Drusillas Park
Latest Reviews
Great day out. Value for money if you live locally and become members, (best option in my opinion for kids over five is gold membership). Also value for money if you fully or partly use tesco club card points. Have used tesco points and been members. Currently members.
Can work out expensive if you pay on the gate but they do an online discount if tickets booked in advance.
Well laid out, well kept, clean and tidy with good facilities. Staff are helpful and friendly.
We came at the weekend, as a group of three adults and three children and spent all day here and didnt do everything. Partly because a couple of the kids in our party kept going on the same thing.
Generally you can do it all in one day.
Nice selection of animals with free kids activity books for them to fill in or stamp. Animals always look well looked after.
Food and drinks in cafe and restaurant are average priced. We usually take a picnic and buy drinks and ice cream etc but have eaten here too. We took picnic this weekend.
Lots of toilet facilities around the park which are always checked and always been clean when we have used them.
The park is geared to 12 and under, but that doesn’t mean older persons can not enjoy it too.
There are additional activities which cost extra unless your child is a gold member. The price band for the activities works out cheaper the more you buy. One activity is about £5 but if you buy 4 tickets it works out £3 an activity.
You can have a full day out without going on the extra bits. The hello kitty and animal rides are included in the entry price.
We did have a lady ask us as we queued for the train if it was included. To which we said yes.
All things at the zoo park are open most weekends and school holidays.
We find Saturday is a good day to go. We visited on last Saturday in fact.
It can get very busy on event days.
The kids always have a great time. And I recommend a visit.
Can work out expensive if you pay on the gate but they do an online discount if tickets booked in advance.
Well laid out, well kept, clean and tidy with good facilities. Staff are helpful and friendly.
We came at the weekend, as a group of three adults and three children and spent all day here and didnt do everything. Partly because a couple of the kids in our party kept going on the same thing.
Generally you can do it all in one day.
Nice selection of animals with free kids activity books for them to fill in or stamp. Animals always look well looked after.
Food and drinks in cafe and restaurant are average priced. We usually take a picnic and buy drinks and ice cream etc but have eaten here too. We took picnic this weekend.
Lots of toilet facilities around the park which are always checked and always been clean when we have used them.
The park is geared to 12 and under, but that doesn’t mean older persons can not enjoy it too.
There are additional activities which cost extra unless your child is a gold member. The price band for the activities works out cheaper the more you buy. One activity is about £5 but if you buy 4 tickets it works out £3 an activity.
You can have a full day out without going on the extra bits. The hello kitty and animal rides are included in the entry price.
We did have a lady ask us as we queued for the train if it was included. To which we said yes.
All things at the zoo park are open most weekends and school holidays.
We find Saturday is a good day to go. We visited on last Saturday in fact.
It can get very busy on event days.
The kids always have a great time. And I recommend a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a great day out here with my son whose 22 months and my mum.
This zoo has lots of animals to enjoy (mainly small mammals) lots of monkeys which everyone loved to see.
Stamp trail and lots of little facts dotted around too.
The rides were also fun and great that they are safe for smaller children to go on unlike other places where you need to be a metre tall.
Also noticed that lots of the rides allowed wheelchairs and children with movement problems to enjoy them too which is something I hadn’t seen
Once you are over 2 £20 a ticket
This zoo has lots of animals to enjoy (mainly small mammals) lots of monkeys which everyone loved to see.
Stamp trail and lots of little facts dotted around too.
The rides were also fun and great that they are safe for smaller children to go on unlike other places where you need to be a metre tall.
