Drusillas Park
Latest Reviews
The zoo at Drusillas really is quite brilliant. We have been to bigger and more famous zoos but this is probably the one we have enjoyed the most. The free zoolympic book and animal spotter sets it completely apart and meant that our kids really engaged with the animals and learnt heaps.
Hello Kittys secret garden looked lovely but the rides were disappointing - they entertained our 3 year old but that was probably the limit. The Thomas train was fun and made our nearly 5 year old very happy.
It was all going so well until we got into the area where we wait for Thomas and were bombarded with a whole load of attractions you had to pay extra for. £70 entrance fee for a family of 5 is fine but allowing our kids on any one of these extras would have set us back at least another £12. Drusillas doesn't need them. There's plenty to do without them but it felt a real shame to have to explain to our children that they couldn't do these things. Not what you expect when you've paid a significant some to travel, get in and eat there.
Hello Kittys secret garden looked lovely but the rides were disappointing - they entertained our 3 year old but that was probably the limit. The Thomas train was fun and made our nearly 5 year old very happy.
It was all going so well until we got into the area where we wait for Thomas and were bombarded with a whole load of attractions you had to pay extra for. £70 entrance fee for a family of 5 is fine but allowing our kids on any one of these extras would have set us back at least another £12. Drusillas doesn't need them. There's plenty to do without them but it felt a real shame to have to explain to our children that they couldn't do these things. Not what you expect when you've paid a significant some to travel, get in and eat there.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a superb animal park to visit. The exhibits are beautifully clean and very modern in appearance. The small animals are a delight to watch especially at feeding time. We were lucky enough to see a baby lemur clinging onto it's mum's back. The Lori landing is wonderful if you love to be with birds. They will land on your head, arms, especially if you purchase a little bowl of 'nectar' for them to drink. Wonderful. The play area for children is massive and very cleverly arranged, all complete with safety ground cover beneath. The food is not expensive either and not tiny portions.
Cannot praise Drusillas highly enough and I just wish I lived nearer, I'd be there weekly!
Cannot praise Drusillas highly enough and I just wish I lived nearer, I'd be there weekly!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I haven't been there for a couple of years and there is now even more to do. aRather expensive and needs more for the tiny tots but a very good day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I visited Drusillas for bank holiday Monday with our 1 year old daughter. Even though it was raining we all had a great day with everything being perfectly suited for my daughter to enjoy with easy views into all the animal enclosures - she had a particularly great time looking at the meerkats! The park had a really great variety of animals and a number of the enclosures where inside and under cover so the rain didnt put us off at all. In addition to the animals we had a great time at the Hello Kitty world, going on the rides and even meeting hello kitty herself....though my little one was a little bit shocked to meet a giant cat! We will definitely be visiting the park again!
What we enjoyed most:
Easy viewing for my daughter at all the enclosures - I didn't have to keep picking her up to see!
The Zoo Olympics - a fund challenge to do whilst going around the park
Great Variety of animals and educational setting
Nice variety and really affordable food - often a rarity in zoos and parks!
What we enjoyed most:
Easy viewing for my daughter at all the enclosures - I didn't have to keep picking her up to see!
The Zoo Olympics - a fund challenge to do whilst going around the park
Great Variety of animals and educational setting
Nice variety and really affordable food - often a rarity in zoos and parks!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is our second year of being annaul members and can honestly say we practically go here every weekend and some weekdays during the school holidays. Even in the winter we take the kids to the amazon adventure for the soft play. Gold membership for the kids is a must as the optional extras are then included (penguin plunge, panning for gold, climbing wall and dino dig). We go so often now that most of the time we skip the animals and go straight to the outdoor play section. Food can be a little on the pricey side if you go as regular so we do so we generally take a picnic and only have the food there as a treat. Also members do get a discount in explorer's cafe which is a bonus!
I can understand that as a one off it can be expensive for all the extras but if it is a day out that is a treat I think you can expect to pay the same no matter where you go.
Hello Kitty land is fantastic and my little girl was beside herself when it opened! I got a little dizzy on the teacups as she insisted on going on this repeatedly! :)
If its a hot day then dont forget to take the swimsuites for the kids for the paddling pool!
I can understand that as a one off it can be expensive for all the extras but if it is a day out that is a treat I think you can expect to pay the same no matter where you go.
