Drusillas Park
Latest Reviews
We love this place !! We came last year too . So much to see and do for little ones and so safe . Staff are all so welcoming and helpful too . We will be back again in june . Thank you for a lovely day
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I used to visit this zoo when I was younger and recently took my little boy for his 3rd birthday. The zoo itself was as I remembered it - very hands on and fun for little people. Even though it was raining, we had lots of fun seeing all the animals and pressing lots of buttons, pulling levers and lifting up panels! It was just a pity that some other customers couldn't read "entrance" and "exit" so we found ourselves getting caught up at certain points when people were trying to come in the exit. Grrrr!
The Thomas ride is quite short and probably not worth visiting Drusilla's for on its own but my little boy enjoyed it. Hello Kitty's secret garden has some little rides that are fun for toddlers and the queues weren't too bad either. The little shop has both Thomas and Hello Kitty merchandise with products for all budgets.
Overall we had a great day. If the weather was better we could have spent much longer at the park- especially in the playground and splash park. Recommend for families, especially those with kids under 5.
The Thomas ride is quite short and probably not worth visiting Drusilla's for on its own but my little boy enjoyed it. Hello Kitty's secret garden has some little rides that are fun for toddlers and the queues weren't too bad either. The little shop has both Thomas and Hello Kitty merchandise with products for all budgets.
Overall we had a great day. If the weather was better we could have spent much longer at the park- especially in the playground and splash park. Recommend for families, especially those with kids under 5.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Amazing place, enjoyable even for adults even maybe we enjoyed it more than all the kids around us 😊 would love to go again :-)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited Drusillas for the first time this week with my 4 & 6 year old daughters.
I was worried about how busy it would be since it was half term and a rare sunny day but it wasn't a problem. Although it was busy the layout of the park means it's rarely overcrowded in 1 particular place.
My daughters loved it and have asked to go back every day since!
My one negative point was the pay as you go rides inside the park, like the bouncy castle slide, rock climbing wall and various machines around the park. When you've paid for a family of 4 to enter the park it is annoying when your children see these added things and want them as well.
I was worried about how busy it would be since it was half term and a rare sunny day but it wasn't a problem. Although it was busy the layout of the park means it's rarely overcrowded in 1 particular place.
My daughters loved it and have asked to go back every day since!
My one negative point was the pay as you go rides inside the park, like the bouncy castle slide, rock climbing wall and various machines around the park. When you've paid for a family of 4 to enter the park it is annoying when your children see these added things and want them as well.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My 13 year old daughter spent today as Zoo Keeper for the day and had a fantastic time. She shadowed Zoo Keeper Sian James who was great and very informative, she answered all the questions my daughter and I had and more. Personalised service and the care for the animals was second to non. We'd like to thank Sian for making it such a fantastic day, I'm sure we will be back for more.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Took our 11 month old daughter and 4 year old nephew. They loved it!!! There are loads of farm animals and plenty of zoo type animals.
Great play area for the kids. The main attraction seems to be the Thomas train.
Will definitely be going back in the summer.
Great play area for the kids. The main attraction seems to be the Thomas train.
Will definitely be going back in the summer.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I did wonder if it wasn't an "age appropriate" activity for someone of my age when I first booked to do this but needn't have had any worries. From the warm welcome at Reception to the fascinating, friendly and knowledgeable Julie, my assigned keeper, the whole day was fantastic. It was exciting and enlightening to get so close to so many varied animals, from mucking out meerkats, feeding penguins, tickling capybaras and handling a royal python. Lunch was included at The Explorer's Cafe and a presentation folder containing a certificate and reminder of the day's activities was given at the end of the day. We were so busy with our zookeeping activities that I didn't have time to visit all the animals and exhibits before it started raining. I will definitely return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went on a Sunday with my god son who needs a wheel chair to get around. Had a fabulous time & he was made up! Brilliant facilities for wheel chairs & the stamp book with the animals to spot as you go around is a great idea. Considering how busy the car park was (Sunday in the Easter Holidays) it didn't feel cramped or over crowded inside.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We've not visited Drusillas for years but it was popular with our children when they were growing up.
We decided to visit again as we wanted to do something special for my 85 year old mum and we knew they had meerkats, which she loves.
I rang Drusillas to ask about the best times to see them and spoke with Charlotte who was really helpful. She suggested I thought about buying The Meerkat Experience. I talked it over with my husband and we went ahead and booked but kept it a secret from mum. She was thrilled when we arrived at Drusillas. I hadn't realised she'd never been there before! We arrived around lunchtime and had lunch in The Explorers. The haddock and chips was delicious - far better than we expected and on a par with any restaurant. We all enjoyed the wander around the park, especially getting close to the lemurs and the lorikeets. We even went on the little ride around the park on the train! It was great to be kids again!
