Drusillas is close to most East Sussex schools
Most of our Drusillas bookings come from settings within half an hour of the park, and the short journey makes a real difference. Very young children cope better with a short trip, and staff spend less of the day sat on a coach. A morning departure and a mid-afternoon return covers a full visit comfortably, and a half-day works if the timetable is tight.
The zoo route at Drusillas runs to roughly a mile on flat surfaces and ramps, which most reception and Key Stage 1 children manage without much trouble.
Being local also means we can collect early enough to get you there for opening, which is worth doing in the summer term.
Drusillas is pitched at children of roughly two to ten, so once a year group grows out of it schools tend to ask us about coach hire to Thorpe Park instead.
Which minibus or coach works best for a nursery or primary group
Group size and staffing ratios decide the vehicle. With the youngest children that usually means more adults than people allow for.
- The 16-seater minibus suits a small nursery or pre-school group with its staff. It has air conditioning, overhead racks and reclining aisle seats with armrests and reading lights, plus ISOFIX points for the youngest passengers.
- The 19-seater executive minibus has a higher specification finish and a little more room for bags, buggies and resources.
- The 34 and 35-seater coaches are the usual choice for a single class travelling with teaching assistants and parent helpers.
- The 49-seater and 53 to 57-seater coaches take two classes or a full year group in one vehicle.
- The 71 to 73-seater school coaches cover the largest parties.
- A wheelchair-accessible coach can be arranged on request, so a child using a wheelchair boards with everyone else.
Tell us the number of children, the number of adults and whether you are bringing buggies or equipment, and we will tell you which vehicle fits. The full range sits on our minibus hire in Sussex page.