Drusillas Park
Latest Reviews
We are a family with two boys 3 and 4, we really enjoyed it and the price is worth it for a full day out.
Through the entrance you're streight into the zoo, there are lots of animals jumping and climbing. There are some babies and each animal has an educational element.
There are loads of jungle gyms, the one that concerned me was the older one set back in the right corner. My three year old walked along the bridge part and it broke from the main framework, if it had been higher up which they are I dread to think. It put me on tenterhooks the rest of the time he was climbing about. Luckily there was an employee near by and not long after the dodgy part was cordoned off.
This still made me worry slightly.
The inside play area is good, two areas one for under twos and the bigger bit for older kids. Although my kids had to be careful as when they were coming down the slide parents were sat with a baby at the bottom.
The Thomas train was the highlight of our day, my boys loved every second as did we, another hit was the maze and hello kitty rides.
My sons were a little disappointed that the Thomas shop was closed, but overall a good day.
Well worth the money. - coffee in play area is horrible.
Through the entrance you're streight into the zoo, there are lots of animals jumping and climbing. There are some babies and each animal has an educational element.
There are loads of jungle gyms, the one that concerned me was the older one set back in the right corner. My three year old walked along the bridge part and it broke from the main framework, if it had been higher up which they are I dread to think. It put me on tenterhooks the rest of the time he was climbing about. Luckily there was an employee near by and not long after the dodgy part was cordoned off.
This still made me worry slightly.
The inside play area is good, two areas one for under twos and the bigger bit for older kids. Although my kids had to be careful as when they were coming down the slide parents were sat with a baby at the bottom.
The Thomas train was the highlight of our day, my boys loved every second as did we, another hit was the maze and hello kitty rides.
My sons were a little disappointed that the Thomas shop was closed, but overall a good day.
Well worth the money. - coffee in play area is horrible.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a great day visiting on the 21st, with our granddaughters, daughter and s-i-l.. We really enjoyed the well cared for animals in the special environments that have been created for them, learned a bit, from the well informed keepers at feeding time, had great fun in the brilliant play areas (mostly as spectators, but we had a go on a few things 😉), and enjoyed a nice lunch in the restaurant. If our grandchildren are happy, then we are happy---- and they were. Thanks, Drusillas, see you again soon.
[Just one thing I'm curious about.. having read many previous comments, I wonder why the management only reply to reviews that are completely negative, or have a negative in them-- seems a bit defensive to me. How about acknowledging your many visitors who had a great day, and spend time later letting everyone know about it]
[Just one thing I'm curious about.. having read many previous comments, I wonder why the management only reply to reviews that are completely negative, or have a negative in them-- seems a bit defensive to me. How about acknowledging your many visitors who had a great day, and spend time later letting everyone know about it]
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Been members for a couple of years and my daughter totally loves Drusillas, she likes learning about the animals, loves the many fact boards, completes the park's books stamping the animals she has seen and attempts the zoo Olympics.
On a wet day we enjoy the indoor softplay area. On a dry there is so much to do outside lots of running around, climbing areas, banana boats, animal sound boxes plus a vast picnic area. Around the picnic area there are cafes, souvenir shops, panning for gold, penguin plunge and dino dig.
There are plenty of age appropriate rides with Thomas the Tank Engine and Hello Kitty Secret Garden.
In the summer months the lagoon is a great place for the children to cool down and splash around.
Plenty of family fun plus more than I have mentioned above. Definitely renewing our membership this year and have booked a 'Penguin Party' for my daughter's 6th birthday treat with friends.
Probably be visiting Drusillas for s few more years yet as always a good fun day out.
On a wet day we enjoy the indoor softplay area. On a dry there is so much to do outside lots of running around, climbing areas, banana boats, animal sound boxes plus a vast picnic area. Around the picnic area there are cafes, souvenir shops, panning for gold, penguin plunge and dino dig.
There are plenty of age appropriate rides with Thomas the Tank Engine and Hello Kitty Secret Garden.