I told mum we had to go to the visitors centre at a certain time and bluffed it was something to do with payment. Gemma, the keeper arrived and we marched mum off to the meerkats.
It was a wonderful surprise for her and the look on her face was priceless!
She spent at least half an hour with the meerkats and we captured many photos of them sitting on her lap, her shoulder and her head! Gemma was brilliant! She answered all of mum's questions and told her so much about them.
Although I, initially, thought the price for the experience was expensive, (£75 - which covered admission for two and the experience for one) it WAS during the school Easter holidays, when everything is more costly but we all feel it was worth every penny. It was a day none of us will ever forget and mum described it as 'one of the best days of my life!'
Although I've had to choose Family(teens) under 'What sort of visit was this?' The youngest visitor was 31. There seems to be no category for groups of adults!
We decided to visit again as we wanted to do something special for my 85 year old mum and we knew they had meerkats, which she loves.
I rang Drusillas to ask about the best times to see them and spoke with Charlotte who was really helpful. She suggested I thought about buying The Meerkat Experience. I talked it over with my husband and we went ahead and booked but kept it a secret from mum. She was thrilled when we arrived at Drusillas. I hadn't realised she'd never been there before! We arrived around lunchtime and had lunch in The Explorers. The haddock and chips was delicious - far better than we expected and on a par with any restaurant. We all enjoyed the wander around the park, especially getting close to the lemurs and the lorikeets. We even went on the little ride around the park on the train! It was great to be kids again!
I told mum we had to go to the visitors centre at a certain time and bluffed it was something to do with payment. Gemma, the keeper arrived and we marched mum off to the meerkats.
It was a wonderful surprise for her and the look on her face was priceless!
She spent at least half an hour with the meerkats and we captured many photos of them sitting on her lap, her shoulder and her head! Gemma was brilliant! She answered all of mum's questions and told her so much about them.
Although I, initially, thought the price for the experience was expensive, (£75 - which covered admission for two and the experience for one) it WAS during the school Easter holidays, when everything is more costly but we all feel it was worth every penny. It was a day none of us will ever forget and mum described it as 'one of the best days of my life!'
Although I've had to choose Family(teens) under 'What sort of visit was this?' The youngest visitor was 31. There seems to be no category for groups of adults!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have been members here for 15 years now. We visit at least once a month and are always amazed at how much has been added/ improved over this time. The relatively recent addition of the Hello Kitty attraction has certainly increased our return rate as our 3 year old adores all the rides.
Our most recent visit to see the Gruffulo ( very cool) was also combined with a visit to the new Splash Zone area. It is fantastic, even on a very chilly March day our youngest couldn't resist having a run around.
The staff and volunteers are always polite and helpful even on the busiest days. I would like to mention that even on these seemingly hectic days ( usually due to a visiting character) there is still somewhere to park/sit/eat/play thanks to the fantastic layout and organisation of the park.
Looking forward to seeing the new Serval enclosure and hoping to get a proper peek at the brand new baby Sloth next time ( and maybe one day the armadillo.......)
Our most recent visit to see the Gruffulo ( very cool) was also combined with a visit to the new Splash Zone area. It is fantastic, even on a very chilly March day our youngest couldn't resist having a run around.
The staff and volunteers are always polite and helpful even on the busiest days. I would like to mention that even on these seemingly hectic days ( usually due to a visiting character) there is still somewhere to park/sit/eat/play thanks to the fantastic layout and organisation of the park.
Looking forward to seeing the new Serval enclosure and hoping to get a proper peek at the brand new baby Sloth next time ( and maybe one day the armadillo.......)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have visited many times and both my daughters have had zoo keeper experiences for their tenth birthday treat (2013 and 2016). I looked into the details for lots of other junior zoo keeper experiences but Drusillas offered the most interesting and varied experience for the money. Their helpers were lovely both times and they had a really full day. Both my girls had a wonderful and memorable time.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a family day out.
Arrived @ 10am left @ 5pm G/Children were on the go all day and loved it as did we.
Won't say this place is popular but we got to the entry gate at 10am and had to park in the overflow car park.
Living 15mins away we go past regularly and can see the overflow parking area from the road and it is frequently in use and quite full.
Arrived @ 10am left @ 5pm G/Children were on the go all day and loved it as did we.
Won't say this place is popular but we got to the entry gate at 10am and had to park in the overflow car park.
