You should have read the other review to find out where Drusillas is located. :p It's not the Parks fault that the Highways Agency won't allow them to put up any more signs on the primary routes. Luckily I had basic knowledge of the area. Look the park up on Streetmap or Multimap.
Today was a scorchingly hot day. We had planned to visit Drusillas but weren't arriving until lunchtime. I have this policy of only visiting places where I can arrive on or near the opening times. The precious hours just before lunch gives a much more relaxed visit and you avoid the crowds. However, due to an appointment we couldn't arrive until lunchtime. We entered the car park to find the dreaded sight - several coaches already parked. The car park was fairly full and we were directed towards an overflow car park. Having dodged the sheep droppings and cowpats we made our way to the entrance. The car parks are mainly grass with chalk gravel roadways and you get the not too pleasant experience of being covered in dust by passing cars.
None of the cars were speeding, no matter how slowly they travelled they still kicked up dust.
Toilets are thoughtfully provided near the entrance booths for those who have made significant journeys. However the condition of the mens left a lot to be desired. There is a fast track entrance lane for season ticket holders and people re-entering the park. Even though we arrived at a relatively quiet period, there were still queues to get in. The culprit seems to be the credit card terminals which take up to a minute just to get authorisation. We bought a Family of Four ticket for £38.45. Drusillas have a funny policy of charging extra during the peak season (although they do give a whopping 50p per ticket discount in off peak season). Imagine going to Tescos at 5pm and being told that your shopping will cost 50p more per item? Considering it was peak season, the large number of visitors it's just a method of price gouging. Also toddlers are charged from 2 years old onwards at about £1 less than the full adult admission price. Considering that the Zoo and activities are geared towards them then it's understandable that they charge for the kiddies. If anything the adult admission charge should be lowered.
Into the Zoo you travel in a clockwise circular direction. Some of the exhibits are located in covered walkways and the ventilation left a lot to be desired. The animals were well displayed and you could see most of them in their cages through panes of glass. Thoughtfully there are low level glass panels for toddlers and kiddies in pushchairs. There are opportunities for direct animal contact in the Farmyard and Petworld. This can get a little bit stinky but is par for the experience. The exhibits in the Zoo included a lot of informative and educational activities. However the range of animals is limited albeit well presented.
After crossing the railway bridge, you enter Playland. There is a wide variety of swings, slides, monkey bars, water fountains, merry-go-rounds to suit most ages. In one corner is a Toddlers barn and also another barn for older children containing the usual ball pools etc. The only problem on such a hot day was that the buildings are glorified huts and become too hot in sunny weather. There is a large number of picnic tables for you to bring your own food. We ate in the Explorers Restaurant. For an self cateringrestaurant the food was surprisingly good with a varied choice and childrens portions. The price of the food was OK for a theme park based establishment - £22 for 3 main meals and drinks.
There are plenty of activities on offer including the Explorers Lagoon. It's basically a small lido for children to splash around in. They don't really tell you much about it but you feel you've missed out if you haven't brought a swimming cossie along for your children. The parents in the know bring them.
A good day out? Hmmmmm. It was good in some respects even though Amelia enjoyed it. But there are too many slightly negative points about the Park. In hot weather there is very little shelter from the sun in the play area. The Park is small, the walkways and paths are small and when it is busy, it feels much busier than it really is. For an establishment that charges for 2 year old it offers inadequate baby changing facilities.Overall it isn't very good value for money. Another few quid on top would get you into Woburn Safari Park where the experience is longer and better presented. An adult paying the full admission fee only gets direct value from the small Zoo part of the experience. Am I sounding too tightfisted? Well, I went to Adventure Island last weekend - paid £12 for an all day wristband for Amelia and as she was a toddler I got to ride on all the rides with her for free - this is a great value experience.
Go to the park when it isn't busy and too hot and if you're in the area, but don't travel too far to get there.
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What a shame you didnt enjoy your experience!I went here last week and could honestly not fault it!Maybe they have 'upgraded' a little since your visit as I found the baby changing facilities beautifully clean and decorated and the whole day fantastic....maybe I'm more easily pleased??? :)
tel1 17.03.2005 00:48
Went to this place in the 1960s when it was small and v. homely. Seems to have grown since then! Tel
lazza123 05.08.2004 09:17
Hi sorry I only rated this H, but as the review is about Drusillas, I would like to know where it is, and how to get there. Yes I know it is in another review ! but I would have though it would be fundamental to this one. If you do change things, then please let me know, and i'll happily come back and re-rate it for you. Larry
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