In the summer months the lagoon is a great place for the children to cool down and splash around.
Plenty of family fun plus more than I have mentioned above. Definitely renewing our membership this year and have booked a 'Penguin Party' for my daughter's 6th birthday treat with friends.
Probably be visiting Drusillas for s few more years yet as always a good fun day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A really excellent day out for all ages. Clean, safe, fun with well kept animals and plenty to keep children occupied all day. Good selection of healthy food, excellent facilities for babies and toddlers. Friendly and helpful staff.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
For my daughters 6th birthday we treated her to the 'Zookeeper for the day' experience.
I cannot speak highly enough of the whole experience. What an AMAZING day.
Excellent value for money. "The best day of my life!" my daughter said.
Julie the keeper who we spent the day with was fantastic. She was brilliant with my daughter and incredibly knowledge about the animals. You could see Julie had a real love of animals and her job. From start to finish the day was packed full of activities. You were allowed to be very hands on. My daughter selected food for the animals, weighed it and the cut it all up. She then spent the day feeding and caring for the animals as well as cleaning up their poo!
A truly fantastic day. My daughter was so sad when it was over,
I cannot speak highly enough of the whole experience. What an AMAZING day.
Excellent value for money. "The best day of my life!" my daughter said.
Julie the keeper who we spent the day with was fantastic. She was brilliant with my daughter and incredibly knowledge about the animals. You could see Julie had a real love of animals and her job. From start to finish the day was packed full of activities. You were allowed to be very hands on. My daughter selected food for the animals, weighed it and the cut it all up. She then spent the day feeding and caring for the animals as well as cleaning up their poo!
A truly fantastic day. My daughter was so sad when it was over,
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I organised a "penguin" close encounter for my 6 year old as a birthday treat - what a great time he had! The booking process was simple and clear instructions were given beforehand. At our allocated time we were greeted by the lovely Helena, who led us to the penguin enclosure for a behind the scenes tour and feeding session. My son was given lots of information that he was able to understand and had great fun throwing fish from a bucket into the water to the hungry penguins. He learn loads and still talks about it. I would thoroughly recommend this experience at Drusillas.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Let me start off by saying its not the first time i have been to Drusillas. i really do like the place. its small, compact and set out very well. there is however a few points that grind.
The cost, its a little steep. we were babysitting a 14 month old child, (still in her pushchair even on a good day looks no more than 12 months old) we were what seemed to be interrogated as to her age and her birthday
Do not go during busy times, unless being walked into bashed with pushchairs or people pushing you out of the way because they have a posh camera and they really need to get with in 6 inches to get the right shot.
Donuts, if you decide that you want some very nice freshly cooked donuts, be prepared for a very long wait. i stood in line behind three groups of people, 25 mins later i got served. instead of getting the machine to run and make a lot (everyone wanted them) the first order for 8 was made and machine turned off then after the next order was taken it was turned back on again and a batch of 12 was made, again the machine was turned off and so it goes on.
It sounds like i'm just picking faults for the sake of it but its the small things that matter
The cost, its a little steep. we were babysitting a 14 month old child, (still in her pushchair even on a good day looks no more than 12 months old) we were what seemed to be interrogated as to her age and her birthday
Do not go during busy times, unless being walked into bashed with pushchairs or people pushing you out of the way because they have a posh camera and they really need to get with in 6 inches to get the right shot.
Donuts, if you decide that you want some very nice freshly cooked donuts, be prepared for a very long wait. i stood in line behind three groups of people, 25 mins later i got served. instead of getting the machine to run and make a lot (everyone wanted them) the first order for 8 was made and machine turned off then after the next order was taken it was turned back on again and a batch of 12 was made, again the machine was turned off and so it goes on.
