Drusillas Park
Latest Reviews
Great day out for the family, zoo was fantastic and rides were great for our little one.
Plenty of places to get food and drink
Plenty of places to get food and drink
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Drusilla's Park aims to be childrens' first experience of a zoo, and it succeeds wonderfully at this. It is very well laid out, plenty of happy looking animals residing next to copious interactive information points, perky AV displays and fun 'tests' pitting children with animal achievements (how loud can you scream? Enter the phone box... How fast can you sprint?).
Other diversions include an excellent play park - rated as our son's all time favourite. Some scary (but safe) climbing activities, and a wide range of exploratory environments over a large area. There are covered areas for the inevitable downpour.
There's themed attractions such as Thomas the Tank Engine and a Hello Kitty themed 'park within a park' - this wasn't on our agenda but it's easy to see why it's so popular.
The highlight for Michael (9) was the chance to feed the penguins. Unlike some experiences, this was 1:1, over 45 minutes in duration, including a backstage tour, chatting with the staff, and a special close-up experience after feeding time was done. It was such a great experience Michael wanted to do the same thing this year.
There are other experiences, and a full-on Keeper For The Day - but just for the sheer intensity of experiences, I guess this would be for children of 10 or over.
Drusillas Park is a very well run zoo, working closely with the more prominent UK and European zoos, so is a bit of a 'hidden gem' as it doesn't get the spotlight it deserves in our opinion. Mentioned in dispatches from the bigger parks such as ZSL.
We've visited on 'INSET' days rather than weekends. It's very popular with school visits and its layout is 'group friendly'.
Strongly recommended for under-10s, or even older if themed around, say, photography.
Other diversions include an excellent play park - rated as our son's all time favourite. Some scary (but safe) climbing activities, and a wide range of exploratory environments over a large area. There are covered areas for the inevitable downpour.
There's themed attractions such as Thomas the Tank Engine and a Hello Kitty themed 'park within a park' - this wasn't on our agenda but it's easy to see why it's so popular.
The highlight for Michael (9) was the chance to feed the penguins. Unlike some experiences, this was 1:1, over 45 minutes in duration, including a backstage tour, chatting with the staff, and a special close-up experience after feeding time was done. It was such a great experience Michael wanted to do the same thing this year.
There are other experiences, and a full-on Keeper For The Day - but just for the sheer intensity of experiences, I guess this would be for children of 10 or over.
Drusillas Park is a very well run zoo, working closely with the more prominent UK and European zoos, so is a bit of a 'hidden gem' as it doesn't get the spotlight it deserves in our opinion. Mentioned in dispatches from the bigger parks such as ZSL.
We've visited on 'INSET' days rather than weekends. It's very popular with school visits and its layout is 'group friendly'.
Strongly recommended for under-10s, or even older if themed around, say, photography.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited drusillas park with my 3 year old as we had won a competition for a free family pass it was quite a way for us to drive but I'd say it was well worth it as we all had a lovely day out.
There are so many things to see at drusillas it's not just an average zoo, I found the zoo itself to be very educational as well as a great experience for children. There were so many different animals, minus the really large animald such as giraffes, they have pretty much everything including a great selection of monkey species and many ways for children to get involved such as milking the model cow and the zoolympics!
The Thomas train was a hit with my son as we're the fantastic play areas and hello kitty rides! The staff were a very friendly and enthusiastic with the children. The cafes were reasonably priced too, unlike some of the other bigger zoos and attractions
Would definitely recommend a visit here.
There are so many things to see at drusillas it's not just an average zoo, I found the zoo itself to be very educational as well as a great experience for children. There were so many different animals, minus the really large animald such as giraffes, they have pretty much everything including a great selection of monkey species and many ways for children to get involved such as milking the model cow and the zoolympics!
