Drusillas Park
Latest Reviews
Have been to Drusillas a few times over the years, it has had some impressive changes,updating and great attractions added. Toddlers and children up to around 11/12 will love this place, plenty to do and see and space to run around. It is always clean and enclosures well thought out. Staff on the whole are friendly and polite. However the price is extortionate, especially if you are on a low income or a lone parent, for me and many people i know this is a once a year day out and even then with extras it empties the bank account.
I understand the running costs etc of the place but compared to other places this one is far too expensive. There is never any deals, money off or half price vouchers available, again unlike most other local attractions, only a tiny amount if you subscribe to their email or website or something.
The cost for a teenager is full adult price, yet there is nothing to do except the animals, all play area equipment is up to the age of 12, there's no magazines/papers in the cafe and nothing else to do for older children which is a shame as a 13 year old is not an adult and after paying full price they should have things to do! Also the extras are quite pricey , perhaps charging minimal amounts if not included in price (50p-£1 maybe) for something as simple as panning for gold or dino dig would be far manageable especially for larger family groups. Overall Drusillas is a very well maintained, fun place for younger children, and informative for all ages just expense and lack of facilities for older kids lets it down slightly.
I understand the running costs etc of the place but compared to other places this one is far too expensive. There is never any deals, money off or half price vouchers available, again unlike most other local attractions, only a tiny amount if you subscribe to their email or website or something.
The cost for a teenager is full adult price, yet there is nothing to do except the animals, all play area equipment is up to the age of 12, there's no magazines/papers in the cafe and nothing else to do for older children which is a shame as a 13 year old is not an adult and after paying full price they should have things to do! Also the extras are quite pricey , perhaps charging minimal amounts if not included in price (50p-£1 maybe) for something as simple as panning for gold or dino dig would be far manageable especially for larger family groups. Overall Drusillas is a very well maintained, fun place for younger children, and informative for all ages just expense and lack of facilities for older kids lets it down slightly.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is the first time my wife and I have been to Drusillas. we did not know what to expect and went with an open mind. On arrival we found the staff very friendly. we found it clean in all areas
the information on all animals inclosures is very informative. There is a wide range of small animals spread over a large area of the park. We had lunch in the main resturant and found a very good selection of hot and cold food and drinks in a very good clean dining area. for children
there is a good play area with activites and picnic area with a burger bar . Also in the picnic area there is Thomas the Tank train waiting to take you for a ride theres also shops selling all sorts of goodies there is a swiming pool to cool off on them hot summer days and crazy golf course and a maze to get lost in. I am over 60 and we had a very enjoyable day and I mean all day (7 hrs) we were there. A GREAT PLACE TO GO TO.
the information on all animals inclosures is very informative. There is a wide range of small animals spread over a large area of the park. We had lunch in the main resturant and found a very good selection of hot and cold food and drinks in a very good clean dining area. for children
there is a good play area with activites and picnic area with a burger bar . Also in the picnic area there is Thomas the Tank train waiting to take you for a ride theres also shops selling all sorts of goodies there is a swiming pool to cool off on them hot summer days and crazy golf course and a maze to get lost in. I am over 60 and we had a very enjoyable day and I mean all day (7 hrs) we were there. A GREAT PLACE TO GO TO.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have been to Drusillas on many occasions but it was not until I read some of the negative reviews on here that I felt compelled to write a review. I don't know what happened to some of the reviewers to upset them so, but I have never had a bad experience at Drusillas and have ALWAYS had a fantastic experience!
It is exactly what it says on the website... It is a small animal zoo aimed mainly at children. We have no children and still love going (in fact we actively go during school time so as few children as possible are there). Regardless of age, if you love animals you will love Drusillas. They have everything from mice to Alpacas (personal favorite), Howler monkeys to Servals. My personal highlight is walking in the Lorikeet enclosure and being landed on by the birds whilst feeding them nectar: a splattering of bird poop is a small price to pay for hilarious photos!
When the children are done looking at the animals, there is the best adventure playground I have seen for big and small kids alike, crazy golf and interactive mazes (of which I can say from personal experience are all great).
We went out of season and the main restaurant was closed, We ate at the burger bar and whilst the choice was limited if you didn't want burger and chips, we had a jacket potatoe which was adequate (a few sandwiches would be a good improvement).
One thing I did notice was how clean the zoo was throughout, including toilets. Another great asset to Drusillas are their staff. I adopted a Serval for my partner and the staff on the phone were so helpful as were the staff at the burger bar. It is great to see cheerful and polite staff. If only some of the customers would follow suit!
