Drusillas Park
Latest Reviews
This Zoo entertainment park is well laid out and unique in its provision of entertaining exhibits which are also very educational for children of all ages. It really is a must for all families.
Animal enclosures are thoughtfully designed and innovative accommodating the smallest of children, staff are pleasant and informative. Cafeterias are plentiful,varied and reasonable priced. Toilets can easily be found and are clean and presentable.
Play areas both indoor and out ensure something exciting for the kids even when the weather is wet or cold. Plenty of cover and plenty to do.
Unfortunately a nasty taste occurs when having paid £65 for a family family ticket it is found that some items carry an extra charge and are not included in what we thought was an all embracing package. £3 for a ride on a bouncy slide!!. £2.50 to scratch about in a sand pit for Dinosaur bones!!. etc etc. This seems totally necessary and tends to spoil the day if not careful; most parents would be committed before they realised there is this additional charge thereby possibly disappointing a very happy child.
Best to enjoy the day to its fullest extend and look and try to avoid the grossly excessive and unnecessary additional charges which do not seem to be mentioned until confronted with an excited child.
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Animal enclosures are thoughtfully designed and innovative accommodating the smallest of children, staff are pleasant and informative. Cafeterias are plentiful,varied and reasonable priced. Toilets can easily be found and are clean and presentable.
Play areas both indoor and out ensure something exciting for the kids even when the weather is wet or cold. Plenty of cover and plenty to do.
Unfortunately a nasty taste occurs when having paid £65 for a family family ticket it is found that some items carry an extra charge and are not included in what we thought was an all embracing package. £3 for a ride on a bouncy slide!!. £2.50 to scratch about in a sand pit for Dinosaur bones!!. etc etc. This seems totally necessary and tends to spoil the day if not careful; most parents would be committed before they realised there is this additional charge thereby possibly disappointing a very happy child.
Best to enjoy the day to its fullest extend and look and try to avoid the grossly excessive and unnecessary additional charges which do not seem to be mentioned until confronted with an excited child.
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Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went midweek so no queues for entry. Had pre-booked our tickets online night before so slightly cheaper than purchasing on the gate.
Interesting collection of small mammals, monkeys and farm animals kept daughter (4 years old) happy. Two playparks - one for older children and another for younger kids. Happily played - plenty of space as mid-week.
Food in the Explorers cafe usual type of fayre - Pizza, Pasta, Jacket Potatoes etc - and as usual probably over-priced but what we expect when you're a captive audiance.
All in all a good family day out.
Interesting collection of small mammals, monkeys and farm animals kept daughter (4 years old) happy. Two playparks - one for older children and another for younger kids. Happily played - plenty of space as mid-week.
Food in the Explorers cafe usual type of fayre - Pizza, Pasta, Jacket Potatoes etc - and as usual probably over-priced but what we expect when you're a captive audiance.
All in all a good family day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited Drusillas yesterday, I highly recommend cashing in tesco clubcard vouchers to go as it makes it a really cheap day out, we spent about 3 1/2 hours there but could of easily spent longer if our little one hadn't fallen asleep.
One thing I can't praise the park/zoo highly enough on is the level of cleanliness, we saw at least 2 members of staff with anti-bac cleaning the question/answer information boards and the toilets and restaurants were also incredibly clean, there was sanitizer all round the park.
I think Drusillas has a lot to offer young children and people who like animals, and also fantastic play areas, we liked the fact that the play attractions that cost extra were apart from the main play areas as it makes it easier to avoid.
My only slight gripe about the day was that the food I had from the explorer restaurant was a bit cold, however the rest of the groups food was fine, I think it was just because it was the last bit of the pot (macaroni cheese), for a family attraction we didn't think the food was too expensive either and liked the healthy options like salad and jacket pots. If my food had been hot I would have given it 5 out of 5.
All the members of staff we experienced were really helpful
One thing I can't praise the park/zoo highly enough on is the level of cleanliness, we saw at least 2 members of staff with anti-bac cleaning the question/answer information boards and the toilets and restaurants were also incredibly clean, there was sanitizer all round the park.