It sounds like i'm just picking faults for the sake of it but its the small things that matter
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have today been to Drusillas Park with my toddler and what a wonderful place. He thoroughly enjoyed it and there was plenty to do. I was most impressed with the selection of food in the restaurant, it makes such a change to have so many healthy options at a children's attraction.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My mum and myself toke my daughter here for a day out and we was amazed at how entertaining it was. There was plenty of animals to see and the cafe was reasonably priced for the portion of food. We traded tesco vouchers for our entry but having been in we agree that the prices they are asking for is worth paying. Excellent day out thoroughly enjoyed it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a great place for the family, only heavy rain might dampen the spirits but that applies to any tourist attraction, but at Drusillas you get discounted entry on a future visit if it rains a lot when you visit! Can't say fairer than that!
Also unlike many other attractions the park has a very good playground (indoors for the smaller ones) and outside, a very decent cafe and also a restaurant, so just grab a hot chocolate and sit outside! And again unusual in that the park is open throughout the year, and stays open quite late even in the winter months.
And Christmas is wonderful at Drusillas. Unlike other bah humbug attractions that switch off their lights from 26th December (Leeds castle take note) the park keeps theirs on until the final Sunday before 6th January with a full music and lights display. Absolutely wonderful way to round off Christmas!!
Also unlike many other attractions the park has a very good playground (indoors for the smaller ones) and outside, a very decent cafe and also a restaurant, so just grab a hot chocolate and sit outside! And again unusual in that the park is open throughout the year, and stays open quite late even in the winter months.
And Christmas is wonderful at Drusillas. Unlike other bah humbug attractions that switch off their lights from 26th December (Leeds castle take note) the park keeps theirs on until the final Sunday before 6th January with a full music and lights display. Absolutely wonderful way to round off Christmas!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
my whole family thoroughly enjoyed our full day at drusillas,,theres alot of animals to see,and a massive play area with so much to play on you need a good part of the day to do it all.
theres a few little rides with a thomas train and hello kitty world which both was brilliant and the ques where pretty quick too.
there are picnic areas and cafes and sweetshop also restrooms with ample car parking
theres a few little rides with a thomas train and hello kitty world which both was brilliant and the ques where pretty quick too.
there are picnic areas and cafes and sweetshop also restrooms with ample car parking
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Bought the meet the meerkats experience for our daughters 8 th birthday, it was excellent. A brief behind the scenes tour and get the dinner ready. Two keepers were on hand to answer all our questions and we had about 20 minutes in the enclosure. The meerkats were very friendly and climbed and sat on our daughters head, they were happy to be stroked. All in all a truly memorable experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fantastic family day out. Not cheap, but then it does provide good value for money, with a fantastic playground for children of all ages. Be warned however - expect very large queues during peak season.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I was dragged here rather reluctantly by my wife and 22 year old daughter, expecting a sort of "petting farm" with swings and childish stuff. We arrived and the carpark (it was half term) was full of mummies with small children. I expecting my imaginings to be fulfilled.
The place is a positive delight - it is a wonderfully considered zoo, with a strong conservation aspect. The site is thoughtfully designed, both for the punters and the animals. There is a corner of the area that is obviously designed to be just for children as a play area, but that's fine, and it was extremely popular.
I would thoroughly recommend this place, and would love to go back again sometime. (but live 250 miles away!)
The place is a positive delight - it is a wonderfully considered zoo, with a strong conservation aspect. The site is thoughtfully designed, both for the punters and the animals. There is a corner of the area that is obviously designed to be just for children as a play area, but that's fine, and it was extremely popular.
I would thoroughly recommend this place, and would love to go back again sometime. (but live 250 miles away!)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
There is lots to do here, and although it can get busy during school holidays, there is not usually too much queuing. As my daughter is still preschool we tend to try and visit weekdays during term times, when it is much quieter and as annual pass holders we go often! The indoor soft play means there is always something to keep her happy even if the weather is bad and the food is good quality and reasonably priced. The staff are very friendly and helpful and the toilets are very clean with child seats in every loo and numerous baby change facilities. There are also large picnic areas with plenty of seating.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Loved it as a kid, wish I could go see what its like now.
