Drusillas Park
Latest Reviews
We had used tesco tokens for the adults, because we asumed that are 2 year old grand daughter would be free but we're shocked to be charged15.50 She struggled to enjoy the very good outside play area due her size. The zoo was very informative especially for the large amounts of school children there.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Keeper for the day was full on, made my daughter feel very special and proud and well worth the fee
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have been several times and never tire of it with our now 8 and 5 year olds. Entrance price is fair for the good care of the animals plus a fantastic adventure play area. Food in the restaurant is good quality and staff throughout the park are plentiful and friendly. The new Lorikeet walk through area was brilliant!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Ok bad news first, this is an expensive day out. £62 for a family of 4 is £20 more than I wanted to pay, and unlike many other attractions in this genre there are no readily available discount vouchers, 10% if you book online but that has to be purchased the day before.
No need to charge extra for the golf either, £2 per person, it was empty and full of debris, feels like penny pinching.
However we did have a good day out, children are 5 and 6 and really enjoyed the zoo, it's on a route so you don't exhaust yourself wandering aimlessly. The other main theme is an excellent adventure playground, lots better than your local recreation ground and well presented.
Highlights were the interior playground, looks pretty new, well thought out, would hate to be there on a busy day though.
Also dont miss the discovery centre, everyone else sailed straight past. The young lady was enthusiastic and connected with the children straight away, never knew elephants had teeth let alone held one.
Thomas train is good but not sure how it fits in with the jungle theme of the rest of the park.
On the whole good but you will feel a bit short changed.
No need to charge extra for the golf either, £2 per person, it was empty and full of debris, feels like penny pinching.
However we did have a good day out, children are 5 and 6 and really enjoyed the zoo, it's on a route so you don't exhaust yourself wandering aimlessly. The other main theme is an excellent adventure playground, lots better than your local recreation ground and well presented.
Highlights were the interior playground, looks pretty new, well thought out, would hate to be there on a busy day though.
Also dont miss the discovery centre, everyone else sailed straight past. The young lady was enthusiastic and connected with the children straight away, never knew elephants had teeth let alone held one.
Thomas train is good but not sure how it fits in with the jungle theme of the rest of the park.
On the whole good but you will feel a bit short changed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I went with my boys (4 and 6) as I had run out of ideas. Filled a whole day and they are still talking about it now. My youngest loved the train, my eldest loved the surreal singing animal thingy and my favourite was the golf. Will be returning again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I went to the Park this weekend with my friend and our four children age between 3 and 14.
We had a great time there even my 14 year old enjoyed herself. The Zoo area was great fun with the interactive activities around which kept them amused throughout. We loved the lemurs and the kids enjoyed looking at all the animals. The area's was very clean and the only time the kids turned their noses up was when we saw the bats which l thought was fascinating. The children's play area was brilliant and we managed to have a coffee and relax while our kids played (we do not get to do this too often)
Thomas the train was an instant hit and l think we were on the train at least 3 times.
We had something to eat there which we thoroughly enjoyed -there was plenty of choice for the kids and as far as price goes thought was very reasonable (compared to other parks that we have visited)
My friends son fell over and banged his knee the staff could not have helped us enough and his crying only lasted 3 minutes, normally goes on for a hour but he wanted to get back and play.
We had a fantastic time and would recommend this place to family's with children, was very relaxing for us as the kids were kept busy throughout the day.
We had a great time there even my 14 year old enjoyed herself. The Zoo area was great fun with the interactive activities around which kept them amused throughout. We loved the lemurs and the kids enjoyed looking at all the animals. The area's was very clean and the only time the kids turned their noses up was when we saw the bats which l thought was fascinating. The children's play area was brilliant and we managed to have a coffee and relax while our kids played (we do not get to do this too often)
Thomas the train was an instant hit and l think we were on the train at least 3 times.
We had something to eat there which we thoroughly enjoyed -there was plenty of choice for the kids and as far as price goes thought was very reasonable (compared to other parks that we have visited)
My friends son fell over and banged his knee the staff could not have helped us enough and his crying only lasted 3 minutes, normally goes on for a hour but he wanted to get back and play.