I think Drusillas has a lot to offer young children and people who like animals, and also fantastic play areas, we liked the fact that the play attractions that cost extra were apart from the main play areas as it makes it easier to avoid.
My only slight gripe about the day was that the food I had from the explorer restaurant was a bit cold, however the rest of the groups food was fine, I think it was just because it was the last bit of the pot (macaroni cheese), for a family attraction we didn't think the food was too expensive either and liked the healthy options like salad and jacket pots. If my food had been hot I would have given it 5 out of 5.
All the members of staff we experienced were really helpful
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We took our son for his second birthday on a Friday morning during term time and had a great family day out. Plenty of free parking and no queue to enter. Clear route to follow with a great variety of animals and activities for children of all ages. Great play area near the restaurants and Thomas tank engine station. Staff were all friendly apart from one who was getting his lunch from the restaurant. He was obviously having a bad day however had I been serving him rather than the young lady he might have been going hungry. Lunch was good quality and not overly overpriced. Thomas train ride was a highlight for our son although they were having wasp issues with the roof of the train crawling with hundreds of wasps. When the train moved off we had a few coming in. Not sure what can be done about it though!!! All facilities and baby changing facilities were all clean. A good value family day out!!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Even though it was the middle of the school summer holidays and a scorching hot day,the queue to enter Drusillas went down extremely quickly,which is a godsend when you have excited children. The kids really enjoyed the petting zoo and their were plenty of hand cleaning stations on route. The picnic/restaurant area was very busy but again queuing fior coffee and ice cream went quickly. Thomas of course had the longest queues and maybe took longer to go down,but we had no complaints from our two Thomas fans. A thoroughly enjoyable day was had by all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We took our 22 month old son here in September. Luckily had good weather for the day.
Parking is Free!
The place is very big, took us a couple of hours to get around and plenty to do for all the family.
For younger ones, you can get a stamp book which they need to stamp every time they spot a specific animal within their stamp book. Good for keeping them engaged.
Also, there's tasks to do at the end of each section. For example, you press the on-wall stop watch and see how long you can hang on to a pole like a monkey. Or press the on-wall stop watch to see how fast you can run. Great for keeping the children entertained.
Lot's of animals to look at. Great little on-site cafe with Starbucks built in. I recommend grabbing a coffee as you enter. Nice to walk around with.
There's a Thomas The Tank train that you can ride at the end of the park, which takes you around. The play area in this section for the children is absolutely huge! Could easily lose the children for an hour, while you take a break :)
You can also take a walk in the Lemur's den with the Lemur's. Take a walk through the batcave, which was a great experience... never seen live bats before. And you can walk through the bird cage and have birds land on you, you can pay £1 to feed them.
Really great day out. Fun for all the family.
Highly recommend.
Parking is Free!
The place is very big, took us a couple of hours to get around and plenty to do for all the family.
For younger ones, you can get a stamp book which they need to stamp every time they spot a specific animal within their stamp book. Good for keeping them engaged.
Also, there's tasks to do at the end of each section. For example, you press the on-wall stop watch and see how long you can hang on to a pole like a monkey. Or press the on-wall stop watch to see how fast you can run. Great for keeping the children entertained.
Lot's of animals to look at. Great little on-site cafe with Starbucks built in. I recommend grabbing a coffee as you enter. Nice to walk around with.
There's a Thomas The Tank train that you can ride at the end of the park, which takes you around. The play area in this section for the children is absolutely huge! Could easily lose the children for an hour, while you take a break :)
You can also take a walk in the Lemur's den with the Lemur's. Take a walk through the batcave, which was a great experience... never seen live bats before. And you can walk through the bird cage and have birds land on you, you can pay £1 to feed them.
Really great day out. Fun for all the family.
