Drusillas Park
Latest Reviews
We bought a close encounters experience for our daughters birthday (14 year old twins). One went in with the meerkats & the other with the penguins. They loved it. They both came away saying they enjoyed it much more than they thought they would. For the duration, they both had that 'bursting with excitement' face on, that we hadn't seen since they were little, as we're too cool now ;-).
It was excellent value for money, when you add up what you get for the experience, compared to the equivalent at a well known zoo in the heart of Kent.
Both daughters got a behind the scene's tour, which was interesting, A parent is allowed to accompany. For the meerkat encounter, my daughter had to catch the live grasshoppers, she was going to feed them- quite a giggle. She ended up with 5 meerkats sitting on her at once, which she loved. For the penguins, my other daughter got to feed them their fish by hand, which she enjoyed aswell.
We were by far the eldest children there, but everyone, adults included, revert to children at Drusilla's, and have a lovely day out. The keepers were great at helping the girls feel at ease for the duration of their encounter. Would definitely recommend it.
It was excellent value for money, when you add up what you get for the experience, compared to the equivalent at a well known zoo in the heart of Kent.
Both daughters got a behind the scene's tour, which was interesting, A parent is allowed to accompany. For the meerkat encounter, my daughter had to catch the live grasshoppers, she was going to feed them- quite a giggle. She ended up with 5 meerkats sitting on her at once, which she loved. For the penguins, my other daughter got to feed them their fish by hand, which she enjoyed aswell.
We were by far the eldest children there, but everyone, adults included, revert to children at Drusilla's, and have a lovely day out. The keepers were great at helping the girls feel at ease for the duration of their encounter. Would definitely recommend it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We love visiting Drusillas with our little lad and he loves it too. He can't get enough of the animals or the hello kitty world. Recommended!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a solid, if slightly uninspiring, theme park. It is good for small children, probably not so great for bigger ones. I was going t o write a better review until I went to another park that blew this one clean out of the water!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Drusillas never disappoints. I hadn't been since I had my daughter and was very pleased to find the hello kitty world.
Visiting in summer holidays I was worried we would be swept along but not the case, we had plenty of time to watch the animals, pick our favourites, see feeding time and never felt hurried despite the car park being full- where were they hiding?!
The play area was crowded but my daughter and niece are too young to enjoy this area at the moment- I saw no children complain though, everybody looked like they were having fun.
The park was clean and animals well kept. The staff were helpful and friendly.
We stopped for a drink and ice cream which weren't cheap but not too expensive compared to other attraction places.
All in all plenty to see and do, clean, friendly and informative, great rides for little ones and good food and drink selection for the big ones!
Visiting in summer holidays I was worried we would be swept along but not the case, we had plenty of time to watch the animals, pick our favourites, see feeding time and never felt hurried despite the car park being full- where were they hiding?!
The play area was crowded but my daughter and niece are too young to enjoy this area at the moment- I saw no children complain though, everybody looked like they were having fun.
The park was clean and animals well kept. The staff were helpful and friendly.
We stopped for a drink and ice cream which weren't cheap but not too expensive compared to other attraction places.
All in all plenty to see and do, clean, friendly and informative, great rides for little ones and good food and drink selection for the big ones!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Each time we have visited drusillas we have used Tesco vouchers to pay, this is a very cost effective way of doing it as it's £6 of points per person, the online and on the door prices aren't too bad but perhaps a touch too expensive considering what is on offer, though the new Hello Kitty bit has expanded the park well.
The first bit here I find a bit difficult as everyone is going through it because it's the main route and not very big and there are lots of animals to see. It can pay to break off this route either through the door leading to the Oasis Cafe or the zoo bypass shortcut route, so you can then do the other side of the park (rides, thomas train etc) and do the zoo a bit later.....it made it a lot more enjoyable.
We went in school holidays and was anticipating it being really busy....but it wasn't.....it was really good, no real queuing for anything, no problems getting round with a buggy.
All the animal enclosures are in good condition and we got to see all of the animals, love walking through with the posing ring tailed lemurs.
Thomas ride was fun as always, we went on twice. Our girls loved the 3 new Helly Kitty rides, we went on all of these twice as there were not queues, on the teacups we just asked to go around again as nobody was queuing! We didn't do much in the way of food....we had a couple of ice creams and a large chips at the end....the chips were average.
Staff were friendly and helpful, no problems there. Several gift shops selling the usually array of bits, prices seemed typical. During this visit we stayed right until the end which he haven't done in the past, they try and speed people getting up by telling them car park gates are locked at 18:15....15 minutes after park closing!!....
We'll be back in the next few years.