Thanks Drusillas, sort out some sandwiches and I am sure I will have nothing to complain about on our next visit!
It is exactly what it says on the website... It is a small animal zoo aimed mainly at children. We have no children and still love going (in fact we actively go during school time so as few children as possible are there). Regardless of age, if you love animals you will love Drusillas. They have everything from mice to Alpacas (personal favorite), Howler monkeys to Servals. My personal highlight is walking in the Lorikeet enclosure and being landed on by the birds whilst feeding them nectar: a splattering of bird poop is a small price to pay for hilarious photos!
When the children are done looking at the animals, there is the best adventure playground I have seen for big and small kids alike, crazy golf and interactive mazes (of which I can say from personal experience are all great).
We went out of season and the main restaurant was closed, We ate at the burger bar and whilst the choice was limited if you didn't want burger and chips, we had a jacket potatoe which was adequate (a few sandwiches would be a good improvement).
One thing I did notice was how clean the zoo was throughout, including toilets. Another great asset to Drusillas are their staff. I adopted a Serval for my partner and the staff on the phone were so helpful as were the staff at the burger bar. It is great to see cheerful and polite staff. If only some of the customers would follow suit!
Thanks Drusillas, sort out some sandwiches and I am sure I will have nothing to complain about on our next visit!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I went here with a large group of nannies and lots of children aged between 10 months and 5 years. Everyone enjoyed themselves and had lots of fun. We took a picnic and luckily the rain held of for lunch. The children loved stamping their books which you can pick up after purchasing tickets. We also went on Thomas the tank engine. Was a bit pricey but I had 1/2 price children's vouchers so wasn't too bad
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My partner and I went to Drusillas as we were staying in the local area. It was clear from the start that this was more of a childrens attraction although we put that aside and got involved in the spirit of it! We were so impressed with the professionalism, cleanliness and variety of animals some of which we'd never even heard of. The play areas, shops, cafes and even swimming area looked like a child's idea of heaven- we shall definately be back with our nieces and nephews.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fantastic day out for all the family with a extensive range of animals and activities to engage with all families! Great customer service and an exceptionally maintained attraction. Prices were very reasonable once inside the park and a must for anyone who wishes to spend a fun and educational day out in East Sussex.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited with our 6 year old daughter and had a great time. The zoo is perfectly aimed at primary school age children, with plenty to intrigue and interest them. There are activities and trails that children can follow on the way round, and information to discover. The zoo doesn't occupy a massive land area (consequently the largest animals there are probably the pigs in the farm animal section) but the space available has been very well utlised. The play area is top notch, and has two large sections for the older and younger age brackets. Highly recommended and would definitely go again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Just felt the need to express how wonderful Drusilla's Zoo is. My 6 year old and I spent the last day of the school holidays at the zoo and were delighted with the place and we will be going back very soon!
Why was the day so good? For a start it was immaculate. The enclosures were well designed and the animals were lively and active, always a good sign of their environment suiting them. The gardens and public areas were manicured and not a wasp in sight around a dustbin as they were emptied twice in the time we had our lunch in the main food area! Hand sanitizers a plenty, friendly chatty staff in tidy uniform with smiles and even the toilets opposite the lagoon (very busy area!!!!) were clean and well attended. Overall a smashing day out and a real pleasure to actually go somewhere where it is obviously well cared for and the customer is looked after well. Congratulations Drusilla's you've got it Perfect. Thank you.
Why was the day so good? For a start it was immaculate. The enclosures were well designed and the animals were lively and active, always a good sign of their environment suiting them. The gardens and public areas were manicured and not a wasp in sight around a dustbin as they were emptied twice in the time we had our lunch in the main food area! Hand sanitizers a plenty, friendly chatty staff in tidy uniform with smiles and even the toilets opposite the lagoon (very busy area!!!!) were clean and well attended. Overall a smashing day out and a real pleasure to actually go somewhere where it is obviously well cared for and the customer is looked after well. Congratulations Drusilla's you've got it Perfect. Thank you.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I came to drusillas for the first time in years with my 3 year old God daughter, I was worried she would quickly loose interest as shes at that age where she wants to just run riot! However drusillas really have thought of everything, so much for the kids to do, lots to see and lots of activities so they can interact! Fantastic overall experience will definitely be returning! THANKYOU FOR A GREAT DAY
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We recently visited for a day and although the weather wasn't on our side, we still had a brilliant day out. Our party ranged in age from 2 years old to 60 years old and I'm not sure who had the most fun! There is something for everyone. Young and old can enjoy interacting with the obviously well looked after animals. There is also a fantastic play area (which even I was tempted to have a go on!) as well as Thomas the Tank Engine rides which our little boy loved. We thought it was well worth the entrance fee, which is just on par if not cheaper than other local attractions. We can't wait for our next visit!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We took our two grandchildren aged 10 & 6 for an afternoon treat, having visited it a number of times over the years. It is not cheap but the cost needs to be considered in relation to the high cost of staff, enormous variety of food requirements and the background research element.