Highly recommend.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I really cannot fault Drusillas in any way. We took our 23 month old grandson and we had a wonderful day. The interesting mix of animals are all well cared for and the zoo trail has loads of interesting things to do along the way. All the staff we met were friendly, helpful and smiley and everything is very clean. We actually couldn't fit everything in as there is so much to do. Plenty of food choices and very reasonably priced. We will be returning many times I am sure. Highly recommended
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We took two of our grandchildren here (aged 5 and 3 years) at the very beginning of September on a beautiful sunny day. We all had a most enjoyable time with close views of the many small animals and birds. We all had a sandwich lunch which was nicer than usual for this type of attraction. Considering it was the end of the school holidays and it was busy we still found it not too crowded. The children enjoyed the play areas and climbing frames and the splash pool. Altogether a most enjoyable day for us all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
So much to see..... and despite it being a busy day at the end of the school holidays, a most enjoyable visit. The mix of animals is fantastic and the layout superb with something different around every corner. Of course for a gang of 4 yr olds, the Lagoon is a must and so is the play area. What a relief to have an area set aside for the younger ones - You can almost relax!
It can be an expensive treat but well worth it as a whole day out for all ages.
Drusillas is a great place - super animals in interesting enclosures, lots of play areas for big and small and a super lagoon - swim stuff a must!
It can be an expensive treat but well worth it as a whole day out for all ages.
Drusillas is a great place - super animals in interesting enclosures, lots of play areas for big and small and a super lagoon - swim stuff a must!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a nice day out here. I expect once our child is older he will get more out of this (he is < 1 year at the moment) and then we will be able to give full marks. My wife and I enjoyed the day but having been to larger zoos elsewhere we did not get as much from the day as we might have. The zoo is well maintained with a variety of things to do (I would recommend ensuring you have £1 for a pot if nectar in the rainbow lories enclosure, we did not and so missed out on them coming to sit on our arms). There are themed play areas which older kids will enjoy and a water splash area which was fantastic on the day we visited as it allowed us to cool off.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited Drusillas at the height of the summer holidays with two 9 year olds and a 5 year old. The first thing that struck me was how well maintained and clean the park was (head and shoulders above your average UK attraction). The layout of the park has been considered in a way that encourages people to follow a predefined route, firstly through the more educational 'zoo' area and then allowing the kids to run off any excess energy accumulated during lunch time in the Go Wild! adventure play area.
Most of the non animal related entertainment is clearly aimed at younger children, there's plenty of it and it's fun, At nearly 40 years old there was some good times to be had here for me too!
I was most impressed by the terrific variety of animals and attention to detail that's shown in the way the enclosures are designed and looked after. Each exhibit had helpful and easily digestible information that even the kids could be bothered to read. The inclusion of an animal Olympics as you walk around with various events to compare human physical abilities with those of animals is a great idea and stimulated a number of interesting conversations with the kids.
All the staff were helpful, accommodating and friendly and the keepers knowledgable and clearly passionate about their work.
The catering was far better that the average fast food options. Whilst there are some less healthy choices there's also Jacket potatoes with tasty toppings, fresh sandwiches and a salad bar. The deal clincher for me in the catering department is the inclusion of a Starbucks.
In conclusion, a thoroughly enjoyable day out which we as a family would not hesitate in recommending.
Most of the non animal related entertainment is clearly aimed at younger children, there's plenty of it and it's fun, At nearly 40 years old there was some good times to be had here for me too!
I was most impressed by the terrific variety of animals and attention to detail that's shown in the way the enclosures are designed and looked after. Each exhibit had helpful and easily digestible information that even the kids could be bothered to read. The inclusion of an animal Olympics as you walk around with various events to compare human physical abilities with those of animals is a great idea and stimulated a number of interesting conversations with the kids.
All the staff were helpful, accommodating and friendly and the keepers knowledgable and clearly passionate about their work.
The catering was far better that the average fast food options. Whilst there are some less healthy choices there's also Jacket potatoes with tasty toppings, fresh sandwiches and a salad bar. The deal clincher for me in the catering department is the inclusion of a Starbucks.
