Fairfield Animal Centre — Attraction in Southwick

This review is mostly about the Santa's Grotto experience, yesterday (11th Dec). This was just a bit of a shambles, really. Running 40 minutes late, because they forgot to organise a break for Santa to eat! Tickets went on sale in August and it never occurred to anyone that he might need some food? Because of this, the cafe, where we were told to wait, was absolutely heaving. We were given some colouring to do, but not many pens per table, or a good variety of colours. The ornament making that was advertised in the price of the ticket was never given to us, or explained. I later discovered that it was a tiny 1-2 inch bit of wood in the shape of a tree to colour with the felt tips. It's a good job all the children had a hot chocolate included in the ticket, because, once we were let out to see Santa, there was a long queue in the freezing cold and snow. The petting corner was disappointing, with only goats and sheep (6 large sheep, in an area barely big enough to turn around in). Santa himself was lacking energy (maybe due to being starved all morning and noon), but his lack luster approach has kind of dampened the magic for my 6 year old and she now thinks Santa is just a man dressed up, which is a bit sad. Mrs. Claus was great and very helpful with the children choosing presents. The gifts were as you would expect - probably worth about a third of the ticket, which is fair considering everything else involved.

I hope this is read by the organisers, so they can be better...

Lots of changes since they were last open and it now seems to be aiming at older children. We’ve been visiting since my first daughter was just a few months old. She’s now 2 1/2 and also have an 8 month old. One of the things we’ve always liked is that they catered for toddlers and that the overall focus seemed to be on preschool or young primary school children. The new playgrounds say they are for 5-12 year olds and are certainly full of “bigger” kids than my toddler, but there isn’t an alternative for her. She’s pretty adventurous so off she went, but it was almost impossible to adequately supervise her, especially with a baby aswell. Despite lots of new features the paths remain horrible for pushchairs - they are smashed stone gravel - and several other Mums and Grandmas remarked on it in passing. Finally, the queues to get in were not well managed and no information was given to everyone waiting. Yes, we know it’s busy, but booking info says they use a smart code on your phone. In reality they looked everyone up and then sold extras delaying entry for everyone. Why weren’t the extras available online? We queued for more than 30 minutes, an unacceptable time with young children. It took so long that many of us were having to feed babies in the queue! To say I’m disappointed is an understatement and I won’t be going back until my...

Have been coming here about 4-5 times a year over the last 3 years. We were disappointed this time. I understand that they have moved a few animals around for grazing purposes however there wasnt as many animals as usual. I have always supported them as I love what they do and I understand animals are expensive with vet bills and with food. Which is why iv always felt the price was worthwhile and rather cheap for the costs animals take to maintain. However I left today feeling they should atleast move the signs when animals are moved as I couldn't remember which animals you can or can't feed. I feel atleast half the pens were empty :( and others were just a few more goats or pigs in them. The pens were overgrown in the unused pens. And the ducks very over grown. I asked where the missing animals were and was told they out graizing. It was hot but you can see when they in pens due to the layout. I just feel that a notice stating new layouts or even a sign or online update would be a better way to warn people not all animals as usual are around. There is definitely alot less sheep than usual. I'm disappointed this time. And we watched a budgie escape and the staff were left with a net that was so short they wouldn't be able to catch the bird. Unless sorted out I can not recommend to friends anymore due to...