The first bit here I find a bit difficult as everyone is going through it because it's the main route and not very big and there are lots of animals to see. It can pay to break off this route either through the door leading to the Oasis Cafe or the zoo bypass shortcut route, so you can then do the other side of the park (rides, thomas train etc) and do the zoo a bit later.....it made it a lot more enjoyable.
We went in school holidays and was anticipating it being really busy....but it wasn't.....it was really good, no real queuing for anything, no problems getting round with a buggy.
All the animal enclosures are in good condition and we got to see all of the animals, love walking through with the posing ring tailed lemurs.
Thomas ride was fun as always, we went on twice. Our girls loved the 3 new Helly Kitty rides, we went on all of these twice as there were not queues, on the teacups we just asked to go around again as nobody was queuing! We didn't do much in the way of food....we had a couple of ice creams and a large chips at the end....the chips were average.
Staff were friendly and helpful, no problems there. Several gift shops selling the usually array of bits, prices seemed typical. During this visit we stayed right until the end which he haven't done in the past, they try and speed people getting up by telling them car park gates are locked at 18:15....15 minutes after park closing!!....
We'll be back in the next few years.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As a family we do like Drusillas Park. Not a place we would goto lots but a visit once or twice a year is great for families with younger kids.
The entry price is pretty good at £62 for a family of four booked online.
There is a well maintained zoo with the smaller types of animals, a farm bit, a
Thomas the tank engine bit, some play areas and 3 little rides in the Hello Kitty part. We were there for it opening at 10 and had comfortably done it all by 3.
I would have given the attraction 3 1/2 stars and said it was good and not very good.
Our main feedback/improvements would be,
*drusillas never seems to change too much. Not much to offer repeat visitors.
*parts of the park need some TLC and look tired - the Tellytubby bit housing the guinea pigs for example
*drusillas have also started charging for extra attractions in the park which we dislike, £3 per child for a dino dig and extra for a big slide and mining for gold (not sure of the price). Just blatant attempt to get more money from families.
*quality of food in restaurants is generally poorer than most places like this
The entry price is pretty good at £62 for a family of four booked online.
There is a well maintained zoo with the smaller types of animals, a farm bit, a
Thomas the tank engine bit, some play areas and 3 little rides in the Hello Kitty part. We were there for it opening at 10 and had comfortably done it all by 3.
I would have given the attraction 3 1/2 stars and said it was good and not very good.
Our main feedback/improvements would be,
*drusillas never seems to change too much. Not much to offer repeat visitors.
*parts of the park need some TLC and look tired - the Tellytubby bit housing the guinea pigs for example
*drusillas have also started charging for extra attractions in the park which we dislike, £3 per child for a dino dig and extra for a big slide and mining for gold (not sure of the price). Just blatant attempt to get more money from families.
*quality of food in restaurants is generally poorer than most places like this
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A truly wonderful, educational park set amongst the rolling Sussex hills is Drusillas. This is a non stop, fully interactive park, with just so much to see and do. The massive added bonus was the lagoon for kids to cool down, calm down and parents to relax and have drink by the pool side kiosk. Such a wonderful place than my daughter and her best friend said 'This place is better than Disney!'. Now that's an accolade! We can't wait to go back agin for one of the themed weekends! We can't wait to visit for the Christmas themed event!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited using tesco vouchers during school holidays. Great! A full day of fun, zoo was quite busy but plenty to see and do. Rides in hello kitty suitable for younger children and queues not too long even mid holidays. Adventure playground really great for all ages of kids. Woild definately visit again
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It has a bizarre layout at the beginning. After you have paid to enter you are forced to walk a claustrophobic route with everyone else, not good. We broke away and managed to do the park in reverse order, which was much more enjoyable
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We took our son and 6 of his friends to Drusillas for his 8th Birthday party on Saturday 22nd August. The weather was on our side but it was an amazing day. All of the children were fully entertained. We went from one thing to another, there was so much for the children to do. Luke was fantastic serving us for the birthday tea. The food was great and the kids weren't contained they could still be children without anybody judging their behaviour. The perfect place for an 8 year old boys birthday and worth every penny. I would go as far as to say it is probably the best party I have done and I also have a 16 year old daughter !
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having visited the park last week, I can see why people buy an annual pass. It was a fantastic day out for any family with young children.
My expectations for the zoo were pretty small but I was completely blown away by the animals we saw. There aren't your typical elephants and giraffes but the monkeys, penguins, birds etc were amazing. The layout, conditions and environment were good, the animals were in what appeared to be good spacious enclosures. All the way round there are loads of interactive quizzes and experiments for the children to take part in which were educational and fun.