In conclusion, a thoroughly enjoyable day out which we as a family would not hesitate in recommending.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited drusillas in August with 3 children age 9,11 and 13. Have to say it was our 9 year old that enjoyed it the most whereas the other 2 had mixed feelings. The place has easy parking quick entrance times and is spotless and the staff are so friendly and helpful. Drinks and ice creams are not over priced and the zoo has so many interesting attractions we all loved it. The play areas are a dream for kids,however is limited for older kids so I wouldn't recommend it for over 11yrs perhaps. The older ones did get bored after a couple of hours and after paying so much for the children that was disappointing but can't fault the place at all and will return with my 9 year old at some point.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We spent a lovely sunny summers day at Drusillas, we enjoyed all the animals, especially the monkeys! So many attractions and equipment to play on safely. Even a large indoor play area, no doubt even more busy when the weather is a bit iffy! Large area with plenty of seats to have a family picnic. Thomas the Tank Engine was really popular - just one trip around the park was not enough!! - again! was the cry - so again we queued! Great day out - we were there for over 6 hours! - and - the toilets were extremely new and clean!! - Enjoy!!!!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited here recently with my daughter,her husband and my 3 yr old grandson. Although my husband and I are both in our mid 60's we must own up to absolutely loving it. We learned a lot and saw some animals we weren't familiar with - red bear for one, so it proves you are never too old. We even went on the train with them all!! The zoo is very well laid out and it's good that you can see the animals first without children being distracted by the commercial elements. We took a picnic which worked well as there were plenty of tables in an area kept really clean by the staff. The gift shop was very reasonably priced. Although it was Bank Holiday and really busy, we couldn't find one fault - all the families and children were obviously having a great time whatever they were doing. My grandson spent a further hour and half in the soft play area after my husband and I left to go home because we were exhausted !!!! Well done Drusillas.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I'd recommend this park without any reservations, the title says it all!
We have an adventurous almost three year old and a one year old, both needing lots of stimulation, Drusillas was absolutely perfect! The three year old loved all the animals and the stamp book to spot the different species, The one year old enjoyed taking in all the new smells, sounds and noises,
From an adult perspective, we both loved all the interactive, fun and also educational activities around the park. The information about each breed was super and all the activities highly entertaining and informative.
We all loved the meerkat peep whole, the Thomas the Tank Engine train ride ( included in the entrance fee :) ) and the feeding the exotic birds nectar (only £1 for all of us). The birds will stay in our daughter's mind for a longtime, she talks about the flutter and lovely colours.
We all had a fantastic day out ( and this is a whole day out !) with an amazing educational delight seeing all the well cared for animals in stimulating ares, hours of fun in the superb and well-planned play areas, which are suited to different age groups and cater for kids, as well as parents, with lots of seating to watch the wee ones and take pics, quite appropriately near the coffee/tea spots and ultimately clean and friendly environment.
Entrance fees may look a tad high (we are a young family on a limited income) but make it a whole day trip and you get more than your moneys worth and it makes a perfect family day out! There are lots of picnic areas and you can leave to pick up picnics (simply get the stamp by the gate so you can get back in ). We had a treat and had lunch in the cafeteria, tasty food and not a bad price. a kiddies lunch bag was brilliant and included a good sandwich, fruit, drink, crisps and a treat with a great zebra face mask. The jackets were delicious and you helped yourself to salad. I would carry on but you have to stop at some point, to sum up, great day!
We have an adventurous almost three year old and a one year old, both needing lots of stimulation, Drusillas was absolutely perfect! The three year old loved all the animals and the stamp book to spot the different species, The one year old enjoyed taking in all the new smells, sounds and noises,
From an adult perspective, we both loved all the interactive, fun and also educational activities around the park. The information about each breed was super and all the activities highly entertaining and informative.
We all loved the meerkat peep whole, the Thomas the Tank Engine train ride ( included in the entrance fee :) ) and the feeding the exotic birds nectar (only £1 for all of us). The birds will stay in our daughter's mind for a longtime, she talks about the flutter and lovely colours.
We all had a fantastic day out ( and this is a whole day out !) with an amazing educational delight seeing all the well cared for animals in stimulating ares, hours of fun in the superb and well-planned play areas, which are suited to different age groups and cater for kids, as well as parents, with lots of seating to watch the wee ones and take pics, quite appropriately near the coffee/tea spots and ultimately clean and friendly environment.