Also noticed that lots of the rides allowed wheelchairs and children with movement problems to enjoy them too which is something I hadn’t seen
Once you are over 2 £20 a ticket
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great for young children. Plenty to do to fill the whole day. We went in the summer holidays but didn't have to queue longer than five minutes for any rides which is perfect for the young children this park is aimed at (the rides are probably ideally for children 8 years old and under; children as young as 1 can go on several rides). Lots of animals to see in the zoo. Good recycling bins but they are next to the smoking area so I had to passive smoke while I separated our lunch rubbish!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This one of the best places I have visited with my son its very well kept and maintained. The animals are spotless and surrounding areas. Some very unusual animals to look at. The play areas are fantastic for children. I would say the rides are aimed at 5 year olds and younger. But what a fantastic place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A great variety of activities, both fun and educational - so much to see and do. The staff are extremely friendly. I took my 10 year old and her friend and they had a wonderful day. We didn’t have time to do everything. Very useful being able to go back to the car during the day. Would definitely go back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went to Drusillas for the feed the penguin experience which was for my 7 year old Son’s Birthday treat. His voucher entitled him to free entry to the park & we had a wonderful day. Best zoo we have ever visited by far. Not only do they have wonderful, bright & roomy animal enclosures but children can also play in the huge park. The penguin experience was magical. The 2 zoo keepers were fantastic. We had a behind the scenes tour & Nanny was allowed into the penguin aquarium also. A day he’ll never forget!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited with my daughter and her two boys aged 6 and 8. It was our first visit and we managed to get in on a deal whereby a child gets in for half price with an adult paying full price but that was still nearly £70 and I felt especially for myself it was a bit on the pricey side. I’m glad I didn’t have to pay the full price. Having said that the boys had a good time which was the main thing. It was quite a pleasant day weather wise, not too hot and not as busy as I was expecting and so we didn’t have to queue for the rides for more than a few minutes. I think the 8 year old found the rides a little tame but still enjoyed them. He was desperate for a go on the climbing wall and eventually we gave in and paid the £5 ( this was instead of something from the shop) He’s never done anything like this before and didn’t really have the chance to get going before his time was up. He was bitterly disappointed but there was no way we were going to pay another £5. I do think that 5 minutes is not long enough. There is a penguin plunge blow up slide which they wanted to go on, but again it was another £5 each so I’m afraid we said no.
The boys had some time at the water park which was quite small and not nearly as much fun as the one we went to in Norfolk. There are also a couple of good play areas and an indoor soft play area.
The animals are well kept and all looked happy and healthy which was nice to see.
The boys had lunch in the Explorers cafe which they enjoyed.
They especially liked the Rain forest carousel and so did i!
Altogether a good day but I would think more suitable for younger children
The boys had some time at the water park which was quite small and not nearly as much fun as the one we went to in Norfolk. There are also a couple of good play areas and an indoor soft play area.
The animals are well kept and all looked happy and healthy which was nice to see.
The boys had lunch in the Explorers cafe which they enjoyed.
They especially liked the Rain forest carousel and so did i!
Altogether a good day but I would think more suitable for younger children
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited regularly when my children were small and hadn't been for about 10 years but decided to visit with some young friends. We were not disappointed - so many things were the same which felt nice and familiar and all the changes were improvements as far as we could see! It does get very crowded but I wouldn't say overcrowded, and although there are a few things that you have to pay extra for there are so many things that are included in the price that the kids don't need to feel that they have missed out if they cant do the 'extra' things. Our little friends were thrilled to find P J Masks were there on the day we visited - and I was very interested to see that they have regular visitors like this so its is definitely worth checking the website and planning the day around this extra highlight. It is not a cheap day out but a very enjoyable one and plenty to keep you occupied for as many hours as you want to spend there.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Although we went during the school holidays we found that there was not much queuing for the rides.this is a wonderful place for young children.we followed the zoo path when we entered as this is very educational and a lot of the enclosures have reinforced glass so the children could fill nearest as they could to the animals.we done this option as the rides don't open till 11:00.
Plenty interactive things for them to do to keep them interested.There is huge play areas which kept my grand daughter entertained.Highlight of the day was the wet area,plenty of things to squart.
Would go again.
Plenty interactive things for them to do to keep them interested.There is huge play areas which kept my grand daughter entertained.Highlight of the day was the wet area,plenty of things to squart.