Living 15mins away we go past regularly and can see the overflow parking area from the road and it is frequently in use and quite full.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The sun was shining and we had a lovely family day. Plenty to do and staff all friendly and helpful. Toilets were really clean and plenty of areas to sit down. Its split in to zoo and play area. Perfect!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Another nice day at Drusillas with my son, the Gruffalo was there today. Always pretty busy in the holidays but lots to do and see.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great place to take little kids, my daughter ( age 5 ) had a wonderful time. Think probably age 9/10 upwards wouldn't get so much out of it.
Meeting Hello Kitty was probably the highlight of the day.
Meeting Hello Kitty was probably the highlight of the day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Despite the windy weather we decided to venture out on the bank holiday and pay a visit to Drusillas with our three children (aged 5, 2 and 9 months). I am so pleased we did! There were so many things for the children to do, the older two loved the Hello Kitty Secret garden and the baby really enjoyed going on the baby swings and the indoor soft play centre. We had a great lunch with all tastes catered for (the kids loved the jacket potatoes) and we loved seeing all the animals, especially feeding the birds and watching the penguins. The staff were so helpful and polite. All in all a very successful day (and it was a whole day- we arrived at 10 and left at 5, and it's no mean feat to keep 3 under 5's entertained all day) Thank you Drusillas! We will be back in August to meet Ben and Holly!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went to Drusillas with the prime aim of seeing their rockhopper penguin (I have a bit of an obsession).
As some other reviewers have commented, the price seemed a little steep. However, once inside we realised that it was well worth it.
All the animals appeared settled. The reptiles were among the most active we've seen, which made a pleasant change from just seeing them huddled in a corner.
The spider monkeys were fascinating, and had no issues with having an audience when they were fed.
The various walkways were novel and informative. Being targeted by the lorikeets was an experience!
Seeing a day old sloth was an added bonus.
We finally got to see the rockhopper at the penguin feeding time, which made my day.
Although we don't have kids, the park seems designed with them in mind. There are activities throughout, including several animal related challenges (most of which I would've attempted if my husband hadn't threatened me with the camcorder). The play area was big with many exciting looking bits of equipments. There are also Hello Kitty and Thomas the Tank Engine attractions.
On top of all this, the park was clean and tidy. The staff were very approachable and informative.
All in all, a very good day out.
As some other reviewers have commented, the price seemed a little steep. However, once inside we realised that it was well worth it.
All the animals appeared settled. The reptiles were among the most active we've seen, which made a pleasant change from just seeing them huddled in a corner.
The spider monkeys were fascinating, and had no issues with having an audience when they were fed.
The various walkways were novel and informative. Being targeted by the lorikeets was an experience!
Seeing a day old sloth was an added bonus.
We finally got to see the rockhopper at the penguin feeding time, which made my day.
Although we don't have kids, the park seems designed with them in mind. There are activities throughout, including several animal related challenges (most of which I would've attempted if my husband hadn't threatened me with the camcorder). The play area was big with many exciting looking bits of equipments. There are also Hello Kitty and Thomas the Tank Engine attractions.
On top of all this, the park was clean and tidy. The staff were very approachable and informative.
All in all, a very good day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My partner and our 18 month old son have been to the attraction before, however today has been the best day we have been, the weather was amazing, despite expensive entry fees which to be fair are worth it if your going to stay there all day. We went on the Thomas train around the park which was enjoyable, and the play park is amazing followed by the hello kitty tea cups & mini car ride ons and saw lots and lots of animals! Very worth visiting! Loved it and will consider getting an annual pass for when our son turns 2!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This zoo has some animals that I've never heard of before, never mind seen! The enclosures are very well designed and didn't make me feel sad for the animals being kept there, like some zoos do. Nice, too, that it has a route marked out - as I have no sense of direction, this prevented me going around in circles like I often do in such places!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went here on Saturday with my niece and her young children.An ideal place for families,loads of things to do including play areas,water play zones,Hello Kitty area,Thomas train ride and of course the animals
There is a zoo walk which is very well designed and informative.The animals look well cared for and we saw a day old baby sloth as well as the snowy owl I adopted for one of my great nieces.
I understand the comments re food but take a picnic and there are areas for you to eat it.
Love the place
There is a zoo walk which is very well designed and informative.The animals look well cared for and we saw a day old baby sloth as well as the snowy owl I adopted for one of my great nieces.
I understand the comments re food but take a picnic and there are areas for you to eat it.
Love the place
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Spent a few hours looking at the animals before my daughter (9) had her merkat experience. It was great she prepared tge food. Held dome bugs then when into the enclosure with the merkat and zoo keeper, sat down on a rock and fed them, they climbed over her she coukd stroke and hand feed them. I her element a good 45 minutes of sweetness.
Even though it was cold we could easily find space to sit and eat or drink. Food reasonable prices too.