Source: google.com
Great day had by all, couldn't do train ride due to queue being too big and having to leave buggy so would have been a long wait holding 2 babies. Also gift shop expensive
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited here on a very wet and windy Friday in February, and would probably have given it a miss, due to the weather, but we had booked online so decided to give it a go. So glad we did as we had a wonderful time, the kids (2 & 7) were impressed with the rides and the animals, and the extra education elements were very good. What stood this out from other small zoo's was the staff were all very friendly, the food was reasonably priced, and there was enough activities under cover to warrant going whatever the weather. The 7 year old loved the Zoo-Olympics activities, and dragged us all into recording the loudest voice (she won), highest jumper (the wife) and fastest sprinter (dad of course).
We had a great time going round the animals, but eventually the weather beat us and we retired indoors to the soft play area (Amazon Adventure I think), which was spacious and again a hit with the kids.
All in all a top day, highly recommended, and if we didn't live so far away we'd be visiting on a very regular basis!
We had a great time going round the animals, but eventually the weather beat us and we retired indoors to the soft play area (Amazon Adventure I think), which was spacious and again a hit with the kids.
All in all a top day, highly recommended, and if we didn't live so far away we'd be visiting on a very regular basis!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a great day we had for my boys 2nd birthday. He loved the Thomas train, the playground and the animals. There is so many interactive activities all the way round for both the parents and children to enjoy. We had a wonderful time and because it was the middle of the week in winter there were no queues! The only bit I think needs any improvement is the farm section where I think fewer but larger enclosures would probably be better and maybe a petting area or a timed feed like some of the other animals.
The bathroom facilities were spotless, much better than I have ever seen at one of these types of a attractions and the playground was something else. For children a little older than mine it would keep them entertained for hours! Fab!
The bathroom facilities were spotless, much better than I have ever seen at one of these types of a attractions and the playground was something else. For children a little older than mine it would keep them entertained for hours! Fab!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This place is excellent for children of all ages. We went with a 7 year old and twin 1 year olds and they all had a great time. To start with, the zoo is excellent, everyone loved the interactive displays, the opportunity to get a Giraffe's eye view, pop up inside a meerkat enclosure, learn so much from each animal's display and get up close and personal with some of them. Then there is the quite epic playground, The kids just go mad and climb and swing and slide and just have so much fun. There is the Thomas the Tank Engine train ride around the whole site which everyone loved, there is Hello Kitty Secret Garden which also has rides and was a huge hit with our family. There is even a pool for the hot days.
It is quite expensive to get in and we were a bit taken back at first but actually once you are in there it a full day out, with loads to be learnt (for young and old!), lots to play on (and make sure you really wear the kids out!) and very minimal queuing (which with three excited children is a huge bonus).
I highly recommend this day out for the whole family but there is one draw back... the food offered is just utterly dreadful. The selection is poor, consisting of burgers, chips and chicken nuggets mainly. Granted, as a treat for the children this might be nice, but if you want to offer your child something with any nutritional value, don't waste your money. I wouldnt feed the burger to an animal. It was grim. And as I said, its a full-on, active day so by the time we sat down to eat we were really hungry. I had packed some homemade food for the babies and we all ended up eating some of that because our burgers and chips were closer to cardboard than actual food.
We will be going back in the next school holidays because it really is such a great day out, but we will be taking a packed lunch!
It is quite expensive to get in and we were a bit taken back at first but actually once you are in there it a full day out, with loads to be learnt (for young and old!), lots to play on (and make sure you really wear the kids out!) and very minimal queuing (which with three excited children is a huge bonus).
I highly recommend this day out for the whole family but there is one draw back... the food offered is just utterly dreadful. The selection is poor, consisting of burgers, chips and chicken nuggets mainly. Granted, as a treat for the children this might be nice, but if you want to offer your child something with any nutritional value, don't waste your money. I wouldnt feed the burger to an animal. It was grim. And as I said, its a full-on, active day so by the time we sat down to eat we were really hungry. I had packed some homemade food for the babies and we all ended up eating some of that because our burgers and chips were closer to cardboard than actual food.