The adventure park was massive and we could have stayed there all day, it was well partitioned between an area for young children and a larger area for over 5s. It had slides, zip wires, climbing frames,banana swings and an indoor play area.
The Thomas train was fun and good for adults and children, and it's a good way to chill for 15 minutes and catch your breath.
Our favourite area was the Eden maze which entertained my children for ages, it was really well put together and fun to do.
The hello kitty rides were aimed at under 7s really, older children and teenagers wouldn't be interested in this. I have boys and was worried they would moan it was 'girly' but they enjoyed all the rides.
The cleanliness, facilities, food, toilets etc were excellent and well maintained.
My only grumble about the day was the additional cost for some of the extras inside. There is a super inflatable penguin slide, but you have to pay to use. I have three children, having paid nearly £100 to get in with the family, I surely shouldnt have to pay extra for some of these other things? I would have given my rating full stars if this hadn't been the case.
I would return, but only once I've saved my pennies, it's a fab day out but will cost you!
My expectations for the zoo were pretty small but I was completely blown away by the animals we saw. There aren't your typical elephants and giraffes but the monkeys, penguins, birds etc were amazing. The layout, conditions and environment were good, the animals were in what appeared to be good spacious enclosures. All the way round there are loads of interactive quizzes and experiments for the children to take part in which were educational and fun.
The adventure park was massive and we could have stayed there all day, it was well partitioned between an area for young children and a larger area for over 5s. It had slides, zip wires, climbing frames,banana swings and an indoor play area.
The Thomas train was fun and good for adults and children, and it's a good way to chill for 15 minutes and catch your breath.
Our favourite area was the Eden maze which entertained my children for ages, it was really well put together and fun to do.
The hello kitty rides were aimed at under 7s really, older children and teenagers wouldn't be interested in this. I have boys and was worried they would moan it was 'girly' but they enjoyed all the rides.
The cleanliness, facilities, food, toilets etc were excellent and well maintained.
My only grumble about the day was the additional cost for some of the extras inside. There is a super inflatable penguin slide, but you have to pay to use. I have three children, having paid nearly £100 to get in with the family, I surely shouldnt have to pay extra for some of these other things? I would have given my rating full stars if this hadn't been the case.
I would return, but only once I've saved my pennies, it's a fab day out but will cost you!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great time at the park and no queues due to the wet weather. 3 children under 7 enjoyed the animals and the rides. Think visiting theme parks in the rain the way forward as long as your dressed for it like we were and don't mind missing out on a sunny day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The kids were always asking whether we could come here or not. So one day in July I took them. They really enjoyed theirselves, even I did. Great for kids and if love to return sometime soon!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited on a very rainy Monday in August, and almost decided to abandon what seemed like a crazy idea - visiting a zoo in torrential rain with a 6 year old and a 1 year old, but we are very glad we did.
We were given half price tickets for another visit because of the weather on arrival, but we managed to fit everything in. There were probably only about 100 or so visitors (presumably due to the weather) so we had no queuing and easy access to everything.
My husband and baby son hadn't been before, my daughter and I had, but it is the sort of place where both the first or repeat visits are worthwhile. The animals are an eclectic mix, from very rare monkeys to common cows, each has lots of information and there are indoor and outdoor enclosures, and covered walkways so even when it's very wet, you can spend plenty of time looking at the animals.
The enclosures are also smaller but less crowded than at other zoos, so it's easier to see the exhibits.
As well as the animals, there are rides and other attractions, including puzzles and quizzes, and a farming area. My 6-year-old is a Hello Kitty fan so loved the Secret Garden and both children killed an hour quite happily in the large, well equipped indoor play area (last time my daughter enjoyed the outdoor one so she was happy to have a dry alternative.
We ate in the Explorers Cafe, a good choice at reasonable prices, and the gift shops had a wide range of items as you'd expect, but wasn't ridiculously expensive.
All in all a very good day out.
We were given half price tickets for another visit because of the weather on arrival, but we managed to fit everything in. There were probably only about 100 or so visitors (presumably due to the weather) so we had no queuing and easy access to everything.
My husband and baby son hadn't been before, my daughter and I had, but it is the sort of place where both the first or repeat visits are worthwhile. The animals are an eclectic mix, from very rare monkeys to common cows, each has lots of information and there are indoor and outdoor enclosures, and covered walkways so even when it's very wet, you can spend plenty of time looking at the animals.
The enclosures are also smaller but less crowded than at other zoos, so it's easier to see the exhibits.
As well as the animals, there are rides and other attractions, including puzzles and quizzes, and a farming area. My 6-year-old is a Hello Kitty fan so loved the Secret Garden and both children killed an hour quite happily in the large, well equipped indoor play area (last time my daughter enjoyed the outdoor one so she was happy to have a dry alternative.
