.
The play area is excellent and suits all ages and the Hello Kitty themed ride were perfect for my toddler.
It's also exceptionally clean with not a single piece of rubbish in sight.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My daughter had wanted to be a zookeeper for her birthday treat. She had the best day she wants to go back next year and do it all over again. she had lots of close up encounters with all the animals (after having to clear up the poo which all good zookeepers need to know how to do) She loved seeing behind the scenes and we understand the zookeeper who was supposed to be with our daughter called in sick that had no impact on her day whatsoever, they just delegated someone else.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Time was we went to Drusillas to see the animals. The zoo is still an important element but the park now contains playgrounds, a spooky maze, a Hello Kitty secret garden and a train ride on Thomas the Tank Engine. For inquisitive children the zoo contains much hands-on educational information and for the simply curious there are plenty of animals to wonder at. For my very active grand children the highlight was the playground. There are several for different age groups and although only 4 and 6 they enjoyed the big slides and quite demanding climbs. Off season and quiet it was very pleasant. During school holidays Drusillas can be very crowded. However there is enough to do to make the visit last all day.There are several cafes and the coffee in some of them is good. Although entry is expensive, once you are in the attractions are mainly included. It is good value for the money if you stay long enough to exhaust the possibilities!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I don't have children so I don't go to too many of these places but my friends twins often drag me around and wow!
There is soooo much to do here! We were here for hours on a Saturday and we still didn't get to do everything we wanted! There were SO many children but because there is so much to see you didn't feel like it.
My only negative that I thought the entry was a bit expensive and expecting children over 2 to pay the same as an adult seems stupid!?
Either way we will be back to explore some more soon! :)
There is soooo much to do here! We were here for hours on a Saturday and we still didn't get to do everything we wanted! There were SO many children but because there is so much to see you didn't feel like it.
My only negative that I thought the entry was a bit expensive and expecting children over 2 to pay the same as an adult seems stupid!?
Either way we will be back to explore some more soon! :)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I'm sure that this is the place that inspired Julie Felix to sing that well known song in 1970. We have been visiting Drusillas for the past 30 years or so and have seen it grow and grow into the magnificent attraction that it is. One of the best days out for the whole family not only on the south coast but possibly in the whole country. I have not reviewed Drusillas before, assuming everybody has heard and know of its existence, but for the few that haven't it's a must day out if you're anywhere down south. Lots to see and do, the list is endless:- The zoo with its array of well kept animals and lots of opportunities for interaction; the play areas for different ages; Thomas the Tank train rides; Hello Kitty area with rides; the usual gift shops etc., cafes and picnic areas to name just a few. One thing we have yet to do is the 'keeper for the day' which we hope to do for our 7 year old granddaughter this summer. The entry price is very reasonable compared with its competitors. I haven't yet mentioned the staff - they are all very friendly, helpful and informative particularly about the animals. Check it out for yourselves, you won't be dissapointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went here on a wet day and to be honest wasn't too sure what to expect.
I was pleasantly surprised however, there is a good selection of animals that all looked well looked after.
Real highlights were watching the Beavers, feeding the lorikeets, the amazing bingturongs and the various monkeys.
The price is fairly high to get in, but better value if you have kids that would enjoy the rides or Thomas the tank engine train ride.
We ate in the cafe, food very nice but a bit expensive at nearly £20.00 for 2 fairly small meals and 2 hot drinks.
The zoo is small compared to others around, and doesn't have any of the usual 'big' animals such as tigers, giraffes etc but is still well worth a visit.
Overall I was impressed and am sure to come back.
I was pleasantly surprised however, there is a good selection of animals that all looked well looked after.
Real highlights were watching the Beavers, feeding the lorikeets, the amazing bingturongs and the various monkeys.
The price is fairly high to get in, but better value if you have kids that would enjoy the rides or Thomas the tank engine train ride.
We ate in the cafe, food very nice but a bit expensive at nearly £20.00 for 2 fairly small meals and 2 hot drinks.
The zoo is small compared to others around, and doesn't have any of the usual 'big' animals such as tigers, giraffes etc but is still well worth a visit.
Overall I was impressed and am sure to come back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I couldn't rate this experience higher, the zoo keeper gave me loads of background on the zoo and on the penguins i was feeding, she was very kind and helpful and made me feel very welcome.
When I wasn't feeding the penguins we took our children around the park and they had a fantastic time not only seeing the animals but then in the play zones afterwards too.
Would highly recommend to anyone thinking about going for the day.
When I wasn't feeding the penguins we took our children around the park and they had a fantastic time not only seeing the animals but then in the play zones afterwards too.
Would highly recommend to anyone thinking about going for the day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
