What kind of animals can visitors see at Drusillas Park?

Drusillas Park is home to over 80 species of exotic animals, with a focus on smaller, captivating creatures. You can expect to see playful ring-tailed lemurs, inquisitive meerkats, adorable red pandas, graceful Humboldt penguins, giant anteaters, sloths, capybaras, and various primates like Sulawesi crested macaques and lar gibbons.

Does Drusillas Park offer rides and play areas in addition to the zoo?

Absolutely! Drusillas Park combines its renowned zoo with a wide array of rides and adventure play areas. Highlights include the "Go Safari!" ride area with the Flying Cheetahs and Hippopotobus, the enchanting "Rainforest Carousel," extensive outdoor adventure playgrounds like "Go Bananas!" and "Go Wild!," an indoor soft play centre called "Amazon Adventure," and the "Get Wet!" splash pad during warmer months.

Is Drusillas Park accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, Drusillas Park is committed to accessibility. The park is completely wheelchair accessible with flat surfaces and ramps throughout. They offer disabled toilets, a Changing Places facility, and provide free entry for one essential carer upon presentation of valid disability proof. Wheelchairs can also be hired, and assistance dogs are permitted in most areas.

ZooEngland, GB

Drusillas Park

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About

Drusillas Park, nestled in the picturesque East Sussex countryside near Alfriston, is a vibrant and award-winning destination that seamlessly blends a renowned zoo with exhilarating adventure play areas and family-friendly rides. Often celebrated as one of the UK's best small zoos, it offers an intimate yet comprehensive animal experience, making it perfect for inquisitive minds of all ages. The park's ethos focuses on "fun finding out," ensuring every visit is both entertaining and educational.

Home to over 80 species of exotic animals, Drusillas Park provides visitors with unique up-close encounters. Wander through "Lemurland" to interact with playful ring-tailed lemurs, or immerse yourself in "Lory Landing" where you can feed colourful rainbow lorikeets nectar directly from your hand. Beyond these interactive exhibits, the zoo proudly houses fascinating creatures such as the adorable red pandas, the captivating meerkats, the impressive giant anteaters, and the graceful Humboldt penguins, many of which can be observed with underwater viewing.

Drusillas Park is more than just a zoo; it's a full-day family adventure designed to create lasting memories. With a diverse range of attractions from the thrilling "Go Safari!" rides and the enchanting "Rainforest Carousel" to the immersive "Jurassic Jungle" and the innovative "SPARK" sensory experience, there's always something new to discover. The park's commitment to combining wildlife conservation with engaging activities makes it an unforgettable day out, inspiring a love for animals and nature in every visitor. Take the ultimate field guide with you: use the Snappit app to identify birds, plants, and animals on your trip.

Drusillas Park began its journey in 1925, not as a zoo, but as "Drusilla's Tea Cottage," established by Douglas Ann and his wife, Drusilla. To distinguish their establishment from competitors, Captain Ann introduced a "Baby Zoo" alongside the tea rooms, marketing it as an "attractive zoo full of strange and friendly pets," which marked the genesis of the Drusillas Zoo known today. Over the decades, the park evolved, overcoming challenges such as a major fire in 1954. The Ann family continued to expand the animal collection and introduce new attractions, with Douglas Ann's sons taking over in 1959. In 1997, Laurence and Christine Smith acquired the park, investing significantly and refining Drusillas into its current "Zoo, Play, Rides" concept. This period saw the introduction of numerous popular features, including the "Safari Express" train and various themed play areas, reinforcing its status as a premier family attraction in the region.

What to do here

Engage with the animals in their thoughtfully designed habitats, take part in the "Zoolympics challenge" with kids, and use the provided stamp books at various enclosures. Explore the extensive adventure playgrounds like "Go Bananas!" and "Go Wild!", conquer "Mungo's Adventure Maze," or enjoy the "Amazon Adventure" indoor soft play, especially on cooler days.

Seasonal info

The "Get Wet!" splash pad is a seasonal attraction, typically available from April to September, so bring swimwear if visiting during these months. The indoor soft play area is a perfect retreat during inclement weather.

Accessibility

Drusillas Park is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring flat surfaces and ramps throughout. Wheelchairs are available for hire with a refundable deposit (advance booking recommended). The park provides disabled toilets and a modern "Changing Places" facility. Assistance dogs are welcome, though not permitted in walk-through exhibits to ensure animal welfare. Free entry for one essential carer is offered to visitors with qualifying disability proof.

Don't miss

Don't miss the immersive "Lemurland" walk-through, the vibrant "Lory Landing" aviary where you can feed birds, the thrilling "Go Safari!" rides including the Flying Cheetahs and Hippopotobus, and the unique "Rainforest Carousel." The "Jurassic Jungle" offers a journey back in time with prehistoric giants, while the "SPARK" sensory experience provides an interactive adventure.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Red Admiral

Emperor Dragonfly

Common Newt

House Sparrow

Seven Spotted Lady Beetle

Large White

Ring Necked Pheasant

European Hedgehog

Bee

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Arrive early

To maximize your day and enjoy all the attractions without feeling rushed, plan to arrive as close to opening time as possible.

Check for online discounts

Often, tickets purchased online in advance can offer savings compared to gate prices.

Grab an animal spotter book

For children, picking up a free animal spotter book at the entrance and stamping it at each exhibit creates an engaging and interactive way to explore the zoo.

Pack swimwear in summer

If visiting between April and September, bring swimsuits for children to enjoy the "Get Wet!" splash pad.

Experience the walk-through exhibits

Make sure to visit "Lemurland" and "Lory Landing" for unique, close-up animal encounters.

Utilize indoor play on rainy days

The "Amazon Adventure" indoor soft play is a fantastic option to keep kids entertained if the weather turns.

Frequently asked questions

: Drusillas Park is home to over 80 species of exotic animals, with a focus on smaller, captivating creatures. You can expect to see playful ring-tailed lemurs, inquisitive meerkats, adorable red pandas, graceful Humboldt penguins, giant anteaters, sloths, capybaras, and various primates like Sulawesi crested macaques and lar gibbons.
: Absolutely! Drusillas Park combines its renowned zoo with a wide array of rides and adventure play areas. Highlights include the "Go Safari!" ride area with the Flying Cheetahs and Hippopotobus, the enchanting "Rainforest Carousel," extensive outdoor adventure playgrounds like "Go Bananas!" and "Go Wild!," an indoor soft play centre called "Amazon Adventure," and the "Get Wet!" splash pad during warmer months.
: Yes, Drusillas Park is committed to accessibility. The park is completely wheelchair accessible with flat surfaces and ramps throughout. They offer disabled toilets, a Changing Places facility, and provide free entry for one essential carer upon presentation of valid disability proof. Wheelchairs can also be hired, and assistance dogs are permitted in most areas.