Hello Kitty land is fantastic and my little girl was beside herself when it opened! I got a little dizzy on the teacups as she insisted on going on this repeatedly! :)
If its a hot day then dont forget to take the swimsuites for the kids for the paddling pool!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Drusillas really is a fantastic venue. Time and time again I find myself disappointed with family entertainment venues in the south east, but Drusillas never disappoints. Fun and entertaining, with plenty of education thrown in for good measure, Drusillas really is a jewel in the crown of the south east. The new Hello Kitty Secret Garden is fantastic!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My boyfriend took me on a surprise visit to the opening day of Hello Kitty's secret garden.
I live in Devon so had never heard of this place before but what a treat ! I loved it.
For me the beauty of this place is that everyone is treated the same I rode on Thomas the train along with a gaggle of delighted 5 year olds ! The fat (thin) controller was super polite and lovely, all the staff I encountered are a credit to this well run family attraction.
You can't quibble the entrance fee at all as there is so much to do.
Plenty of picnic space which I loved !
As for Hello Kitty's secret garden, well, I had the best time. I went on the tea cups all by myself the girl that was in charge of the ride was so lovely and kind. The Kitty cars were a joy ! I spent a fortune in the gift shop and all in all had the best day ever !
The zoo part is fab the flamingos, bats and meerkats a firm fave and feeding the mad parrots not to be missed !
I came home with a Hello Kitty tattoo and a head full of memories never to be forgotten !
Thank you for my wonderful day !
Kudos to you all for putting on a fab show and to your ever polite staff in a well run park .
I will be back soon ! This time I might bring some children with me.
Oh and take your kids costumes because there is a fab paddling pool too.
You really don't need to go anywhere else !
I live in Devon so had never heard of this place before but what a treat ! I loved it.
For me the beauty of this place is that everyone is treated the same I rode on Thomas the train along with a gaggle of delighted 5 year olds ! The fat (thin) controller was super polite and lovely, all the staff I encountered are a credit to this well run family attraction.
You can't quibble the entrance fee at all as there is so much to do.
Plenty of picnic space which I loved !
As for Hello Kitty's secret garden, well, I had the best time. I went on the tea cups all by myself the girl that was in charge of the ride was so lovely and kind. The Kitty cars were a joy ! I spent a fortune in the gift shop and all in all had the best day ever !
The zoo part is fab the flamingos, bats and meerkats a firm fave and feeding the mad parrots not to be missed !
I came home with a Hello Kitty tattoo and a head full of memories never to be forgotten !
Thank you for my wonderful day !
Kudos to you all for putting on a fab show and to your ever polite staff in a well run park .
I will be back soon ! This time I might bring some children with me.
Oh and take your kids costumes because there is a fab paddling pool too.
You really don't need to go anywhere else !
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Dear Drucillas Park
I’m sure you are, but your team should be so proud of what’s been achieved at the park – it’s such a rich and engaging experience for kids and parents and we’re so lucky to have it on our doorstep. I'm sure it’s always been a good day out, but it’s really on another level now. Personally I loved the walk through enclosures, like mini car-less safaris, the variety of animals and the little touches of personality which are everywhere - you can tell it's a family business. It all keeps children interested and excited for what lies around the corner throughout the entire visit.
Your attention to detail is incredible - no cutting corners here. For me this makes the difference between a day out where you feel like it was fair value for money (but you know the owners have done well out of you), and one where you leave thinking every penny was returned two-fold. Just when you think there can’t be any more to do, there’s another thing and another. The new Hello Kitty section is the icing on the cake – a magic little corner of discovery. Brilliant.
The food and drink: fairly priced (maybe even a bit less than it would be in other places) but the quality is excellent. I had a lovely, home made sarnie and a great iced coffee for maybe £6 - probably the same as an M&S garage with a coffee shop... but definitely better quality.
Anyway, as you can tell, we were really gobsmacked. And I wanted to say why. Sometimes people assume that teams know they’re brilliant, because it’s obvious to the outsider. But it’s always nice to be told.
Well done. Please keep going.
I’m sure you are, but your team should be so proud of what’s been achieved at the park – it’s such a rich and engaging experience for kids and parents and we’re so lucky to have it on our doorstep. I'm sure it’s always been a good day out, but it’s really on another level now. Personally I loved the walk through enclosures, like mini car-less safaris, the variety of animals and the little touches of personality which are everywhere - you can tell it's a family business. It all keeps children interested and excited for what lies around the corner throughout the entire visit.
Your attention to detail is incredible - no cutting corners here. For me this makes the difference between a day out where you feel like it was fair value for money (but you know the owners have done well out of you), and one where you leave thinking every penny was returned two-fold. Just when you think there can’t be any more to do, there’s another thing and another. The new Hello Kitty section is the icing on the cake – a magic little corner of discovery. Brilliant.
