Drusillas Park

Discover Drusillas Park

Looking for a family day out in East Sussex? Drusillas Park is a zoo and family attraction near Alfriston, combining hundreds of animals with family rides, indoor and outdoor play areas and interactive experiences. It is particularly aimed at families with children under 12, although the animals and attractions have something for visitors of all ages.

Drusillas Park is located just off the A27 between Eastbourne and Brighton, making it a popular destination for families exploring East Sussex. For visitors staying in Hastings, it provides an opportunity to spend a full day exploring beyond the town itself.

The attraction combines a traditional zoo experience with rides, adventure play and seasonal activities, so there is plenty to do during a visit.

About Drusillas Park

Drusillas Park began in 1925 as a small tea cottage and has grown into one of East Sussex’s best-known family attractions.

Today, Drusillas is home to 80 different species, specialising in smaller exotic animals rather than large species such as elephants, lions or tigers. Animals include red pandas, penguins, meerkats, lemurs, sloths and monkeys.

The park also combines its zoo with family rides, play areas and interactive attractions, making it possible to spend several hours at Drusillas without simply following a traditional zoo route.

Why Visit Drusillas Park?

Drusillas offers a different experience compared to larger UK zoos. The layout is compact, easy to navigate and designed specifically for families with younger children.

Visitors can move quickly between animal exhibits, rides and play areas without long walking distances. This makes it one of the most time-efficient full-day attractions in the region.

It is also well positioned for exploring East Sussex, with Eastbourne, Lewes, Alfriston, Brighton and the South Downs all nearby.

Animals at Drusillas Park

The zoo is home to a wide range of animals from around the world, with a mixture of mammals, birds and other species.

Popular animals include:

Meerkats
Ring-tailed lemurs
Humboldt penguins
Red pandas
Giant anteaters
Asian short-clawed otters
Flamingos
Servals
Binturongs
Capybaras
Camels
Monkeys and gibbons

Lemurland at Drusillas Park

Lemurland allows visitors to walk directly through the enclosure while lemurs move freely around them. It is one of the most popular and photographed areas of the park.

Lory Landing Drusillas Park

Lory Landing is a walk-through aviary where visitors can get close to colourful lorikeets and see them at close range.

Bats and Sloth House Drusillas Park

This indoor rainforest-style habitat features sloths and fruit bats in a controlled environment, giving visitors a close-up look at two very different species in one space.

Family Rides and Play Areas

Drusillas Park combines its zoo experience with family rides and large-scale play areas.

Popular rides include:

Safari Express Train
Flying Cheetahs
Hippopotobus
Jungle Jeeps
Toucan Twister
Amazon Skyrise
Junior Jeep
Rainforest Carousel

Play areas include:

Go Wild! Adventure Playground
Go Bananas! Indoor Play Centre
SPARK sensory experience
Mungo’s Adventure Maze
Get Wet splash zone (seasonal)

This mix of animals and attractions allows families to alternate between learning, exploring and playing throughout the day.

Keeper Talks and Animal Experiences

Daily keeper talks and feeding sessions give visitors insight into the animals and conservation work at Drusillas.

The park also offers animal encounters where visitors can spend time with selected species under supervision. These experiences are popular and should be booked in advance.

Seasonal Events at Drusillas Park

Drusillas Park runs seasonal events throughout the year, particularly during school holidays.

Halloween brings themed trails and activities, while Christmas includes festive decorations and seasonal entertainment. Easter and summer holidays also feature additional family-focused events.

Visitors are advised to check the official Drusillas Park website before travelling for the latest schedule.

Food and Drink

Drusillas offers multiple food outlets across the site, including cafés and kiosks serving hot meals, sandwiches, children’s options and snacks.

Picnic areas are also available for visitors who prefer to bring their own food. Ice cream stalls and drink outlets operate during peak seasons.

Visitor Information

Drusillas Park is open every day of the year except 24th, 25th and 26th December.

Opening Times

Standard opening hours
10am – 5pm
Last admission: 4pm

Summer / Holiday opening hours
(Early May bank holiday, May half term, Easter holidays and summer holidays only)
10am – 6pm
Last admission: 5pm

Car park closes 15 minutes after the park closes.

School holiday dates run in line with East Sussex school holidays.

Facilities

Drusillas Park is designed to be family-friendly and accessible for all visitors.

Free parking
Cafés and restaurants
Picnic areas
Gift shop
Baby changing facilities
Accessible toilets
Wheelchair-friendly paths
First aid points
Free Wi-Fi

Tickets are usually cheaper when booked online in advance.

For the latest opening times, admission prices and seasonal updates, always check the official Drusillas Park website before visiting.

Getting to Drusillas Park

Drusillas Park is located near Alfriston in East Sussex, directly off the A27.

Approximate travel times:

Eastbourne – 15 minutes
Lewes – 20 minutes
Brighton – 35 minutes
Hastings – 35 minutes
Tunbridge Wells – 1 hour

The nearest train station is Polegate, with taxis available for the short onward journey.

Arriving early during weekends and school holidays is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is Drusillas Park?
A: Near Alfriston in East Sussex, just off the A27 between Eastbourne and Lewes.

Q: How long does it take to visit Drusillas?
A: Most visitors spend around 4–6 hours at the park.

Q: What animals are at Drusillas?
A: Drusillas Park is home to 80 different species, including meerkats, penguins, red pandas, lemurs, sloths and monkeys.

Q: Does Drusillas Park have rides?
A: Yes, including Safari Express and Go Safari.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes, free parking is available on site.

Q: Can you bring your own food?
A: Yes, picnic areas are available.

Q: Is Drusillas suitable for young children?
A: Yes, it is designed specifically for younger families.

Q: When is the best time to visit Drusillas?
A: Weekdays outside school holidays are usually quieter.

Choose Apollo Guest House For Accommodation

At the Apollo Guest House, you’ll have easy access to all the best that Hastings has to offer, thanks to its prime location. So if you’re looking for comfortable accommodation in the heart of this beautiful coastal town, look no further than the Apollo Guest House.