I visited Drusillas Park many times as a child, as we lived fairly locally, and so I have very fond memories of happy times spent there with family. I was so pleased to be invited along to enjoy a day there with my own children and of course, to reminisce. Here we have our Drusillas Park review.
Where is Drusillas Park?
Drusillas Park is situated just off the A27 near Alfriston. We are approximately 6 miles from Eastbourne and 12 miles from Brighton. Drusillas post code is BN26 5QS.
Drusillas opening times
Drusillas Park is open 362 days a year with the exception of the 24th, 25th and 26th December. Summer opening hours are 10am – 6pm with last admission at 5pm. Winter opening hours are 10am – 5pm with last admission at 4pm.
Further information can be found here.
Day out at Drusillas Park
As soon as we pulled into the car park, I recognised it straight away. Some of the animal enclosures are right next to the car park so the children got very excited when they spotted monkeys swinging through their branches and a rather cantankerous looking owl peering at them from his nest, clearly not happy that their squeals of excitement were disturbing his nap.
There’s plenty of well organised parking. Toilets are situated just before the ticket booths, a simple thing but so thoughtful when you have small children who have just had a car journey. So , we were able to freshen up before starting our adventure.
Drusillas Park is colourful, engaging and exceptionally children friendly. Every part of it has been designed and created with children’s enjoyment and education in mind. I love that many parts of it are immersive, so children can get involved, touch , and ask questions. There are lots of other great things to do in Kent.
So often on family days out you are constantly barraged with reminders of not letting the children play/touch/talk/or, frankly, be children in any way. Drusillas Park is not like that. Of course, safety is paramount, but the children are still allowed to enjoy themselves.
Animals at Drusillas Zoo
There are many different creatures and species to see and learn about. From farm animals that love a stroke, to amazing ant eaters and fabulous flamingos. Playful penguins, cheeky monkeys, marvellous meerkats and lovely lemurs. Their enclosures were clean, interesting and each have a quiet place where the animals can retreat if they want some peace from their adoring fans.
There are so many opportunities to learn about the various animals, mostly displayed in very child friendly ways to gain the interest of the small people.
Petrolhead A was proud to learn the following and loves to share with people – ready for your animal general knowledge lesson? Pay attention.
A group of flamingos is called a Flamboyance
A group of owls is a Parliament
A group of parrots is a Pandemonium
A group of crows is a Murder
So now you know. Next time the subject of animals comes up on Eggheads we are all sorted.
Playground at Drusillas Park
After the animals you reach the picnic areas, café and playground area. The children really enjoyed their time in the playground. There’s a toddler play park and an adventure area for older kids. Its clean, well kept and they found it thoroughly entertaining. Slides, swings, frames, tunnel and rope bridges. There’s a selection of picnic areas and whilst we didn’t eat in the café the food that we saw coming out of there looked yummy, and the portions were generous.
Rides at Drusillas Park
There are a couple of fantastic rides at Drusillas Park. Petrolhead A was a little big to get excited about them but Princess D thought they were the best thing ever and insisted on going on all of them numerous times.
Drusillas Park is a full on family day out where you can learn, play and thoroughly enjoy yourselves. We had a fantastic day out and cannot recommend it highly enough, especially if your little ones are animal enthusiasts.
Many thanks to Drusillas Park for inviting us to visit
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We love zoos and enjoyed this review of Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian.