The food and drink: fairly priced (maybe even a bit less than it would be in other places) but the quality is excellent. I had a lovely, home made sarnie and a great iced coffee for maybe £6 - probably the same as an M&S garage with a coffee shop... but definitely better quality.
Anyway, as you can tell, we were really gobsmacked. And I wanted to say why. Sometimes people assume that teams know they’re brilliant, because it’s obvious to the outsider. But it’s always nice to be told.
Well done. Please keep going.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Every year it gets better. The be hello kitty section is great. Our daughter aged 3 loved the rides. Drusillas is firmly targetted at the under 10's and here it excels. Teenagers may find it a little tame. We love it though. Highly recommended. Though not cheap, it's still great value when compared to other theme parks or zoos in the area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Spent yet again a wonderful day at Drusillas Park, it really is the icing on the cake when it comes to children's entertainment (and adults!!!), it is exceptional value for money as there is so much to do and see throughout the day.
The new 'HELLO KITTY VILLAGE' was very exciting and we very much enjoyed the rides it had to offer. It was great to see the children's faces light up and all the giggling! I had to film their expressions as it was just hilarious!
I would highly recommend taking any family to Drusillas as activities cover all age groups and seem endless and most generous. We spend the entire day when we visit and make the most of everything the park has to offer.
As the weather was so lovely we could make use of the pool and enjoy a little picnic time at lunch to re-charge ourselves!
I challenge any family not to have a fabulous time with smiles and laughter all round. I can't wait for our next trip with nana and granddad and will treasure our special memories made enjoying Drusillas Park.
The new 'HELLO KITTY VILLAGE' was very exciting and we very much enjoyed the rides it had to offer. It was great to see the children's faces light up and all the giggling! I had to film their expressions as it was just hilarious!
I would highly recommend taking any family to Drusillas as activities cover all age groups and seem endless and most generous. We spend the entire day when we visit and make the most of everything the park has to offer.
As the weather was so lovely we could make use of the pool and enjoy a little picnic time at lunch to re-charge ourselves!
I challenge any family not to have a fabulous time with smiles and laughter all round. I can't wait for our next trip with nana and granddad and will treasure our special memories made enjoying Drusillas Park.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I'm not sure that the review posted on 10 May was genuine considering Hello Kitty Garden only opened on 17 May. The good news however is that it's AMAZING.
Booked online in advance (day before) for a discount, it's ridiculously cheap (£30 odd for parents with our 3yo) compared to the other usual theme parks (£100+ Anyone?). How can any of the reviewers complain I don't know.
Zoo: farm and some small animals, good for young kids (tons of interactive and educational things for them to play with as you go around), maybe less so for older children. They seemed to be very well looked after, which was lovely to see.
Outdoor playgrounds: 3 or 4 large climbing frames with other activities such as swings, zip lines... Our 3yo LOVED it, could have stayed here all day...until we went to Hello kitty Garden...
Hello Kitty: three rides - tea cups (ok), vertical hydraulic bouncing lifts (great fun), car ride on a track (amazing fun). Again, geared for younger kids, but OMG the gleeful laughter from my 3yo each time we went round and round was priceless. We visited on a Monday, so had no queues at all. We must have went on each ride about 10 times. I can imagine that it could be frustrating with queues during weekends or holidays, as the rides last a couple of minutes. We would have gladly paid £50 just for this part of drusillas, so well done on this new addition.
Thomas Tank Engine train ride: every half hour, can't imagine why you'd do it twice.
Food: bring your own. Only 2 of the 4 or 5 cafes were open, serving very basic food. There's a lovely picnic area.
Other rides which you apparently need to pay for weren't open, not that we would have needed them. We spent the whole day here and had to drag our 3yo home.
Booked online in advance (day before) for a discount, it's ridiculously cheap (£30 odd for parents with our 3yo) compared to the other usual theme parks (£100+ Anyone?). How can any of the reviewers complain I don't know.
Zoo: farm and some small animals, good for young kids (tons of interactive and educational things for them to play with as you go around), maybe less so for older children. They seemed to be very well looked after, which was lovely to see.
Outdoor playgrounds: 3 or 4 large climbing frames with other activities such as swings, zip lines... Our 3yo LOVED it, could have stayed here all day...until we went to Hello kitty Garden...