We had a fantastic time and would recommend this place to family's with children, was very relaxing for us as the kids were kept busy throughout the day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This weekend my two nieces (aged eight and nine) and I ventured down to Drusilla’s... and what a fantastic day it was (for me and them). The park is full of so so many things to see and do – our highlights were probably Lemurland and Lory Landing where the girls got to get up close to the Lemurs and feed the Lorikeets (tiny little colourful parrots). The zoo is only one part of Drusilla’s offering... there’s also a number of adventure play grounds, a crazy golf course, a paddling pool, a miniature railway... more than enough to keep the kids entertained all day. Great value for money and a great day out. P.S make sure you catch the penguin feeding... great entertainment!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very happy with zoo part, but not happy at all with the amount of activities placed around the picnic area which all have to be paid for on top of the entrance fee! yes it is on the website some things are extra, but to have pretty much all these things placed around the picnic area where the management know full well parents will just give in and pay rather than face a full on tantrum is just disgusting and it put me right of the place. Also hardly any shade or umbrellas provided in the picnic areas. I know it costs a bit more to get in, but I would always opt to take my little boy to Paultons Park instead of here, much much nicer setting and grounds, plus everything even the little rides like you see outside the supermarket are free too. Will not go to Drussilas again. Very dissappointed after driving for an hour to get there and after reading the comments the management have left on here about some of these posts I really don't think they give a monkeys, sounds to me like some kind of customer skills courses are urgently needed. The saying that springs to mind..........YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.......
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Took my 2 year old son here in may 2012. He loved looking at all the animals and thought it was great walking through lemur land with the lemurs wandering around freely. He loved the Thomas tank engine ride and went on this several times. Other attractions did cost but were not overly expensive. Did not eat at the food outlets as we brought our own food so couldn't comment on these. All the staff were very friendly.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife & I spent a delightful three hours or so with our daughter and her two sons (toddlers) - one of the best designed sites we've visited. Great balance between animal spotting and activities at the end of which, the kiddies still have loads of energy left to go on the excellent climbing frames and slides. Carpark three quarters full yet you didn't feel you were hemmed in with people. Place spotless inlcuding the loos. Excellent eating and picnic places. Good ticket packages and good value. Would thoroughly recommend for young families who feel they always need to take their youngsters to 'rides' venues.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My 6 year old daughter was a zoo keeper for the day at Drusillas. It was expensive but I saved all her birthday and christmas money so instead of loads more plastic toys she had the most wonderful experience of her life. As she was under 10 i got to go with her and get involved too, which was awesome as i love animals. Being up and close with the meerkats and lemurs was amazing, feeding the penguins was great fun and getting up close to other animals such as capybara, bats, rabbits, snakes even creepy crawlies gave us a day to never forget. She's already asking if she can do it again so maybe next year her birthday and christmas money can be used for another zoo keeper experience!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My 7 year old daughter has just been a zoo keeper for the day at Drusilla's at Alfriston. She had a fantastic time. The zoo keeper (Katie) was brilliant with her and took the time to answer all her questions and made her feel very special indeed. She hasn't stopped talking about it and it's been 2 weeks since she had the experience. The zoo is a lovely place to visit and just the right size to take young children. I thoroughly enjoyed it too and learned a lot about all the animals. I highly recommend this experience. My daughter helped look after the penguins, meerkats, prairy dogs, mongeese and many more. A fabulous day out! As a teacher I think this would be a great school trip too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Excellent value for money. Loads to do. I took my 2 toddlers and they both loved it. A wide variety of animals to see. Lovely enclosures! There is a great indoor soft play for different ages and an awesome large outdoor play area. There are different food outlets which offer a good variety of food. They have a couple of 'walk through' enclosures too so you can really get close to the Lemurs and Rainbow Lorikeets! The facilities were clean and good facilities for baby changing. There is a large shop offering numerous gifts! Also included are keeper talks. The place is packed with interesting animal facts and education.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
For the second year running (2011 & 2012) my eleven year old daughter Charlotte has been lucky enough to be keeper for the day at Drusillas Park, Alfriston. Charlotte is a huge lover of all kinds of animals so this experience has allowed her to get close to animals she wouldn't normally have the opportunity to. Charlotte hopes to return again & again & it is a wonderful gift to give to an animal lover. Fun & educational. Charlotte says; "Drussillas is my favourite place, I love all the animals, the keepers are lovely & I want to go again and again".
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Drusilla's Park is our son's favourite place (and he has seen a few theme parks including Drayton Manor, Chessington World, Woburn Safari Park). Drusilla's is just the best.
It has everything kids enjoy - animals (so many different monkeys!) , Thomas ride and various characters from Thomas , softplay and big outdoor play areas.
The zoo part is very nicely done, it's very educational for children and makes learning fun for them.
We would advise to allow full day and avoid going on a rainy/cold day as most activities are outside.
We will be going there again and again.
It has everything kids enjoy - animals (so many different monkeys!) , Thomas ride and various characters from Thomas , softplay and big outdoor play areas.
The zoo part is very nicely done, it's very educational for children and makes learning fun for them.
We would advise to allow full day and avoid going on a rainy/cold day as most activities are outside.
