Dudley Zoo and Castle

About 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.

  • Dudley’s 11th‑Century Castle

    Immerse yourself in nearly 1,000 years of history at Dudley Castle! This Norman motte‑and‑bailey fortress, founded around 1070, later hosted royals including Henry VIII, King Edward VI, and Queen Elizabeth I. The castle was even considered as a prison for Mary, Queen of Scots. Touring the dramatic ruins lets visitors experience centuries of royal drama.

  • Amazing Animals at Dudley Zoo

    Dudley Zoo is home to over 200 species across 40 acres, with 1,500 animals. Meet incredible creatures including Sumatran tigers, Asiatic lions, American sea lions, Asiatic bears, chimpanzees, orangutans, Humboldt penguins, giraffes and more. Visitors enjoy engaging habitats and conservation stories, making this an inspiring and educational day out for all ages.

  • Scenic Train Ride Around the Castle Grounds

    Don’t miss the miniature railway that winds through Dudley Castle and zoo grounds. This one-mile scenic train ride is great fun for families, offering views of exotic animal enclosures and the castle ruins framed by parkland. Riding the locomotive is one of the most nostalgic ways to explore both zoo and castle.

Attraction Details

Opening Times

Regular Times

  • Monday, 10:00 - 17:30
  • Tuesday, 10:00 - 17:30
  • Wednesday, 10:00 - 17:30
  • Thursday, 10:00 - 17:30
  • Friday, 10:00 - 17:30
  • Saturday, 10:00 - 17:30
  • Sunday, 10:00 - 17:30

Closed on Christmas Day

Winter

Last admission at 14:00

Ground closes at 16:30

Summer

Last admission at 15:00

Grounds close at 17:30

Plan Your Visit

Clock IconTypical visit time 3 - 4 hours
Tick IconSuitable for Kids and Adults too

FAQs

Directions

Dudley Zoo and Castle

Dudley Zoological Gardens, Castle Hill, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 4QF, England

Please note that access to the car park is via Tipton Road, DY1 4AL. (driving down Tipton Road towards Black Country Living Museum from Castlegate Island, turn left at the traffic lights).

Tel: 01384215313

This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.

Last updated: 11:02 30/09/2025

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