Hello Kitty: three rides - tea cups (ok), vertical hydraulic bouncing lifts (great fun), car ride on a track (amazing fun). Again, geared for younger kids, but OMG the gleeful laughter from my 3yo each time we went round and round was priceless. We visited on a Monday, so had no queues at all. We must have went on each ride about 10 times. I can imagine that it could be frustrating with queues during weekends or holidays, as the rides last a couple of minutes. We would have gladly paid £50 just for this part of drusillas, so well done on this new addition.
Thomas Tank Engine train ride: every half hour, can't imagine why you'd do it twice.
Food: bring your own. Only 2 of the 4 or 5 cafes were open, serving very basic food. There's a lovely picnic area.
Other rides which you apparently need to pay for weren't open, not that we would have needed them. We spent the whole day here and had to drag our 3yo home.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited Drusillas new Hello Kitty attraction last Saturday, on the opening day with my husband and 3 year old grandson. Very impressed with the new area which is bound to be very popular. Three new main rides have been installed , all of them particularly aimed at younger children and great fun for all of us. All the staff were very helpful as usual and all the facilities in this area and the rest of the Park were up to their normal high standard of safety and cleanliness.
Arthur was still keen to see the animals and his other favourite attractions (especially the digger and Thomas the Tank Engine) in the rest of the Park.
We have visited Drusillas many times over the years with our own children and now with our grandchildren and will certainly continue to do so, it seems to get better each time we go
and is highly recommended for a great day out.
Arthur was still keen to see the animals and his other favourite attractions (especially the digger and Thomas the Tank Engine) in the rest of the Park.
We have visited Drusillas many times over the years with our own children and now with our grandchildren and will certainly continue to do so, it seems to get better each time we go
and is highly recommended for a great day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A fantastic day was had at the weekend when we visited Drusillas in the sunshine! Really enjoyed the new Hello Kitty Secret Garden - this had just opened and was very well done with new rides for the children. Great interactive fun with the animals and lots of learning activities along the way. Huge outdoor play area together with a large indoor play area if the weather is not too good. Very clean and tidy and the staff are very helpful. My son had a go at the rock climbing and loved it. He was given lots of tips and help from James. Can't wait to go again in the summer holidays.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I attended the opening of the new Hello Kitty area at Drusillas last Saturday and even though I am hardly the age group (by several decades!) they were looking at for this new area, it was easy to see what a marvellous addition this will become at an already great family attraction.
It has been skilfully designed and constructed and creates a really relaxing vibe throughout the area. The surrounding gardens are beautiful. There were around 4 main rides which are going to prove a hit with the majority of the kids that come to the park. A top job, well done to all involved.
It has been skilfully designed and constructed and creates a really relaxing vibe throughout the area. The surrounding gardens are beautiful. There were around 4 main rides which are going to prove a hit with the majority of the kids that come to the park. A top job, well done to all involved.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
thought it was a bit over the top price wise at first but at the end of the day i thought we had just about got value for money, plenty to see and do for my 3 year old, lunch time was a let down £16.00 for 3 hot dogs & fries, the only food we found was junk food, burgers fries hotdogs etc so i feel the food side really needs an upgrade
Source: google.com
it was really good, I liked how the animals were really welcoming and friendly, the conversations I had with the cows was amazing, very talkative! and the hamster whell made me sick but the whole experience was absolutely amazing, food was a bit raw but the monkey steak was great! definitely going again with the BTEC MASSIVE!! thanks Drusilla's, great stuff ;)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It was a real surprise to see how big a small place like this can be!!!
From the outside you can see very little and it seems like a small park.
In fact, you have rides, a zoo and playgrounds. Yes, playgrounds in plural for different ages and activities.
The zoo allows interaction with some animals and there are many learning activities in between.
In today's age you won't have your "tablet-wired teenager" engaged on any activity but youngsters will enjoy the day just as well as "active granddads as myself". The playgrounds have loads of activities for different size and age children.
I will certainly come back.
From the outside you can see very little and it seems like a small park.
In fact, you have rides, a zoo and playgrounds. Yes, playgrounds in plural for different ages and activities.
The zoo allows interaction with some animals and there are many learning activities in between.
In today's age you won't have your "tablet-wired teenager" engaged on any activity but youngsters will enjoy the day just as well as "active granddads as myself". The playgrounds have loads of activities for different size and age children.
I will certainly come back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A great day out for young and old. A variety of well cared for animals to see with educational aids along the route. A huge play park, fun rides and the pool is great for cooling down in hot weather. Always clean and tidy and run by friendly, helpful staff. We've been going for years and it just gets better and better!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Myself and my family had a wonderful day at Drusillas. If we did not live so far away I would absolutely invest in a season pass. The park was beautiful and the animals looked happy and cared for. I loved that the cow enclosure stated they were put out in a field every night. The keepers were wonderful and I credit the volunteer that was in the lemur walk through for the highlight of our visit. We also enjoyed the bird feeding experience.