The Thomas train was a hit with my son as we're the fantastic play areas and hello kitty rides! The staff were a very friendly and enthusiastic with the children. The cafes were reasonably priced too, unlike some of the other bigger zoos and attractions
Would definitely recommend a visit here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited Drusilla's on 9th July whilst on holiday in pagham (about 1 hour 15 mins away) well worth the travel though. We took our two small children (2&3 year olds) and I cannot rate this park highly enough. Lots to do for the whole day, fantastic play areas ideal for all ages.. Even adults! Park was clean, tidy, well laid out, great facilities. Starbucks coffee was a welcome sight! Indoor play areas fantastic, the rides outside where enjoyable and no queuing even though the park seemed fairly busy it was well managed. The animals looked well looked after and happy and the zoo trail was great. We went to paultons park peppa pig world at the end of the week and even though we had a fab time we actually preferred Drusilla's! Only think I think annoyed us is that the lockers retain your £1 every time you want to open it. Just would be nice for a park to offer something useful without always wanting money in return but I do know that most parks do this now. All in all well worth the money and car journey! Thank you Drusilla's!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wife and myself decided to take my Children and Grandchild on a day here as a Birthday treat as he was two last week.
Bit Disappointed that a two year Child has to pay the full adult rate.
Entered the park first to see the animals which were kept in good conditions to view them close. Park was clean and staff friendly. Good play areas for children 5 to 12 years. Overall a good day out, beware the soft ice cream cones at £1.99 for a 99 will be the smallest ice creams you will ever see in your lifetime.
Bit Disappointed that a two year Child has to pay the full adult rate.
Entered the park first to see the animals which were kept in good conditions to view them close. Park was clean and staff friendly. Good play areas for children 5 to 12 years. Overall a good day out, beware the soft ice cream cones at £1.99 for a 99 will be the smallest ice creams you will ever see in your lifetime.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very enjoyable place to go - especially when you have a season ticket and can go often. Very educational with lots of fun ways of getting animal facts displayed. Good facilities for indoor play if needed and lots of food places.
I was a bit disappointed with the new Hello Kitty car ride - cute little cars and lovely garden around track, but steering wheels are fixed and have no movement, very frustrating for little ones who want to steer, Also the brakes for stopping are far too severe - they nearly catapult you out of the car, I'm sure they haven't market tested these points. Was also covered in horrible little black bugs while in that area - needs some pest control.
But aside from that everything else is great - especially the maze that is full of surprises.
I was a bit disappointed with the new Hello Kitty car ride - cute little cars and lovely garden around track, but steering wheels are fixed and have no movement, very frustrating for little ones who want to steer, Also the brakes for stopping are far too severe - they nearly catapult you out of the car, I'm sure they haven't market tested these points. Was also covered in horrible little black bugs while in that area - needs some pest control.
But aside from that everything else is great - especially the maze that is full of surprises.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I hadn't heard of this place before we visited Hastings and were looking for day trips and activities. I'm so glad we went! It was wonderful, my 20-month-old son loved all the animals (especially the mechanical hens which tell you to wash your hands in the farmyard...) and was so excited to see Thomas the Tank Engine. We had a ride on Thomas and also on the rides in the Hello Kitty section. They are still doing a bit of work in this area but it is really good and nice that you don't have to pay extra for the rides so you can go on the little car three times if you want to (which we did). It was a hot day so we had a paddle in the Explorers pool to cool down and an ice cream, both of which we really enjoyed.
The price was very reasonable being a term time day but in general there was no feeling that they are trying to bleed you dry like in some places, so we didn't mind putting 50p in a little ride-on machine as we went round. We loved going into the lemur and bird enclosures, we didn't buy the nectar on offer as I think it would have been a bit overwhelming for our son to have all the birds crowd round, so we just watched (plus the woman in front of us got some bird droppings in her hair...)
All in all a fantastic day out for our toddler son and one we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves as well.
The price was very reasonable being a term time day but in general there was no feeling that they are trying to bleed you dry like in some places, so we didn't mind putting 50p in a little ride-on machine as we went round. We loved going into the lemur and bird enclosures, we didn't buy the nectar on offer as I think it would have been a bit overwhelming for our son to have all the birds crowd round, so we just watched (plus the woman in front of us got some bird droppings in her hair...)