Entrance fees may look a tad high (we are a young family on a limited income) but make it a whole day trip and you get more than your moneys worth and it makes a perfect family day out! There are lots of picnic areas and you can leave to pick up picnics (simply get the stamp by the gate so you can get back in ). We had a treat and had lunch in the cafeteria, tasty food and not a bad price. a kiddies lunch bag was brilliant and included a good sandwich, fruit, drink, crisps and a treat with a great zebra face mask. The jackets were delicious and you helped yourself to salad. I would carry on but you have to stop at some point, to sum up, great day!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My son had his second keeper for the day experience for his birthday treat. The fact that he chose this again proves what a brilliant day it is. From preparing the food in the morning to cleaning and hand feeding the animals, he loved every minute of it. Thanks go to the staff, they really engage with the kids. A memorable birthday yet again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
my family, a party of 15, ages ranging from 5 to 75 arrived at Drusilla Park to experience a day at the wildlife park and our experience. Our entrance was quick and efficient. The park itself was spotlessly clean. excellent facilities café, seating and picnic areas. Staff friendly and helpful. The children's play area was brilliant. Big, fun and safe. The Animals were so well kept and looked after, and the cages were spacious and well maintained and very clean. For only a £1 you could feed some very pretty birds. The park was filled with learning activities for everyone. Our Penguin experience was so special. we were greeted on time by the keeper. We were taken to the enclosure and run through what was required of us and how to feed the penguins. It was brilliant and my daughter and I enjoyed it so much. My whole family had a great day and I would not hesitate to return to the park and would recommend anyone else to go. Truly a lovely family day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The children in the family enjoyed this fun day out. There was plenty for them to do and plenty for them to learn about the animals.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went to Drusillas Park not knowing what to expect and we were very pleasantly surprised. We have a 5 year old and 15year old daughters. It's not really targeted at teenagers from what I see although the zoo is interesting however for the younger children its brilliant.
The zoo is well laid out, easy to park and very easy to navigate around the entire park. Very professional setup and for a zoo and children's play areas its surprisingly clean. Good variation of animals in the zoo, nice environments, and our 5 year old loved collecting the stamps for every animal.
The adventure park is excellent with a separate area for the much younger children. Great climbing frames and all very safe.
The Thomas train is a nice experience for the smaller children, although perhaps needs a little more to see on the route. Nice touch having a real fat controller waiting at the end.
The facilities are also very good with immaculate toilets, signage.
The food is only ok as its very fast food oriented, would be nice to have more alternatives.
All in all impressed, definitely worth c£50-£60 pre booked family fee for a day out with younger children.
The zoo is well laid out, easy to park and very easy to navigate around the entire park. Very professional setup and for a zoo and children's play areas its surprisingly clean. Good variation of animals in the zoo, nice environments, and our 5 year old loved collecting the stamps for every animal.
The adventure park is excellent with a separate area for the much younger children. Great climbing frames and all very safe.
The Thomas train is a nice experience for the smaller children, although perhaps needs a little more to see on the route. Nice touch having a real fat controller waiting at the end.
The facilities are also very good with immaculate toilets, signage.
The food is only ok as its very fast food oriented, would be nice to have more alternatives.