Would go again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lots to do for animal lovers and adventurers alike. Love spotting the monkeys in the tunnels overhead.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely facility!! Lots of disabled parking which is easy to get too and from. Staff here were very cheerfully and inviting! We felt very welcomed thought the whole park. We had a group with 3 teenagers but still went on most of the rides! This is something we could do due to the attractions being free! Animals all looked healthy and happy!! We saw all animals we possibly could! Defined worth the money!!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Last visited 18yrs ago with our grandchildren’s dad, what a change, I thought originally that the entry price was expensive, but after six hours of entertainment for a four and three year old, our minds were changed. Plenty to see and do, all within the entry price. I thought the food prices were high until we received our meals, very good value, more than we could eat. The only criticism is the wait for the face painting, the line out of the door and only one member of staff to deal with excited children and agitated parents, give her a pay rise, the girl did good, handled the situation and was cheerful throughout.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
While Drusillas is still a good small zoo, it's starting to look a little out of step with modern zoo practices. The enclosures are still quite small and some are very bare. Most people these days would prefer, I think, to spend a while spotting animals in more natural enclosures rather than see animals who have nowhere to hide or act naturally. There also seems to be far less focus on breeding programmes and conservation than other small zoos and than in the past. The information on the enclosures is good but not inspiring in this regard.
What does elevate it though is the knowledge and passion of the staff. If you get the chance to talk to any one of them you find out so much more. I recently attended a photography day with Tom and learned more about the individual animals than in years of coming to the zoo. He, and many other of the staff we met are the zoos best asset.
For those with kids the play park element seems great but there is the feeling this is becoming a playground with an animal display attached which is a shame. There's a great opportunity to tune into the national mood of conservation which is being missed.
What does elevate it though is the knowledge and passion of the staff. If you get the chance to talk to any one of them you find out so much more. I recently attended a photography day with Tom and learned more about the individual animals than in years of coming to the zoo. He, and many other of the staff we met are the zoos best asset.
For those with kids the play park element seems great but there is the feeling this is becoming a playground with an animal display attached which is a shame. There's a great opportunity to tune into the national mood of conservation which is being missed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We arrived and the children decided to go straight to the rides. Pleased as I did not like the ‘zoo side’ - servals walking back and forwards, pacing in an unnatural way. Why do these parks have animals as a side interest?
The ride side, however, is very good. Attendants good and interactive. Girls loved the ‘hippo’ ride. Good value as we stayed ‘till the park closed.
Why not concentrate on what children want? That is the rides/water play/playground. The animals are not in appropriate caging with little stimulation - so wrong.
The ride side, however, is very good. Attendants good and interactive. Girls loved the ‘hippo’ ride. Good value as we stayed ‘till the park closed.
Why not concentrate on what children want? That is the rides/water play/playground. The animals are not in appropriate caging with little stimulation - so wrong.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Although this place is very pricey we always have a lovely day out here, always remember to exchange Clubcard vouchers here for a day out as you get triple there worth. The kids have a ball & admittedly is parents do too!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I had never been to Drusillas before and as we were staying in Eastbourne I thought it would be a good place to visit with the family. I was so pleased we did go, it was fantastic! There was so much to see and do, we went between 11-4 and our day was full! The only time we were stood around was when it rained! The trail walks around the zoo so you don’t miss anything with lots of information and busy bits for little children to play. With animal walk throughs and feeding talks you really can keep a family indulged. We also joined in the animal stamp book and zooolympics which my young son really enjoyed!
After the Zoo there are several play areas and a water play area, plus shops, restaurants and rides!
Can’t wait to go back
After the Zoo there are several play areas and a water play area, plus shops, restaurants and rides!
Can’t wait to go back
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great place for little ones. We went the other day on one of the hottest days with our nearly 2 year old. Rides are fantastic and such short queues! Splash zone looked brilliant but was so so crowded we didn't dare head in. Zoo was nice and very interactive for older children, we did feel this created quite a few bottlenecks which with a buggy and being so hot, was quite stressful though.
Lunch was good. Loved my jacket potato and picks from the salad bar.
Being able to meet Peppa and George was brilliant for our little girl and we only queued about 20mins.
Would say it may be worth people who have prepaid online having more of a priority queue to get in as took quite some time being in the same queue as pay on the day customers. £40 for the 3 of us was fine, but think an additional £20 for our toddler just in a month from now when she's turned 2 is definitely too expensive. On the whole, great place!
Lunch was good. Loved my jacket potato and picks from the salad bar.
Being able to meet Peppa and George was brilliant for our little girl and we only queued about 20mins.
