If you’re looking for a family attraction that’s easy to reach from London and offers fantastic value for money, Drusillas Park is well worth adding to your list. Located in East Sussex, this award winning zoo combines animals, family rides, indoor and outdoor play areas, a splash pad and interactive experiences, making it a brilliant full day out for families with children of all ages.
One of the biggest advantages is how easy it is to get there. If you’re travelling by public transport, it’s around 1 hour 15 minutes by train from London Victoria to Polegate, followed by a short 10 minute taxi ride to the park. If you’re driving, you’ll be pleased to know there’s free on site parking, making it a stress free option however you choose to travel.
From the moment you arrive, there’s plenty to see and do. Your standard admission ticket includes the zoo, family rides, the splash park, indoor and outdoor adventure play areas, walkthrough animal exhibits, dinosaur attractions, a maze and even a small free gaming arcade, which was a real highlight. It’s refreshing to find arcade games that children can enjoy without having to keep reaching for extra money.
The zoo itself is beautifully maintained, with clean enclosures and friendly, knowledgeable staff who are clearly passionate about the animals. The meerkats are incredibly cute and always seem full of personality, while seeing the baby lemurs clinging to their parents was easily one of the most memorable parts of the visit. They were absolutely tiny and adorable, and visitors could spend ages watching them explore. There are plenty of other fascinating animals to discover too, including sloths, monkeys, penguins and reptiles, making every corner of the park feel exciting.
For children who love to burn off energy, Drusillas really delivers. The adventure playground is huge, the splash park is perfect on warmer days, and the family rides are all included in the admission price, so you can enjoy them as many times as you like throughout the day. Everything is designed with families in mind, creating a relaxed, interactive experience where children can play, learn and explore.
We visited on a Sunday and were pleasantly surprised that there were no long queues for the rides or attractions, meaning we could fit everything into one visit without feeling rushed.
If you’re travelling from London, I’d also recommend combining Drusillas Park with nearby Knockhatch Adventure Park for a fun family weekend away. The two attractions are only a short drive apart, making them a great pairing if you don’t mind staying overnight.
Overall, Drusillas Park is one of the best family attractions in East Sussex. With an excellent mix of animals, rides, play areas and interactive experiences all included in one ticket, it offers great value for money and keeps children entertained from start to finish.