All in all impressed, definitely worth c£50-£60 pre booked family fee for a day out with younger children.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lots to do for kids. My daughter enjoyed using the stamp on her booklet to say she found that animal. Lots of stuff to do great fun for all. Very clean. The down side was the wasps they were everywhere even in the toilets and baby changing rooms. I felt not relaxed at all as they were every where even all over the Thomas train I felt this spoilt my day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a great family day out, park very clean, staff very friendly and helpful. Play areas gave hours of fun. Queues minimal considering summer school holidays. Peppa Pig and George visited and had photos taken with the children so to sum it up we had a fab day. Looking forward to our next trip.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Six adults aged 18 to 50 and 3 small children (under 5) found this experience an absolute pleasure! The zoo was zoned and themed with care and the animals varied, interesting and obviously well cared for in excellent enclosures. Each zone had interactive and educational information for all age groups and the children were given explorer booklets to seek out hidden extras and to find stamps to complete each zone. The Park was like a walking safari and allowed you to walk through certain enclosures to join the Lemurs, bats and exotic birds to experience nature up close and personal. Although there are no large animals like lions or elephants the Park enjoys a wide variety including Red Pandas, Fennec foxes and a large selction of smaller primates. The children are also allowed to pet rabbits, pigs, goats and ponies and are shown how to look after the more unusual exhibits such as chinchillas and stick insects. At the end of the zoo you are treated to a play area more suitable to an adventure park than zoo! It can only be described as 'awesome' according to my teenagers who wished they were 10 again! A Thomas train trip around some of the enclosures is included in the price along with a maze and a children's enclosed water splash fun area. For a little extra there is a huge bouncy slide, panning for gold, crazy golf and face painting on offer. Our face painter Charlie Banks was an absolute star with the children and allowed us adults the chance to sit and watch others enjoying their day whilst he transformed our little ones. There are ample picnic areas and seating throughout along with restaurants and cafes. Parking is free and we spent over 8 happy hours exploring and playing in the park so consider it fantastic value for money! Recommended for all age groups especially those with pre-teens!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
All the animals are well taken care of. Fun knowledge everywhere you go, which if course is great for kids to learn. The play parks looked like fun. The water park was a hit with plenty of room to go play in. Staff on Hand at all times to guide you. Toilets dotted everywhere, things well sign posted.
The only thing that ruined it for me, was the wasps! They were everywhere! The second we pulled up to the second we left they were in & out of me, my son or husbands faces etc! It really made us uncomfortable and felt the need to leave as we weren't able to enjoy ourselves. I'm aware wasps will be around this time of year. But not as many as there were. We will defiantly go again to enjoy the animals, but maybe in the winter??? I'm reviewing this so those who are allergic to the critters are prepared! We met a lot of parents whose kids got stung which then made me even more on my guard.
The fat controller was in town (Even he was flapping them away) he was really great. He was well dressed & friendly to the kids. Lots of play areas for the kids, and a place for the parents to watch close by.
All in all was a good day. I just feel the need to warn parents of the wasps as there were so many!
The only thing that ruined it for me, was the wasps! They were everywhere! The second we pulled up to the second we left they were in & out of me, my son or husbands faces etc! It really made us uncomfortable and felt the need to leave as we weren't able to enjoy ourselves. I'm aware wasps will be around this time of year. But not as many as there were. We will defiantly go again to enjoy the animals, but maybe in the winter??? I'm reviewing this so those who are allergic to the critters are prepared! We met a lot of parents whose kids got stung which then made me even more on my guard.
The fat controller was in town (Even he was flapping them away) he was really great. He was well dressed & friendly to the kids. Lots of play areas for the kids, and a place for the parents to watch close by.
All in all was a good day. I just feel the need to warn parents of the wasps as there were so many!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited Drusilla's park and zoo by bus, which isn't the easiest of places to get to. We had a nice time here and enjoyed our visit. The only problem was that it was slightly overpriced. When you look at the flyers around town, it seems a very big park, but unfortunately it's not. I would say about a three hour stay here is Long enough. We paid nearly 50 pound for two adults and a child so it's quite a lot but Yes still worth a visit if you have spare money.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a small but interesting zoo, My wife and I enjoyed feeding the Rainbow Lori's, actually saw a two toed Sloth moving, a rare sight, and was impressed overall with all the animals. This would be an excellent first zoo for children as none of the animals are big and scary and when they have seen the animals they have a massive play area and Thomas the Tank Engine to enjoy. The food is reasonably priced for a zoo. My only criticism is the price of entry for a child 2 years old an over. I'm not a parent however other zoo's charge a reduced entry fee for children and not everyone has access to the internet and a printer – other reviews for Drusillas Zoo park have raised a similar complaint. Overall an excellent zoo and well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