All in all a fantastic day out for our toddler son and one we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves as well.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited here on Mon 7th July with all ages from 18 months to grandparents. Often wondered why people rave about Drusillas and now I can see why. It's a compact zoo with loads to see and do, something new around every corner. There has been lots of thought about the enclosures, from the meerkat tunnel and pop up view point, to full length floor to ceiling windows, to steps for secret viewing places so that everyone can see as much as possible and being able to go into enclosures to see the lemurs and have lorikeets drink nectar from your hand. We spent a full day there and saw most things twice and would certainly go back again. The kids paddling pool was a welcome break in the afternoon, just right for little children. Just a few points to note:-
The food is expensive and not much to write home about. Knowing now that there are lockers in the park, we would take a picnic another time. There are plenty of places to sit and eat.
The queue to enter the park was short but took ages - you definitely need to buy online and save on the walk in entrance fee.
It's basically one way round the park and there is only one shortcut. We ended up walking all the way back from the Lorikeets round the zoo to get to the penguins which were only about 5 metres away!
The food is expensive and not much to write home about. Knowing now that there are lockers in the park, we would take a picnic another time. There are plenty of places to sit and eat.
The queue to enter the park was short but took ages - you definitely need to buy online and save on the walk in entrance fee.
It's basically one way round the park and there is only one shortcut. We ended up walking all the way back from the Lorikeets round the zoo to get to the penguins which were only about 5 metres away!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
So impressed with this place! Not only are the animals well looked after, I felt looked after too! Unlike other attractions of this nature, this is good value for money! The food and drink is of good quality and so reasonably priced! Even the ice creams are affordable. I will be back in the summer with more of my nephews and nieces...... Thank you Drusillas for a fab day out, without the need for a second mortgage..........
Jane - Horley, Surrey
Jane - Horley, Surrey
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My daughter received a feed the Lemurs gift or her 18th birthday. So we went with friends and children all aged over 13. Everyone had a fantastic day. The park wasnt very busy which was great all the animals are lovely. Lots and lots to see and do. A play bit. Food was lovely. Cannot wait to take my godchildren back. Who will love it. Thoroughly recommend! Feeding the Lemurs was great too!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited Drusillas on Monday 30th June with our two granddaughters aged 3 & 4. We were really impressed with the whole park, the girls loved it and enjoyed spotting the different animals and stamping their "spotter books". The park is a lot bigger than we thought with a lot to do and see, The Hello Kitty Secret Garden was really enjoyable for them (and us!!).
The park was really busy, but it was spotless as staff were always there cleaning up any stray rubbish that had not found its way to the bin. On the subject of staff one thing that we noticed that most if the staff were made up of young people however wherever we were they were all so polite, happy, helpful and interested that we were having a good time and enjoying ourselves, you could see that they all enjoyed their job and put 100% into it. Well Done Drusillas, it really was a great day out.
The park was really busy, but it was spotless as staff were always there cleaning up any stray rubbish that had not found its way to the bin. On the subject of staff one thing that we noticed that most if the staff were made up of young people however wherever we were they were all so polite, happy, helpful and interested that we were having a good time and enjoying ourselves, you could see that they all enjoyed their job and put 100% into it. Well Done Drusillas, it really was a great day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a very attractive and well-maintained wildlife park, but is definitely aimed more at families and kids than adults. It does promote itself as a small animal zoo, so at least you know that you're not going to be seeing big cats and other large animals. It is very well laid out, and the best route around the park is clearly marked. The whole place is very clean and all of the animals look well looked after. The staff were all very pleasant and friendly too. Personally I would have preferred less monkeys and a bigger variety of animals, but I'm sure the kids love them all. There was plenty of information posted on the various animals, so it seemed very educational for the kids too. It seemed as if there was either several school parties, or the whole school in - they were a bit noisy, but certainly seemed to be enjoying themselves!
I really liked the Lorikeet Landing part. You can go in here in amongst quite a few Lorikeets flying around freely. You can buy a pot of nectar for £1 to feed them and they will land on your arm to feed - lovely!
The cafe was absolutely spotless, and the prices were reasonable compared to some other wildlife parks. However, I do think the entrance fee, £17.50 for adults and children over 2, is rather steep compared to other wildlife parks which do have large animals as well as small ones. However, I'd got a ticket for £5 worth of Tesco Clubcard vouchers which is extremely good value.
