Dudley Zoo & Castle
Explore exotic animals and medieval history at Dudley Zoo & Castle, a unique attraction offering a full day of discovery for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Dudley Zoo & Castle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore exotic animals and medieval history at Dudley Zoo & Castle, a unique attraction offering a full day of discovery for all ages.
"Out of all the zoos I have visited this is by far the best. So well played out and having a castle and history there also is amazing."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on hilly terrain. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring both the zoo and castle!
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Consider booking tickets in advance online for potential discounts and to save time at the entrance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Big Cats
Lion Ridge
Get up close to majestic lions and tigers. Some visitors have even experienced feeding sessions, making for an unforgettable encounter.

Historic Dudley Castle
Castle Hill
Explore the ancient Dudley Castle, offering stunning views and a deep dive into centuries of history. It's a perfect complement to the zoo experience.

Lemur Woods
Opposite Lion Ridge
Wander through Lemur Woods and interact with these cheeky residents. It's a favorite spot for many visitors, offering a unique, immersive experience.

Scenic Chairlift Ride
Throughout the zoo
Enjoy panoramic views of the zoo and castle grounds from the chairlift. It's a fun way to navigate the hilly terrain and see the park from a different perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Combine Zoo & Castle Adventures
Prepare for Lots of Walking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on hilly terrain. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring both the zoo and castle!
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Consider booking tickets in advance online for potential discounts and to save time at the entrance.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
Stay hydrated, especially on warm days. Bringing your own water bottles is recommended, and there are places to refill them.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy your meal amidst the historic castle grounds. It's a great way to save money and enjoy the scenery.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on hilly terrain. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring both the zoo and castle!
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Consider booking tickets in advance online for potential discounts and to save time at the entrance.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
Stay hydrated, especially on warm days. Bringing your own water bottles is recommended, and there are places to refill them.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy your meal amidst the historic castle grounds. It's a great way to save money and enjoy the scenery.
📱 Check for Deals
Look out for offers like the Blue Peter discount or Wowcher deals for significant savings on admission.
♿ Accessible Features
Signs explaining potential sensory triggers and sign language information are available, making it inclusive for families.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Dudley Zoo & Castle for its unique blend of wildlife and history, calling it one of the best zoos they've visited. The combination of animal encounters and the medieval castle is a major draw, offering a full day of exploration. While some facilities are noted as dated, the overall value for money and the engaging experience make it a highly recommended attraction for families and history lovers alike.
"What a treat this was, never heard of the zoo before it was suggested and I can honestly say out of all the zoos I have visited this is by far the best. So we'll played out and having a castle and history there also is amazing. I would highly recommend this to anyone"
Mike McCartney
"Such a lovely day out. Lots of animals to see, the grounds are lovely and I loved the birds of prey demonstration.
I took both my children with sensory issues, all around the zoo where signs explaining anything that might affect certain senses, before entering I could warn my children and if they were not comfortable with a particular thing we could bypass it. Also loved how there were pictures about how to sign language animals or objects.
I would recommend it to any family."
Donna Wilson
"We visited this attraction for the first time and it did not disappoint. In fact, it was better than expected, with the whole family enjoying the beautiful animals and stunning gardens and castle.
We were surprised how much it had to offer. Many varieties of animals, big to small, cute to scary and everything else in between! The gardens themselves were absolutely amazing, it was a pleasure to walk around all day, soaking it in. There were also a number of playgrounds for the kids a long the way and we all loved the chair lift. - We managed to get over 20,000 steps!
The facilities were a little dated (restrooms and restaurant) but functional and offering what you would expect.
Overall, good value for money for a family of 4, will likely visit again if we are in the area."
Kevin King
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dudley Zoo & Castle is located on Castle Hill in Dudley, West Midlands (DY1 4QF). It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site.
Public transport options include local bus routes that stop near the zoo. For those traveling by train, the nearest station is Dudley Port, from which you can take a bus or taxi to the zoo.Yes, Dudley Zoo & Castle offers parking facilities for visitors. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak times, to secure a spot.
Dudley Zoo & Castle typically opens at 10 am and closes at 5:30 pm, with last admission at 3 pm. However, it's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening hours, as these can vary seasonally or for special events.
Yes, you can reach Dudley Zoo & Castle via public transport. Several local bus services stop near the attraction. If arriving by train, the closest station is Dudley Port, and you can then take a bus or taxi to the zoo.
Dudley Zoo & Castle is prominently located on Castle Hill in Dudley and is generally easy to find. Sat-nav systems should direct you to the DY1 4QF postcode.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but visitors often find them reasonable for the amount of activities available. Look out for online booking discounts and special offers like the Blue Peter discount (free child with a full-paying adult) or Wowcher deals.
Yes, discounts are often available. Check the Dudley Zoo website for online booking deals, or look for offers on sites like Wowcher. A Blue Peter badge can also grant a free child entry with a full-paying adult.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the gate, but booking online in advance is often recommended to potentially secure better prices and avoid queues.
Dudley Zoo offers annual passes, which can be a cost-effective option for frequent visitors. This 'year pass' allows unlimited entry for 12 months.
Family ticket prices can vary. It's best to check the official Dudley Zoo website for the most current pricing for family tickets or consider the value of an annual pass if you plan multiple visits.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Dudley Zoo is home to a diverse range of animals, including big cats like lions and tigers, primates, reptiles, and various bird species. Popular attractions include Lemur Woods and the chance to see red pandas and panthers.
Absolutely! Dudley Zoo is very family-friendly, with playgrounds, a sandpit, and a wooden castle. The zoo also provides signs explaining potential sensory triggers, making it inclusive for children with sensory issues.
Dudley Castle offers a rich historical experience. You can explore its ancient walls, learn about its past, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area from its ramparts.
Yes, there are several playgrounds for children scattered throughout the zoo, including one with a sandpit and a wooden castle, ensuring entertainment for younger visitors.
Yes, Dudley Zoo features a chairlift that offers scenic views of the zoo and castle grounds, providing a unique way to travel between different areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dudley Zoo has dining facilities, including a restaurant. However, many visitors opt to bring their own picnics to enjoy on the castle grounds, which is a popular and cost-effective choice.
Yes, bringing your own food and having a picnic is a great option at Dudley Zoo. The castle grounds provide a lovely setting for a picnic lunch.
While specific menu details can change, most zoo restaurants offer a range of options. It's advisable to check the Dudley Zoo website or inquire at the restaurant upon arrival for the most current vegetarian and vegan choices.
Food prices at attractions can be higher. Bringing your own picnic is a common strategy to manage costs, as noted by many visitors.
The castle grounds offer a picturesque and spacious setting for picnics. There are also designated picnic areas throughout the zoo.
📸 📸 Photography
The castle ramparts offer stunning panoramic views, perfect for landscape shots. Close-ups of the animals, especially the big cats and primates, are also popular. The Lemur Woods and the chairlift provide unique photographic opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally encouraged at Dudley Zoo. Be mindful of any specific signage around enclosures that might restrict flash photography or close-up shots for the animals' welfare.
There are typically no major restrictions on photography within the castle grounds, allowing you to capture its historic architecture and views. However, always be respectful of other visitors.
A versatile zoom lens is recommended for capturing both wide shots of the castle and close-ups of animals. A camera with good low-light performance can be beneficial for indoor exhibits or overcast days.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at most zoos and historical sites to ensure the safety and well-being of animals and visitors, as well as to preserve the historical integrity. It's best to check Dudley Zoo's official policy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit