Attraction Information
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.
The Zoo
Discover a host of rare and endangered animals on planet Earth, right here in the West Midlands. This 80-year-old Zoo is full of amazing animals including gorgeous Sumatran tigers, Asiatic lions, American Sea Lions, Asiatic bears, chimpanzees and many others! Get ready to cover the full 40 acres of the zoo!
Gaze at some of the rarest creatures like the Wolverine, the Red Panda, the Binturong and the 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 Tropical 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, meet the black lemur family 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, and 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.
More Things To Do...
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, it's 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.
Food & Drink
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!
Dudley Zoological Gardens is the perfect day out for all you animal enthusiasts! With so many animals to see and learn about as well as a stunning 11th century castle to explore, the whole family will have an absolute blast!
Get ready to go WILD at Dudley Zoo & Castle! With over 200 species of animals and 40 acres of fun, it’s so much fun!
- More than 1,300 animals to meet at Dudley Zoological Gardens
- Daily activities, shows and talks - feed Lorikeets pots of nectar, in their indoor attraction!
- Explore Dudley castle and grounds and ride the land train
11th Century Castle
Dudley Castle has seen many famous royals in its history, from Henry VIII, and King Edward VI, to Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I. How amazing is that?
Amazing Animals
There are a range of amazing animals at Dudley Zoo including Sumatran tigers, Asiatic lions, American Sea Lions, Asiatic bears, chimpanzees, Orangutans, Penguins, Giraffes and many others!
Train Ride
Make sure to hop on the train for a train ride around Dudley Castle and its grounds.
It's one of our favourite things to do!
Facilities
- Toilets
- Gift Shop
- Onsite Parking
- Accessible Toilets
- Baby Changing
- Food Available
- Wheelchair Friendly
- Pushchair Friendly
- Card Payments Accepted
Opening 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
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (0-2) : Free
General Admission
Without Voluntary Donation
Adult - £20.00
Children (3-15 yrs) - £14.50
Family Ticket (1 Adult & 2 Children) - £43.85
Family Ticket (2 Adults & 1 Child) - £48.85
Family Ticket (2 Adults & 2 Children)- £61.80
Family Ticket – 2 Adults & 3 Children - £75.00
Adult with disability/Senior Citizen (60 yrs+)/Student or Young person (16-18 yrs)(please bring proof of disability) - £18.10
Child with disability (please bring proof of disability: copy of DLA/PIP Letter) - £13.55
Public and Bank Holidays
Without Voluntary Donation
Adult - £20.90
Children (3-15 yrs) -£15.40
Family Ticket – 1 Adult & 2 Children - £46.35
Family Ticket (2 Adults & 1 Child) - £51.35
Family Ticket (2 Adults & 2 Children)- £65.00
Family Ticket – 2 Adults & 3 Children - £78.85
Adult with disability/Senior Citizen (60 yrs+)/Student or Young person (16-18 yrs)(please bring proof of disability) - £19.00
Child with disability (please bring proof of disability: copy of DLA/PIP Letter) - £14.50
General Admission
With Voluntary Donation
Adult - £22.00
Children (3-15 yrs) - £15.95
Family Ticket (1 Adult & 2 Children) - £48.25
Family Ticket (2 Adults & 1 Child) - £53.75
Family Ticket (2 Adults & 2 Children)- £68.00
Family Ticket – 2 Adults & 3 Children - £82.50
Adult with disability/Senior Citizen (60 yrs+)/
Student or Young person (16-18 yrs)(please bring proof of disability) - £19.95
Child with disability (please bring proof of disability: copy of DLA/PIP Letter) - £14.95
Public and Bank Holidays
With Voluntary Donation
Adult - £23.00
Children (3-15 yrs) -£16.95
Family Ticket – 1 Adult & 2 Children - £51.00
Family Ticket (2 Adults & 1 Child) - £56.50
Family Ticket (2 Adults & 2 Children)- £71.50
Family Ticket – 2 Adults & 3 Children - £86.75
Adult with disability/Senior Citizen (60 yrs+)/
Student or Young person (16-18 yrs)(please bring proof of disability) - £20.95
Child with disability (please bring proof of disability: copy of DLA/PIP Letter) - £15.95
*One Free Admission for Carer with a full-paying Disabled Visitor - FREE
0 – 2 years - FREE
Car parking: £3.50
Please see website for more details.
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Dudley Zoo and Castle by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 3 - 4 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
FAQs
Yes, there is parking.
Car Parking All Day: £3.50
Contact Details
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
Visit WebsitePublic Transport Information
Travelling By Bus
Dudley Bus Station is a 2-minute walk from the zoo entrance.
PLEASE NOTE: Dudley Bus Station will be completely closed from Jan 2024 until June 2025 due to ongoing Metro work. Buses will continue to drop around Coronation Gardens and Tower Street. There is plenty of directional signage to Dudley Zoo & Castle in place.
Travelling Via Rail
Dudley Port Station is 3 miles away from the Zoo and Sandwell & Dudley Station is 5 miles away. There are frequent bus services to Dudley from Dudley Port station.
Make sure to check out West Midlands Railway or Chiltern Railways to help plan your journey to the Zoo!