The animals are all well cared for and it is a great opportunity for the children to come in close contact with a variety of small animals and there is plenty of educational material for all levels of interest. There is a laid out route which makes it very easy to follow and not miss anything.
When you are have had your fill of the animals lo and behold there is a fantastic adventure play area for the children to work off their energy and require yet more ice creams!
Altogether, a good time was had by all and it would be hard to find anything similar in the South East
The animals are all well cared for and it is a great opportunity for the children to come in close contact with a variety of small animals and there is plenty of educational material for all levels of interest. There is a laid out route which makes it very easy to follow and not miss anything.
When you are have had your fill of the animals lo and behold there is a fantastic adventure play area for the children to work off their energy and require yet more ice creams!
Altogether, a good time was had by all and it would be hard to find anything similar in the South East
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I recently visited Drusillas with a friend and her young daughter, and we were extremely impressed with the quality of the park and the huge variety of things to do. The whole park is very well maintained, and is a great place for children to learn more about different animals and get the opportunity to interact with some of them. The vast activity area is undoubtedly a highlight, and provides the perfect opportunity to sit down and have something to eat whilst the children play, The only problem seemed to be tearing them away to enjoy the rest of the park!
Having visited a number of zoos over the years, we were both in agreement that they often seem to be rather soulless and sparse. Drusillas is the complete opposite of this, and seems to be 100% committed to creating an atmosphere of fun and entertainment from start to finish that the children were soaking up. Everyone seemed to have a smile on their face, including the employees we came into contact with who clearly love what they do. You can easily spend a whole day their without getting bored, and given the amount there is to do we thought it was great value for money.
Overall it was a great day, and we are planning a return visit very soon.
Having visited a number of zoos over the years, we were both in agreement that they often seem to be rather soulless and sparse. Drusillas is the complete opposite of this, and seems to be 100% committed to creating an atmosphere of fun and entertainment from start to finish that the children were soaking up. Everyone seemed to have a smile on their face, including the employees we came into contact with who clearly love what they do. You can easily spend a whole day their without getting bored, and given the amount there is to do we thought it was great value for money.
Overall it was a great day, and we are planning a return visit very soon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lots to see and do. Well maintained but obviously comes at a price. Visited on a Friday during term time. It was fairly busy and rainy. There was only one place where you were 'permitted' to pic- nic indoors. Everywhere else and you had to spend spend spend. Far too commercial, for my husband & I, Drusillas has lost its charm. My three year old loved it, though she would have been happy anywhere!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
we visited today having last visited about 20 years ago in my childhood. Drusillas is impressive, quite possibly one of the best zoos i have visited. The facilites are well kept, clean, modern and well presented. There is a lot of animals, whom almost give the appearance they are happy to be there, full of character and healthy looking, not all sad like places like london zoo. Then theres the play area, amazing almost worth the visit alone.
It sounds impressive, and it is. The major gripe however is the cost. Its quite possibly the most expensive day out we have had as a family, thats comparing to the bigger theme parks. Children are charged full adult rate from 2 years old which is pretty shocking. They say you get what you pay for, hence this is not a good value day out. You pay top dollar, and receive what yoj would expect. The place rarely runs any offers, but you can see from the attendance theres no reason to. We wont be back soon, but im sure we will in time to come. A better prifing structure would make drusillas a contender for one of the uks best family attractions
It sounds impressive, and it is. The major gripe however is the cost. Its quite possibly the most expensive day out we have had as a family, thats comparing to the bigger theme parks. Children are charged full adult rate from 2 years old which is pretty shocking. They say you get what you pay for, hence this is not a good value day out. You pay top dollar, and receive what yoj would expect. The place rarely runs any offers, but you can see from the attendance theres no reason to. We wont be back soon, but im sure we will in time to come. A better prifing structure would make drusillas a contender for one of the uks best family attractions
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have taken my daughters to Drusillas on a few occasions now, and it keeps getting better. The play area is much better than it used to be a few years ago.
