Dudley Zoo and Castle

If you’re looking for a castle or a zoo with a twist, then you’re in the right place with Dudley Zoo and Castle! A place to discover the world’s rarest animals closer than ever. It's also more than just a zoo, with an ancient wooded hillside around the ruins of the 11th-century magnificent Dudely Castle to explore. Not forgetting that part of Dudley Castle's grounds were converted into Dudley Zoological Gardens - so there's a geological history here too. 

Discover a host of rare and endangered animals on planet Earth, right here in the West Midlands. From the gorgeous Sumatran tigers, Asiatic lions, Asiatic bears, chimpanzees and many others as you cover the full 40 acres of the zoo, which is near 80 years old!

Gaze at some of the rarest creatures like the Wolverine, the Red Panda, Binturong and Arctic Fox, as they roam around in their animal enclosures. Then look to the skies as you look upon the exotic birds that reside in the Bird House. From the Amazon, Aracari and Conure colourful birds, to the Ibis, Flamingo, Great Grey Owls and lovely penguins. At Dudley Zoo not only will you see animals that are native to the UK, but also species from around the world. The Tropical Bird House is home to a large collection of birds and there's even a Lorikeet Lookout - an interactive walkthrough area where you can feed the gorgeously colourful birds nectar, it’s sweet in every sense of the word! In fact, almost 1,300 species call the 11th-century castle ruins a home, which you can explore at your own pace. Explore Lemur Wood and make some new furry friends at Down on the Farm!

Enjoy daily talks and feeds with the animals and learn all interesting facts about your favourite animals. Discover the important projects Dudley Zoo & Castle undertake to look after them too. Not only that but you can engage in Animal Experiences where you can meet either Lemurs, Spider Monkeys, Giraffes, Sea Lions, Tapirs, Chimps, Orangutans and even big cats, for 20-30 minutes. Either feed them, tickle a Tapir or meet actual animals closer than ever!

Dudley Castle
Did you know Dudley Castle is centuries old? With its motte and bailey construction having been completed by 1070! Many royals play a part in its history, from Henry VIII, King Edward VI, to Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I. Maybe even go ghost hunting in their 11th Century castle…

In 1750 a fire raged through the area and left Dudley Castle as a romantic ruin, but it wasn't until 1937 that the Earl of Dudley opened the Dudley Zoological Society. Where a host of exotic animals and an array of animal species were paced here. And within 18 months of Dudley Zoo's opening, it had attracted one million visitors! It was and still is a very popular tourist attraction - with its large animal collections and more. 

Did you know there's a really cool fun fair that opens on weekends and during school holidays? And for those kids that love getting their face painted, its on offer from 11:00 - 16:00 on weekends, so you can become your favourite tiger or a superhero! Or engage in more fun with their land miniature train, vintage chairlift, adventure playground, world-famous Tecton structures and loads more!

Then head on over to the Safari Gift Shop to take some treasures home. 

Got growling tummies? And after a fun day out, you need to replenish your energy and with various food outlets at Dudley Zoo - you won't be far away from tasty treats. Head to The Oak Kitchen for a wide range of hearty and comforting British dishes, like fish and chips or the Brummie balti. There's also a selection of sandwiches, wraps, salads and even vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Or head to The Watering Hole for a range of hot foods, meal deals, refreshments and a seating area outside!