I really liked the Lorikeet Landing part. You can go in here in amongst quite a few Lorikeets flying around freely. You can buy a pot of nectar for £1 to feed them and they will land on your arm to feed - lovely!
The cafe was absolutely spotless, and the prices were reasonable compared to some other wildlife parks. However, I do think the entrance fee, £17.50 for adults and children over 2, is rather steep compared to other wildlife parks which do have large animals as well as small ones. However, I'd got a ticket for £5 worth of Tesco Clubcard vouchers which is extremely good value.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very good information re all the animals, feeding times good as keepers explained in more details
about the animals and their habits.
The playground was excellent plenty of areas to have a picnic, price of ice-cream reasonable!
Toilets very clean.
Easy car parking a reay good day for children under 10 years.
about the animals and their habits.
The playground was excellent plenty of areas to have a picnic, price of ice-cream reasonable!
Toilets very clean.
Easy car parking a reay good day for children under 10 years.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a wonderful day with our 4 and 1 year old boys. Park flows really well and all the animals seemed well maintained and easy to spot. This is balanced nicely with a few rides in the Hello Kitty part as well as the Thomas train which my boys especially liked with other characters from the stories to spot along the way.
Nice picnic area and plenty of souvenir opportunities, overall a great day out.
Nice picnic area and plenty of souvenir opportunities, overall a great day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited Drusillas Park with my 30 year old daughter and one year old baby son, so quite a mix. I have to say it was a great day out, it was very clean and the staff were genuinely friendly, which I have found to be quite rare in the UK. Having been to Disney World in both the US and France, I was really quite pleasantly surprised at just how good Drusillas was. It caters for all ages, my daughter off the slides, remember she is 30!!. The zoo element is educational, fun and eclectic. The small paddling pool was well received by my grandson, it was very hot so he loved going in there. Again it was clean and safe. The restaurants offer a wide range from fast food to more substantial meals. I would recommend this as a great family day out, I am sure you will not be disappointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited this park with our 8yr old grandson. He thoroughly enjoyed his day we stayed 6 hrs and still did not see or do everything. We filled in books, stamped books saw lovely animals fed the little parrots nectar spoke to staff who were very happy to tell us about their particular charge. We did pay for extras for the huge slide and wall climb, but it's worth it as far as my grandson was concerned & was far cheaper for the whole day than Lego land & no long queues. Snacks were fairly basic hotdogs burgers chips but were very fairly priced and well cooked & presented. Grandson left water pool till last & had a great time with the other children. We lost our camera but did not notice till we were nearly back at hotel in eastbourne. We left a message but called in on off chance on the way home & someone had kindly handed it in the staff were very helpful & of course we were very pleased to get it back. I thoroughly recommend drusillas for under 12s. Take swim shorts for children. I would only ask park to provide more seating around the animal areas for very tired grandparents to sit down occasionally.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
That the meerkat is a member of the mongoose family!!
Now I'm not really an animal lover type of person, but went to Drusillas as part of a big group. The park itself was clean and the staff friendly.
I had thought there were going to be big animals but you just didn't need them. I enjoyed the did you knows and being able to find out more.
I had such an enjoyable day and would visit again.
Now I'm not really an animal lover type of person, but went to Drusillas as part of a big group. The park itself was clean and the staff friendly.
I had thought there were going to be big animals but you just didn't need them. I enjoyed the did you knows and being able to find out more.