The entry price is a little pricey as is the food on site. but taking packed lunches is far more economical.
The entry price is a little pricey as is the food on site. but taking packed lunches is far more economical.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went for the day as a surprise from my daughters Grandparents to celebrate her 6th birthday, and what a great present. She had such a good day from the animals to the playground, the zoo Olympics and stamp book and that's without mentioning face painting and the Thomas train. The zoo is the perfect size, just big enough to keep them entertained without boring them. It also has a area where you can buy nectar pots(which are only a £1)and walk through alowing birds to feed and land on you.This gives some excellent opportunities for really good photos. Then after that you walk into an amazing play area with sections to keep both my 6yr old and 2 yr old entertained.It has slides,swings a soft play area and plenty more. Also there is a picnic area with plenty of tables, along with panning for gold and a big side. There is also a Thomas Train which both the girls loved. Then finally as we went to leave we noticed face painting,crazy golf and a splash pool. You really will not have time to fit everything in and will need a second visit.
Will definitely be visiting again.
Will definitely be visiting again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Took my 2 boys aged 9 and 5 and they loved it. Stayed there for 6 hours and could have stayed longer. The animals were in lovely enclosures and the animal feeding times were great fun.The best zoo we have ever been to,
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We was a bit shocked at the entry price for a group of 5, however once inside our 13 yr & 4 yr old absolutely LOVED the park & zoo. We arrived at 11.00am and left just after 5pm. The zoo is lovely and they do a fabulous activity book to go around with setting challenges along the way to keep the kids entertained. It is very interactive and our boys loved getting involved in the activities.The buzz of excitement from all the other children, in fact made the experience more fun. Our boys enjoyed the climbing frames starting at one end and ending up somewhere else in the park. Even (me) dad got involved in the soft play area with the boys, it was great to see other kids involve our two boys in there play yet they didn't know them. Most of the attractions where free once inside. Our only disappointment was that for the high entry fee there were other attractions in there such as dino digs, panning for Gold and a huge bouncy castle slide that you actually have to pay extra for. We think they should be included in the entry fee. We took a picnic for lunch so can't comment on the food bars, all I will say is watch out for the prices on bottled water £1.40 for a small bottle!!; otherwise a great day out and good value for money. We would definitely return. :)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Took my grandson to this attraction and we BOTH thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. So much so that we have some things to go back and do next time. My grandson was delighted that he managed to find all the creatures in his 'stamp book' and we re-visited several of the species that he liked. A well run and very informative place both for adults and children with the added bonus of children being able to 'play' for a while in between all the learning! The food on sale was to my mind very good - I could actually taste what I was eating, albeit only a burger and chips. The 'health and safety' issues were very well signed and all in all a great place to visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Was a bit shocked at the admission prices initially when we got there thinking that it would only be a half day visit but my 5yr old daughter and 2 yr old son absolutely LOVED Drusillas and we spent the whole day there.
The zoo is lovely and they do a fabulous activity book to go around with setting challenges along the way to keep the kids entertained. It is very interactive and my children loved getting involved in the activities. My daughter loved the splash pool and got her cozzie on and played in there for about an hour while my little boy paddled and enjoyed himself. My little man loved the Thomas the tank Engine ride and they both made the most of the fantastic adventure playgrounds. Only disappointment was that for the high entry fee there were other attractions in there such as dino digs and a huge bouncy castle slide that you actually have to pay extra for. I think they should be included in the entry fee.
Also we went on a Peppa Pig Event day and were disappointed with the queueing system for this (although not as disappointed as the family behind us.) We got in the queue for the 12.30 appearance and queued for about 20 minutes when the event manager told us that Peppa and George would only be on for another 10 minutes and then they would go and we would have to queue again for the next appearance. I challenged this and said that after 20 minutes queueing I expect my children to not be turned away as this would be hugely upsetting for them. The manager abruptly asked me how it should be managed and I suggested closing the queue at a certain point so that nobody was turned away after queueing as this is unacceptable when children have so patiently and excitedly waited. Fortunately my children were the last to be seen but the family behind me were stopped at the front of the queue and Peppa and George walked off. The little girl was crying and her parents were (understandably) furious. This needs to be looked at on events days but otherwise a great day out and good value for money. Would definitely return.