We will be going back in the next school holidays because it really is such a great day out, but we will be taking a packed lunch!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My daughter did the zoo keeper for the day!I can not say how much of an amazing experience is.The staff were so lovely and answered all the hundred questions she had!She learnt so much and we were made to feel so welcome. A must do for any budding zoo keeper wanna be.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Brilliant! OK the entrance price stings a bit, but make it a full day out and enjoy it all. Some folk don't get it and rush past the animals rather than stopping to watch, read the info, and ENJOY. Sure if you pay and just spend a couple of hours you will think its dear...BUT go for the day! Take a picnic if want to spend less. The cafe at the end is better than the fast food bar by the play park (and plan to be there for lunch 12-2pm) for decent hot food at an acceptable price.
The animals are brilliant and so much more to see than in previous years. Take time to stop and watch! You can always break it up by letting the kids play in the adventure park after lunch, then go back for keeper talks and feed times.
We love it and am seriously thinking of getting an annual membership. Best in the area!
The animals are brilliant and so much more to see than in previous years. Take time to stop and watch! You can always break it up by letting the kids play in the adventure park after lunch, then go back for keeper talks and feed times.
We love it and am seriously thinking of getting an annual membership. Best in the area!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We are season ticket holders here and the zoo is brilliant. It's not full of the bigger animals, but our 2 year old lives it, and it's good for rainy days as well, as most of it is under cover.
The Thomas train is a good ride, if not a little short and the new hello kitty world is a welcome addition.
My only complaint is that when a large section of the park shuts down during the winter months, the admission fee stays the same as the summer months which is poor, the price even stays the same for weekdays when the rides run a lot less frequent which I think is a poor decision from the organisers of this park, however this does mean it's pretty empty in the winter so season ticket holders like myself have a nice empty park to play in.
The coffee from the normal restaurant is horrendous so walk the extra few minutes to the Starbucks and avoid the experience.
Negatives aside, the park is maintained well and clean, the animals are interesting and in the summer there is plenty to do. In the winter it is good for ticket holders but if your paying on the door, avoid as you will be disappointed.
The Thomas train is a good ride, if not a little short and the new hello kitty world is a welcome addition.
My only complaint is that when a large section of the park shuts down during the winter months, the admission fee stays the same as the summer months which is poor, the price even stays the same for weekdays when the rides run a lot less frequent which I think is a poor decision from the organisers of this park, however this does mean it's pretty empty in the winter so season ticket holders like myself have a nice empty park to play in.
The coffee from the normal restaurant is horrendous so walk the extra few minutes to the Starbucks and avoid the experience.
Negatives aside, the park is maintained well and clean, the animals are interesting and in the summer there is plenty to do. In the winter it is good for ticket holders but if your paying on the door, avoid as you will be disappointed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have had a wonderful day at a very well laid out and organised animal and play park. We took our grandchildren for a pre Christmas treat and were definitely not disappointed with what we experienced. The variety of animals to see and the way they are housed allows for good viewing of all of them. The play park areas are well served with seating, tea rooms and shelter, and were a real success with our grandchildren! A good time was had by all and would thoroughly recommend it. Everything has been thought of, enabling us to get the very best out of our visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We've been here a few times before, usually in the summer and the kids love it. A bit of everything - zoo, great parks, Thomas train, & now the Hello Kitty garden with rides. We went today for the Winter Wonderland and it was brilliant. Santa was great & interacted well with the kids (so did the elves and Mrs Claus). Kids loved the reindeer and huskies. We headed straight to the grotto as soon as the park opened, would recommend this as when we passed later in the day the queue was huge. We spent 7hrs there so plenty to keep the kids entertained! Light show was good, although don't expect anything more than the lights flashing on and off to the music, was very effective though and felt very festive. Not a cheap day out - £70 for a family of 4 with the Santa visit (cheaper to book tickets online but you have to book Santa tickets when you get there). Worth every penny though, definitely the best Christmas experience we have been to - something for everyone!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