We will be going there again and again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Kids love this small zoo as it has lots to do and keeps the kids entertained through the whole day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We are quite regular visitors to Drusillas; given the choice, the children would confine themselves to the playgrounds and the cafes and miss the animals.
On our last trip, we spent a full day (probably obilgatory given the near £50 it cost the three of us just to get in). We spent the morning in the playgrounds (which are good but not in themselves worth the entrance fee) and then in the afternoon (whilst Bob the Builder was thumping away elsewhere in the park) going through the animals.
This was a real revelation; maybe it was the time of day or the time of the year, but almost everythng was active (and remakably uncrowded). We saw the python, aligators and tortoises all moving around, and the gibbons swinging around with a baby in a pouch. There are a lot of monkeys which we find a bit uninteresting but enough other things to make it a really interesting tour.
We left at the end of a really good day.
The big draw-back with Drusillas is the cost; in additon to the entrance fee, you shell out for meals, drinks, ice-creams etc making the total cost of the day quite high. I feel some of the pricing is exploitative and bordering on the cynical. You also can get caught out by going on a slightly off-peak day (eg when our children are ou of school but others not) when many of the attractions can be closed.
On our last trip, we spent a full day (probably obilgatory given the near £50 it cost the three of us just to get in). We spent the morning in the playgrounds (which are good but not in themselves worth the entrance fee) and then in the afternoon (whilst Bob the Builder was thumping away elsewhere in the park) going through the animals.
This was a real revelation; maybe it was the time of day or the time of the year, but almost everythng was active (and remakably uncrowded). We saw the python, aligators and tortoises all moving around, and the gibbons swinging around with a baby in a pouch. There are a lot of monkeys which we find a bit uninteresting but enough other things to make it a really interesting tour.
We left at the end of a really good day.
The big draw-back with Drusillas is the cost; in additon to the entrance fee, you shell out for meals, drinks, ice-creams etc making the total cost of the day quite high. I feel some of the pricing is exploitative and bordering on the cynical. You also can get caught out by going on a slightly off-peak day (eg when our children are ou of school but others not) when many of the attractions can be closed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Brilliant play area for the kids, lots to do and see my son loves it..
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We held our son's 7th birthday party at Drusilla's in April 2012. What a day - fantastic from start to finish!
Exceptionally friendly staff on the gate welcoming our group in, fabulous feed the penguins experience and a delicious party tea with limitless drinks.
In between, 10 excited children having the time of their lives and Mum and Dad even managing to find opportunity to relax with a nice cup of tea.
Thank you Drusilla's team.
Exceptionally friendly staff on the gate welcoming our group in, fabulous feed the penguins experience and a delicious party tea with limitless drinks.
In between, 10 excited children having the time of their lives and Mum and Dad even managing to find opportunity to relax with a nice cup of tea.
Thank you Drusilla's team.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
great place great food lots of variety of animals will def visit again
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Animals seem happy, cafe staff overworked. Refurbished toilets were a definite improvement. The main road bus to&from Eastbourne does NOT stop anywhere near this place, the local Countryliner minibus is very infrequent
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Our kids (boys, 2 & 3) would gladly see us live here, or at least spend every spare moment here. There's Thomas the Tank Engine to ride around behind, but they also love the animals in the zoo, the indoor softplay, the big outdoor play areas and - most recently - the Bob the Builder show in the new stage area. The food is also pretty good, for kids and adults, with the usual fish-and-chip options alongside a decent salad bar. The season ticket offers good value for those of you who - like us - see that repeat visits are likely over the year.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
lots to do, always a winner for kids under 10 mainly
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I was really surprised by some of the negative responses on here so thought I would write a review
Yes- for a one off day trip it is pricey but swapping up a few telco vouchers solves that. We have annual membership which for 1 adult and 2 kids costs me about £160 but worth every penny. You only have to go 3 times and it pays for itself and we go weekly in the holidays
There are new animals and attractions added each year and the playgrounds are amazing. We particular enjoy amazon adventure the indoor play centre.
Thomas fans will love the train although I find the Thomas merchandise expensive
Telco vouchers and a pic nic = cheap fantastic day out
Yes- for a one off day trip it is pricey but swapping up a few telco vouchers solves that. We have annual membership which for 1 adult and 2 kids costs me about £160 but worth every penny. You only have to go 3 times and it pays for itself and we go weekly in the holidays
There are new animals and attractions added each year and the playgrounds are amazing. We particular enjoy amazon adventure the indoor play centre.
Thomas fans will love the train although I find the Thomas merchandise expensive
Telco vouchers and a pic nic = cheap fantastic day out
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Taken kids here many times, best probably for under 10's, was also on tesco clubcard so cheap day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
