Drusillas Park – Eastbourne

Drusillas Park, located in Alfriston, East Sussex, is widely regarded as one of the best small zoos in the country. It’s a beautifully maintained attraction that prioritises an “animal park” experience over a traditional zoo, making it exceptionally interactive and accessible.

What to Experience

The park is cleverly designed with a one-way route that leads you through various animal walkthroughs. You can get incredibly close to lemurs, fruit bats, and sloths. Beyond the animals, the park transforms into a massive play zone. There are extensive adventure playgrounds (split by age group), a “Go Safari” area with African-themed rides, a splash pad for sunny days, and the ever-popular “Get Wet” water area.

Visit Duration

On average, families spend between 4 to 6 hours here. If the weather is great and the kids are enjoying the playgrounds and rides, it is very easy to turn this into a full-day outing.

Best Suited For

This attraction is tailor-made for families with children aged 2 to 10. The height restrictions on rides are generous for younger children, and the educational “Zoo Olympics” stamps keep them engaged throughout the walk.

• Who might be bored: Teenagers or adults visiting without children might find the focus too heavily weighted towards play and “Thomas & Friends” style attractions, though the animal enclosures are high quality for any age.

Best Time to Visit

To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for term-time weekdays if you have pre-schoolers. If you are visiting during school holidays, arriving right at opening time allows you to hit the popular rides and the “Amazon Adventure” indoor soft play before the midday rush. Mid-week during the autumn months can be particularly peaceful while the animals are often quite active in the cooler air.

Unique Features

What sets Drusillas apart is the sensory and interactive focus. Almost every enclosure has buttons to press, things to smell, or “animal challenges” like seeing if you can hang as long as a monkey. The “SPARK” area is a unique, state-of-the-art digital sensory space that uses high-tech projections for indoor play.

Budget and Value

While the initial entry can feel like a significant investment, there are ways to make it more cost-effective:

• Annual Memberships: If you live within an hour’s drive and plan to visit more than three times a year, the membership pays for itself quickly.
• Clubcard Points: Many visitors use Tesco Clubcard reward partners to exchange vouchers for entry tokens, which significantly reduces the “out of pocket” cost.
• Group Discounts: Savings are often available for larger groups or visitors with disabilities and their carers.

Practical Advice for Your Visit

• Clothing: Even on a dry day, bring a change of clothes and a towel. The splash pad is a magnet for children, and they will get soaked. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
• Food: To save money, bring a picnic. There are plenty of dedicated grassy areas and benches. If you prefer to buy food, the “Doughnut Factory” is a local legend for a sweet treat.
• Parking: There is a large, free on-site car park, so you don’t need to worry about extra hidden costs upon arrival.

Nearby Enhancements

If you want to extend your day, the nearby village of Alfriston is stunningly beautiful and full of historic charm.

For a post-zoo meal, there are several traditional pubs in Alfriston that offer a more relaxed atmosphere for a family dinner before the drive home.

The Badgers Tea House or Much Ado Books are lovely spots for a quieter pace after the high energy of the park.