Drucillas Park

What a lovely day! Debbie suggested, last night, that we go to Drucillas Park today. Drucillas Park is a hundred year old zoo. It was started by a man named Douglas Ann and his first wife Drusilla, who had originally started it as a tea garden with the animals came later. It was owned by the Ann family until 1997, when it was sold to its current owners.

The wildlife park is home to a variety of animals, from exotic species like lemurs, meerkats, camels, and anteaters to more familiar favourites such as penguins. There are interactive experiences to enjoy, as well as dedicated play zones tailored to younger children and older kids, an indoor soft play area, as well ad a miniature train that operates throughout the day alongside several family-friendly rides. There are a good selection of food outlets, gift shops, and restaurants.

Little Man had so much fun! He's at the age where he's able to engage with the exhibits, but often didn't want to move from one area to the next. Though once we'd moved him on, he'd decided he enjoyed that area so much he didn't want to leave.

We went to the play area, which was a huge hit. Little Man loved it! They had a Land Rover, which he had to be removed from by his Nannie due to getting a bit rough with the other children who also wanted to play on it (I had gone to get coffee). I found them at the more age appropriate play area. This was followed by lunch (I got lunch as Debbie had bought the tickets).

We went on the train ride, which was another huge success. Debbie went on the jeep ride and I went on the merry-go-round with him. We got ice cream (which caused a massive mess) and took a seriously overtired boy to the car.

Little Man fell asleep on the way back to Maidenbower; we stopped at Tesco¹ so that Debbie could charge the car (she's now driving an electric vehicle, an MG). We did a bit of shopping, as I wanted to get Weetabix and Marmite to take back to the Netherlands with us.

Once we got back to Debbie's, we had dinner and relaxed before heading back to Horsham. We usually have some good chats in the car, which I really enjoy. Debbie and I have a good relationship and I'm sure that she and James will be visiting us soon.

¹A British supermarket chain.