We ate in the Explorers Cafe, a good choice at reasonable prices, and the gift shops had a wide range of items as you'd expect, but wasn't ridiculously expensive.
All in all a very good day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited drussillars today and had a brilliant day! The weather was pouring down and still the kids had so much fun. They played for ages on the indoor play area, they also went on Thomas and loved Dino Dig! We had our lunch in the restaurant which great, it has a great salad bar for healthy choices and also lots of hot food to pick from. We loved it so much we decided to get a family membership as we know we will be back soon!!!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Came on a day visit whilst on holiday in Sussex, excellent day out had a really good time plenty to do and see, my lo was 3 at time of visit, and loved hello kitty world the most, facilities are clean with excellent disabled and baby changing facilities. Food a little expensive £20 for lunch for 3, would advise bring a picnic, but overall a great day out, will definitely visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Before we even walked into the park my eldest was stung. The place is full of wasps (big down side). Young girl disparate for 10 min to get my eldest a a bag of ice for wasp stink so we missed quite a few of the animals as she was distressed. In actual fact the kids (6 in total, 2 families) missed lots of the animals and weren't particularly interested. Got to the park side where they disappeared for an hr, moved onto the hello kitty land (very disappointed) 3 rides !! Kids had a play in the lagoon until a toddler decided to remove one poo filled nappy in water and then wash his bump !!! We vacated lagoon. No staff on hand at pool to witness this and be able to clean up or seek parents. In all honestly if it wasn't for the tescos vouchers I certainly wouldn't be paying the extortionate prices for this zoo/park. My view Colchester zoo is a lot better value for money and you get offers with them
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited here, pre booking to save on tickets. It was definitely worth the money. The whole day was taken up with, looking at animals, playing, splashing in the pool and going on rides. My kids are aged 2 and 5 and it had them entertained all day long. Definitely be visiting again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We took friends with children aged 9 and 11. I think we enjoyed it even more than they did! The animals are really well presented, with well kept and well designed habitats. What an interesting variety too.....many things we'd never heard of....fascinating. Masses for the kids to do and plenty of picnic areas, so you don't have to eat junk food...but it's all there if want it. Amazing place but it does get busy. Could spend the whole day just finding your way around.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited to celebrate my sons 2nd birthday, as he had just turned 2 he got in for free. We had a great time at the park, all the animals were out to see and there was lots to interact with throughout the park. The children enjoy the play park and we could have stayed for hours. I don't even think we got to see and do everything, Which is a good time because now we can go back and try to do it all again. This is a great day out, highly recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Show up before opening so you get most from day rides start at 11am grandson loved Thomas the tank engine and hello kitty he's 3 gets very busy later on in day. Not all rides are included in price payed £77.50 for 5 of us same price for grandson as adult Starbucks coffee was not great 😝 take swimming costume for child as paddling pool available
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fantastic day at Drusillas, so much to see, and something for everyone,the meerkats were so funny, the kids didn't want to come home, although they were shattered from all the running around and playing in the adventure play park with all it's different areas and attractions.
Hello Kitty was an added bonus for the little girl we had with us.
The whole day was fantastic, and great value for money, even the choice and quality of food was way above what one would expect at an attraction.
We will be back!
Hello Kitty was an added bonus for the little girl we had with us.
The whole day was fantastic, and great value for money, even the choice and quality of food was way above what one would expect at an attraction.
We will be back!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went with our 6 year old and 2 year old children and they loved it. The zoo has lots of interactive parts throughout and lots of unique animals. Very good lay out that meant you didn't miss anything on the way round. Not many toilets for the children though! Hello kitty land was great for our daughter and train ride was fun. Didn't have to pay for many extras which I liked. Food inside park was decent. Definitely recommend but very expensive, have to have specific Tesco vouchers in order to use them which we didn't!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very impressed with the staff , and especially the first aiders who assisted my family today. My adult daughter fainted twice and vomited. The staff were helpful and kind whilst respecting that I knew her and what was happening. Her long standing issue was soon under control with their help and we were offered every assistance.
A great day out even considering what happened.
Sent from my iPhone
A great day out even considering what happened.
Sent from my iPhone
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went with my wife and 5 year old. He loved the animal spotting booklet you pick up at the entrance, and was excited to stamp his book every time we saw the animals! The route through the park is easy to follow, with the kids play areas at the end. He spent hours in there, while we had a well earned coffee! Good was good and ok for the price. Thomas train ride was good fun, with the fat controller there that day. Definitely recommend coming here with your family
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