I am keen to keep an eye on attractions that offer access for wheelchairs. I have a disabled brother and through holidaying in the uk I have found a lot of places claim to be wheelchair friendly but are indeed quite the opposite. I understand her wouldn't be able to access the rides and play equipment but the animal walkways had lot of wide paths and windows which are ideally Highted for such needs.
All in all I was extremely impressed with the zoo. I would highly recommend to anyone.
Thank you Drusillas for a lovely day out.
I am keen to keep an eye on attractions that offer access for wheelchairs. I have a disabled brother and through holidaying in the uk I have found a lot of places claim to be wheelchair friendly but are indeed quite the opposite. I understand her wouldn't be able to access the rides and play equipment but the animal walkways had lot of wide paths and windows which are ideally Highted for such needs.
All in all I was extremely impressed with the zoo. I would highly recommend to anyone.
Thank you Drusillas for a lovely day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a great day at Drusillas. The highlight was Close Encounters with the meerkats. I was shown the feedroom and saw the supplies of rats, mice, chicks, beetles etc. Having chosen the food we went into the meerkats enclosure. I sat on a tree stump and fed the meerkats - they were all over me. It was a wonderful experience. I hadn't realised that I would be so close to them. I will definitely do this again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I saw some other reviews that were negative about Drusillas so wanted to add some balance. My family and I LOVE Drusillas. We used to live in Polegate (3miles away) and had annual subscription and spent many many happy days their. Ok so its not cheap but what zoo is, it is perfect for smaller children prob up to about 11 ideally maybe a bit older. For age 2 up to 11 I think it is perfect with interactive things everywhere, a safe route that allows children to roam without ever getting lost. It is clean and the animals are well cared for. They have a good selection of smaller animals that are lovely for children to get up close to without fear. It also has two wonderful playgrounds that are really well maintained. It also has a really good indoor play area, which if parents think about it we quite often pay about £20 for a family to go to one of them alone and this is included so if our British weather turns there is still plenty to do. I forgot it has a lovely paddling pool too and a Thomas train ride. On top of this there is a nice restaurant which is clean with fresh cooked food. I cant praise it enough and although we now live over 200 miles away we always go back once a year...save up use Tesco vouchers etc. If we lived nearby I would still buy the annual membership for a family of 4 living nearby you have a lot to do for £4.50 per week. My son is nearly 10 and cant wait to go back so I give it 5 stars, this is a full day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Was expecting to see a small zoo with few animals, my friends and I were pleasantly surprised at our find.
Spent about 4 hrs looking around with a stop for lunch.
Bought food in the zoo, reasonable prices with decent portion sizes.
Toilets, food stalls and gift shops throughout.
Spent about 4 hrs looking around with a stop for lunch.
Bought food in the zoo, reasonable prices with decent portion sizes.
Toilets, food stalls and gift shops throughout.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Enjoyed a lovely day out at Drusillas with my one year old daughter and 4 year old niece a few days ago.
The 'Hello Kitty Secret Garden' was a highlight for both the girls. Rides were suitable for both girls and we enjoyed them too!
Animals, rides, soft play and much more. I would highly recommend Drusillas for a fun day out!!
The 'Hello Kitty Secret Garden' was a highlight for both the girls. Rides were suitable for both girls and we enjoyed them too!
Animals, rides, soft play and much more. I would highly recommend Drusillas for a fun day out!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We took my 7 year old daughter to Drusillas to take part in the meerkat experience, and the look on her face was priceless. Our keeper was such good fun and very knowledgeable, we both learned lots. My daughter got to prepare lunch for the meerkat, feed and stroke them. It was fantastic value for money and even more so if you are a member of Drusillas. Lots of our friends have loved seeing the video and pictures. And can't believe how hands on and fun it all is. Would highly recommend for an extra special treat!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited on Bank Holiday with our 6yr old Grandson and had a fabulous day and even us wrinklies were impressed with the day from start to finish. The small enclosures meant he could really interact with the animals.The play areas were very popular not only with him but also the many other children,we took our camera,and would recommend comfortable walking shoes.
Excellent food in Explorers with a good choice of dishes all very reasonably priced,staff throughout were very helpful and happy.Looking forward to next visit.
Excellent food in Explorers with a good choice of dishes all very reasonably priced,staff throughout were very helpful and happy.Looking forward to next visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