I had such an enjoyable day and would visit again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Came here with family and grandchildren yesterday. The whole park was spotlessly clean and well organised
I felt the children were safer than in many of the other parks I have visited as it was more compact and only one exit
the whole place has been planned with great imagination. A lovely selection of animals and interesting information was provided too
.The climbing areas were well designed and the maze was fun
to have unlimited rides was a bonus and no long queues either , on a warm sunday was a pleasant surprise. The park is set in an area with beautiful scenery so no complaints from me at all
We had lunch there too and the food was good ,especially for the members of the group who were vegetarian or coeliac for whom a special pizza was provided at no extra cost
tthe
I felt the children were safer than in many of the other parks I have visited as it was more compact and only one exit
the whole place has been planned with great imagination. A lovely selection of animals and interesting information was provided too
.The climbing areas were well designed and the maze was fun
to have unlimited rides was a bonus and no long queues either , on a warm sunday was a pleasant surprise. The park is set in an area with beautiful scenery so no complaints from me at all
We had lunch there too and the food was good ,especially for the members of the group who were vegetarian or coeliac for whom a special pizza was provided at no extra cost
tthe
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went to Drusillas with 2 teenagers (17 &18) and although most of the attractions were aimed at younger children we all had a good time. Lots of animals to see and adults are allowed to go on the rides too! We used to take my daughter here when she was little and we could spend a whole day here, this time we stayed for about 3 hours. Worth booking online as its cheaper.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited on a school in-set day with our 2 daughters aged 6yrs and 2.5yrs. We had a brilliant day there with hardly any queues! The animal enclosures were clean and spacious and the free 'Animal Spotter Booklet' kept the children occupied as they collected the stamps in their booklets.
The various play areas were great with a wide variety for all ages, large picnic area for your own packed lunch (which we had brought) or you can buy lunch there.
The Thomas the Tank Engine train ride was free and very much enjoyed more than once!
The fenced, open air pool is definitely worth a visit-about 18" deep with seating around the edge so you can keep an eye on your children and rest your legs! If you forget towels/costumes etc you can buy them from the gift shops but they are a little pricey at £12 for a towel!
The recently opened Hello Kitty park was the highlight for our 2 girls. We didn't need to queue at all and went on the rides many, many times!
The park is clean and spacious with lots of friendly staff.
On specific dates Hello Kitty makes personal appearances and there is face painting etc but you do need to check the dates.
The only slight niggle was the space between toilet facilities-our 2.5yr old is potty training and had a few accidents but we were prepared with changes of clothes anyway.
Overall, we had a really happy, fun day out and would definitely recommend it and go there again.
The various play areas were great with a wide variety for all ages, large picnic area for your own packed lunch (which we had brought) or you can buy lunch there.
The Thomas the Tank Engine train ride was free and very much enjoyed more than once!
The fenced, open air pool is definitely worth a visit-about 18" deep with seating around the edge so you can keep an eye on your children and rest your legs! If you forget towels/costumes etc you can buy them from the gift shops but they are a little pricey at £12 for a towel!
The recently opened Hello Kitty park was the highlight for our 2 girls. We didn't need to queue at all and went on the rides many, many times!
The park is clean and spacious with lots of friendly staff.
On specific dates Hello Kitty makes personal appearances and there is face painting etc but you do need to check the dates.
The only slight niggle was the space between toilet facilities-our 2.5yr old is potty training and had a few accidents but we were prepared with changes of clothes anyway.
Overall, we had a really happy, fun day out and would definitely recommend it and go there again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I went with my grandchildren who are four and five. The whole day was just great. The attractions were wonderful, the staff were great and very helpful and there was plenty to do for a day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The girls had a fantastic day and really enjoyed seeing all the small animals, especially the hedgehog. The staff were fantastic and very friendly and helpful. Plenty of activities to keep the girls occupied and happy, especially the massive playground.
Only problem was the shop because it took nearly an hour to get served.
Only problem was the shop because it took nearly an hour to get served.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great day, Brownies had a fantastic time. They enjoyed the Zoo Olympics and stamping their books each time they saw another animal. Staff very friendly and the place was spotless. Would go again and will definetly recommend Drusillas to everyone.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What can I say, this was my first visit to Drusillas Park and certainly will not be my last. I will recommend the park to everybody. The staff were friendly and attentive, the whole place was fantastic, so much for the girls to do and see, we only wish we could have stayed longer. The organisation was fantastic, right down to the coach parking and the means of getting the girls to and from them. Thank you !
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Just to say that the staff were great and the park well organised. My brownies had a fantastic day as part of the 1400 brownies which took part and we would recommend a visit to anyone.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