Would say it may be worth people who have prepaid online having more of a priority queue to get in as took quite some time being in the same queue as pay on the day customers. £40 for the 3 of us was fine, but think an additional £20 for our toddler just in a month from now when she's turned 2 is definitely too expensive. On the whole, great place!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This zoo is an absolute gem. The only downside to it was after entering the zoo it’s abit crammed just inside as you go through the first bit. But it soon spreads out as you go in.
The kids loved seeing all the different animals especially the areas where you could walk amongst the animals e.g. the lemur enclosure where you walk through the lemurs up close.
The theme park bit was incredible made even more special as you didn’t have to pay extra for the rides (as you do in other parks/zoos we have visited)
The food was pretty decent to we struggled to find a seat but the quality of food was very high. A little disappointed they don’t have coke and had to drink Coke Zero 🤮🤮🤮
Overall a very enjoyable day out and would definitely go again.
The kids loved seeing all the different animals especially the areas where you could walk amongst the animals e.g. the lemur enclosure where you walk through the lemurs up close.
The theme park bit was incredible made even more special as you didn’t have to pay extra for the rides (as you do in other parks/zoos we have visited)
The food was pretty decent to we struggled to find a seat but the quality of food was very high. A little disappointed they don’t have coke and had to drink Coke Zero 🤮🤮🤮
Overall a very enjoyable day out and would definitely go again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We always have fun at Drusillas. The children adore all the animals, almost to the extent of forgetting about the play Park at the end. It was hot enough for them to play in the water park which is clean and well looked after. The hello kitty corner is clean, safe and great fun for the littles!!
A great day out!
A great day out!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I was concerned that this would leave our older daughter cold, as it was clear it was mainly for younger children. But it didn't. We were all charmed by the way in which the animals were kept, information displayed and some of the fun things to do. For the little ones there is a small theme park which was popular, and a splash zone on the hot day we visited. It's only let down by disappointing food (even by theme park standards) though the outdoor dining areas are lovely.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was a visit for my sons birthday as I bought him a Red Panda encounter.
The keeper that looked after us was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. It was a fantastic experience and my son loved it. He made the panda ‘cake’ and hand fed the 2 beautiful Red Pandas. The experience lasted about 45 minutes.
The rest of the zoo is lovely with lots to see and do. We would definitely go back.
The keeper that looked after us was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. It was a fantastic experience and my son loved it. He made the panda ‘cake’ and hand fed the 2 beautiful Red Pandas. The experience lasted about 45 minutes.
The rest of the zoo is lovely with lots to see and do. We would definitely go back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We gave my daughter the Zookeeper for a day experience for her 9th birthday. She loved it. Rolled up her sleeves and got her hands dirty. She really felt like she was doing something worthwhile and she learnt lots of interesting facts.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fantastic place in every respect. Brilliant and engaging layout, huge variety of animals in clever enclosures with lots of interaction, activity stations for children (small and large...) to test their skills against the animals, lots of coveted areas in case it rains, topped off with a team of attentive and friendly staff. We were a group of 20 children with learning and physical challenges and 30 adults - could not have had more fun so thank you! We will be back!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a great day at Drusillas. The park was busy so the first few areas were very congested but as we went on the crowds spread out.
There are lots of animals to see. The children loved the spotters book and animal Olympics that they had to complete. The site includes lots of information points about the animals.
The kids play area and water part were brilliant and we could have easily spent half the day there.
We all enjoyed the rides in the hello kitty garden and the queues moved quickly.
My only criticism is that there were very few picnic areas.
There are lots of animals to see. The children loved the spotters book and animal Olympics that they had to complete. The site includes lots of information points about the animals.
The kids play area and water part were brilliant and we could have easily spent half the day there.
We all enjoyed the rides in the hello kitty garden and the queues moved quickly.
My only criticism is that there were very few picnic areas.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had an amazing day out with my daughter at Drusilla last week. The Zoo is exceptional as well as a fantastic range of rides and park areas. The staff at drusillas are amazing, very knowledgeable and when walking through the zoo enclosures tgere was always someone to talk about the animals to us. One member of staff 'Sam' was especially exceptional, She was so helpful, fun and polite. My daughter wanted to only go on the rides Sam operated all day! It was such an amazing experience that we have bought annual passes and have been back 4 times since, every day has been exceptional and my daughter loves drusillas. We will be coming back many more times. 100% the best place we've been this summer.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