The zoo is lovely and they do a fabulous activity book to go around with setting challenges along the way to keep the kids entertained. It is very interactive and my children loved getting involved in the activities. My daughter loved the splash pool and got her cozzie on and played in there for about an hour while my little boy paddled and enjoyed himself. My little man loved the Thomas the tank Engine ride and they both made the most of the fantastic adventure playgrounds. Only disappointment was that for the high entry fee there were other attractions in there such as dino digs and a huge bouncy castle slide that you actually have to pay extra for. I think they should be included in the entry fee.
Also we went on a Peppa Pig Event day and were disappointed with the queueing system for this (although not as disappointed as the family behind us.) We got in the queue for the 12.30 appearance and queued for about 20 minutes when the event manager told us that Peppa and George would only be on for another 10 minutes and then they would go and we would have to queue again for the next appearance. I challenged this and said that after 20 minutes queueing I expect my children to not be turned away as this would be hugely upsetting for them. The manager abruptly asked me how it should be managed and I suggested closing the queue at a certain point so that nobody was turned away after queueing as this is unacceptable when children have so patiently and excitedly waited. Fortunately my children were the last to be seen but the family behind me were stopped at the front of the queue and Peppa and George walked off. The little girl was crying and her parents were (understandably) furious. This needs to be looked at on events days but otherwise a great day out and good value for money. Would definitely return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It was 16 months since we had lasted visited Drusillas, and we were concerned that it may not be such a good experience as we were visiting during the summer holidays. Although it was a lot busier than when we had previously visited, we never experienced any problems or delays, with seeing the animals or going on the rides. The buzz of excitement from all the other children, in fact made the experience more fun. What was more important was that our 4 year old grandson enjoyed his day - and this was certainly the case - as he loved the different animals as well as the playground areas. We all enjoyed a good lunch in the Explorers cafe, and left knowing that all of us had enjoyed a fun [and educational] day out. We would certainly go again as there is so many attractions that we didn't get round to visiting!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a FANTASTIC time at the park - took our two children (aged 4 and 6) and they absolutely loved the park, first the animal spotting and stamping the book, leading to the Thomas stamper and a ride on Thomas ( Thomas was the highlight for my 4 year old son, his face was an absolute delight when he saw Bulgy and then James and Cranky whilst walking through the zoo, but actually getting to ride on Thomas was the best!!), the zoolympics challenges, only some of which we managed, panning for gold, digging for fossils, the Eden's eye maze, rock climbing, the jungle golf - we didn't even get to the massive outdoor play areas, the indoor soft play, the paddling pool, or to look properly around much of the site - it was an absolutely fantastic day, food and drink were affordable and something for everyone, my children were happy and tired at the end of the day - but you do need a whole day - we will definitely return, THANK YOU DRUSILLAS!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a wonderful day at the park. The guides are fun and the challenges are great for kids and adults. A mixed variety of things to do, from wet splash areas, zoo, Thomas train rides and various climbing adventure areas. I am wheelchair bound and found it easy to get around the park, even had a special carriage on the train. Not a high tech or scary rides place, although the water ride looked frightening to me, but enough to keep everyone happy.
Make sure you have plenty of drinks and snacks, there are picnic areas and places to buy supplies. Don't forget the kids swimsuits and towels.
Make sure you have plenty of drinks and snacks, there are picnic areas and places to buy supplies. Don't forget the kids swimsuits and towels.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We took our two youngest grandchildren (8 yrs & 10yrs) to Drusillas for their favourite summer treat. They really look forward to this as it is fun, fun, fun! They are not fussed about the zoo area and that was quickly passed through, which allows more time in the play area. The favourites are the big bouncey slide, the rock wall climb and the mini golf. We took a picnic lunch with us as we have found in the past that the onsite food outlets are neither good nor cheap. There is a picnic barn where families can sit together. The attractions are not high tech like some parks and this is, I think, part of the appeal. Take plenty of cash as there is a charge for some of the attractions over and above the entrance fee. All in all it is a great day out resulting in two very tired kids and two knackered grandparents. Well worth the 100 mile round trip.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a great day with the kids , they have been totally entertained and educated. We had beautiful day ending with a spontaneous swim, every detail had been thought of. The animals were happy in clean and comfortable enclosures!. The highlights were the parakeets being able to feed them, the kids thought the decebell phone box was hilarious . Staff were friendly and helpful. Great valve and will return soon ! The play areas were inventive and great at wearing them out. All round awesome day.thanks Drusilla's .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