Even though it was cold we could easily find space to sit and eat or drink. Food reasonable prices too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have visited the park 3 times in the last 12 months as my daughter loves it. My only criticism is about the food. £18 something for 2 portions of chicken nuggets, a hot dog and some chips and drinks is double what you would pay anywhere else. I would expect restaurant quality food for those prices! Last time our burgers were like cardboard and didn't enjoy them at all. This time the chicken nuggets were stone cold. I took them back and was brought some freshly cooked ones soon after. These were then over cooked, maybe this was a message from the kitchen? After these past two experiences I think it is safe to say that I will be taking packed lunch from now on. I would like to give the rest of the park 5 stars though!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited on good Friday and although busy it wasn't unbearable like some places. The crowds spread out pretty quick.
It's probably aimed at younger children thinking of the rides in particular and the animals are the kind that appeal to younger kids but I honestly think anyone could enjoy this.
We arrived at 10, I will admit I was a little surprised that anyone over 2 years old pays full adult price but they do do family deals and I believe you can book online to save. The annual membership was appealing too although we live too far for this. We stayed right until it closed though so more than got our money's worth.
Once we got in, my little girl at 20 months was hooked. She absolutely LOVED the little monkeys and we got a treat when a tamarin caught a locust for us. She loved the animals, the little farm area was a hit and the pets area too. We caught a couple of talks which were great and saw someone feeding the meerkats. Lots going on to keep her entertained. For older kids too there's a zoolympics (and I'll add the men LOVED this, there was a bit of a competition going on the climb up and ring the bell feature). There's also a stamp book they can collect too, the kids not the blokes.
What really impressed me though we're the shops and stalls. Not too expensive for lunch considering other zoos we have visited. The shops had a fantastic choice too and they were reasonable prices.
Amazing play area indoors and out, all really clean and well kept, I even mentioned this to a lady on the till who explained the areas are regularly deep cleaned, which you can tell. The play areas had so much going on, things to mess with in buckets that make funny noises, buttons to press etc.
My only disappointment is that we live up north and can't come again easily, I'd be snapping their hand off for a membership!
It's probably aimed at younger children thinking of the rides in particular and the animals are the kind that appeal to younger kids but I honestly think anyone could enjoy this.
We arrived at 10, I will admit I was a little surprised that anyone over 2 years old pays full adult price but they do do family deals and I believe you can book online to save. The annual membership was appealing too although we live too far for this. We stayed right until it closed though so more than got our money's worth.
Once we got in, my little girl at 20 months was hooked. She absolutely LOVED the little monkeys and we got a treat when a tamarin caught a locust for us. She loved the animals, the little farm area was a hit and the pets area too. We caught a couple of talks which were great and saw someone feeding the meerkats. Lots going on to keep her entertained. For older kids too there's a zoolympics (and I'll add the men LOVED this, there was a bit of a competition going on the climb up and ring the bell feature). There's also a stamp book they can collect too, the kids not the blokes.
What really impressed me though we're the shops and stalls. Not too expensive for lunch considering other zoos we have visited. The shops had a fantastic choice too and they were reasonable prices.
Amazing play area indoors and out, all really clean and well kept, I even mentioned this to a lady on the till who explained the areas are regularly deep cleaned, which you can tell. The play areas had so much going on, things to mess with in buckets that make funny noises, buttons to press etc.
My only disappointment is that we live up north and can't come again easily, I'd be snapping their hand off for a membership!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a wonderful day at Drusillas - I couldn't fault the place. The staff & volunteers were very friendly, the animals are well looked after in nice enclosures, the children's play areas are fantastic and kept us amused for hours, there's loads of areas you can enjoy your own picnic, the toilets and baby change areas are squeaky-clean, and the place is SPOTLESS! There are comments on here stating that it's overpriced but, although it's not a cheap day out for a family, in this case you get what you pay for and I could see where the money is spent and was happy with the entrance price. Highly recommended!
There was a lovely lady in the Lemur enclosure (I've forgotten her name but she wore a volunteers badge, dark hair, Irish accent) who was magnificent! She had so much knowledge on these cheeky creatures and it was a pleasure to see someone so enthusiastic and cheerful, thank you!
There was a lovely lady in the Lemur enclosure (I've forgotten her name but she wore a volunteers badge, dark hair, Irish accent) who was magnificent! She had so much knowledge on these cheeky creatures and it was a pleasure to see someone so enthusiastic and cheerful, thank you!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Nice day out, however better if you have children. Went as a family (however we were the "old children "!!)Not fantastically mobility friendly as one of us was on crutches. Animals were great however the food /refreshments were a little limited and poorly priced
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
