Dudley Zoo and Castle: Hours, Address, Dudley Zoo and Castle Reviews: 4/5
Dudley Zoo and Castle
Dudley Zoo and Castle
4
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
About
DZG is unique… a home to more than 1300 animals, and has nigh on 200 species, including some of the rarest creatures on Planet Earth. Hundreds of exotic and endangered animals inhabit an ancient wooded hillside, with a rich geological history, around the ruins of the 11th century Dudley Castle and share a site with the world’s largest single collection of Modernist Tecton structures – and the country’s only vintage chairlift!
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
Features animals
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We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
367 within 5 kms

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1,078
0.6 km££ - £££ • Bar • British • Vegetarian Friendly

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Chiquito - Dudley
585
0.6 km££ - £££ • Mexican • British • Vegetarian Friendly

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0.5 km££ - £££ • Bar • British • Vegetarian Friendly

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0.6 km££ - £££ • Italian • American • Pizza

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0.5 km££ - £££ • Italian • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly
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26
0.5 km£ • Cafe • British • Vegetarian Friendly

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12
0.4 km£ • Bar • British • Pub

Greggs
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0.4 km£ • Quick Bites • Cafe • Fast food
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172 within 10 kms

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Parks
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4.0
2,646 reviews
Excellent
1,108
Very good
855
Average
355
Poor
174
Terrible
154
missacorah
Peterborough, England288 contributions
May 2022
Planned a whole day here but ended up leaving just a couple of hours later.We were surprised at the actual lack of animals! Many of the enclosures had little to no animals. we felt there was a lot of walking up and down and never really coming across anything much. There were very few signs/maps also.
Positive was the staff were friendly and happy.
Wouldnt recommend.
Positive was the staff were friendly and happy.
Wouldnt recommend.
Written 17 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
KTL72
London, UK7 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
Lovely zoo, only popped in as we were just down the road at the BCLM and was pleasantly surprised. Animals all looked well looked after and could see money being invested back into the zoo with refurbs and a new orangutan enclosure. Also interesting to learn about the history of the zoo as you go round. Lots of hills to climb as you go round but if you don’t mind a bit of light exercise it’s a enjoyable day out.
Written 12 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
chezzy2016
Stoke-on-Trent, UK29 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Absolutely fabulous! Never been quite so close to such beautiful animals. Lots to do including a little train , chair lift and even a large sandpit for the kiddies.
Written 8 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Topposnr
Derby, UK515 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
So I had not been here since the late 70’s early 80’s. My memories of this place was mainly it being on a hill and being surrounded by warehouses. How much it has changed since then. The area is being redeveloped. We also thought that the visit would be a quick one but trust me you need all day for this one. There is a lot to see and by the looks of it more to come, as they have built new enclosures which are waiting to be filled. There are lots of animals to see and with the castle as well it’s a plus. The things for me that lets it down where the old enclosures the are grade II listed which need so care, the access to the castle and some of the cafes needing an update. I’m sure that all these will be addressed with the work going off. If you time your visit right there are lots of talks going off at the enclosures about the animals and the day we went it was the zoo’s 85 birthday. There was lots of family fun going off. I hope to return again quicker than my last gap in visits.
Written 8 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lucy W
19 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Spent a lovely 5 hours here yesterday, animal’s look happy and well cared for and have plenty of room to move around. Cafe is very expensive so next time I’ll take a picnic for sure….
Written 3 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
David B
55 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
We visited for the St George’s day afternoon event. Excellent price of £5 a ticket. We had a great time. Food was quite expensive and fairground rides are a little tired but a couple of new exhibits. A good local zoo but very steep hills so not very suitable for people with mobility issues.
Written 24 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
We are glad you had an enjoyable visit on St George's Day.
Many thanks for your feedback and we hope to see you again soon.
Written 1 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Chawright
Warwickshire30 contributions
Apr 2022
Second visit this year with my Daughter and grandchildren. Didn't book although the website tells you to do so. I rang to check this out and was told didn't need to pre-book. Think that they should change the website as it might put people off visiting!. Also all over the web it says that you can get NHS discount; that wasn't available either!
The overall experience was good. Didn't have to queue to get in and the zoo was lovely. Lots of reviews on here say that the animals "look sad" how would you know that?! The enclosure are large and everything looked well cared for. Definitely a good day out.
Catering is very expensive for what it is; but the food was OK.
The overall experience was good. Didn't have to queue to get in and the zoo was lovely. Lots of reviews on here say that the animals "look sad" how would you know that?! The enclosure are large and everything looked well cared for. Definitely a good day out.
Catering is very expensive for what it is; but the food was OK.
Written 22 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
We are glad you had an enjoyable visit.
We encourage visitors to book to assist with the flow throughout the day but visitors are now able to pay on the door depending on preference.
We are no longer running the NHS Discount promotion and have advised business partners who advertised it, however, many have not removed it from their sites, which is beyond our control, so sorry for any confusion. We have taken the promotion of our own site.
Many thanks for your feedback and we hope to see you again soon.
Written 1 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
James T
194 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
We arrived as soon as the zoo opened at 10:00am, looks like they have extensive parking available. We precooked our car parking thinking it might be cheaper, it isn’t, it’s £3.50 on the day anyway which I think is very reasonable, they give you a metal token to put in the machine.
There is plenty to see at the zoo, including Asiatic Lions, Flamingos (which are nice and pink), Sea Lions, Monkeys, Red Pandas, Giraffes and plenty of others. I would definitely recommend the Lorakeet Lookout, a pot of nectar is £1.50, they will land on you without a pot, but will quickly fly onto someone else who has one, so definitely worth spending the bit of change.
There are a couple of play areas for the kids, climbing frames with slides, plus the fun fair, although it’s only small with a few rides, the kids loved it. It’s operated by a third party, tokens are 15 for £10, most rides are 1 or 2 tokens per go, apart from the dodgems, they’re 3 tokens per go.
The zoo is kept clean and tidy throughout and all the animals look to be very well cared for. The castle grounds are nice, just mind the steps when walking up the castle turret, they’re winding and concrete, with not much room for people going up to pass with people going down, bit of a wall hugging moment lol
There is a train ride which takes you from one side of the zoo to the other as well, they run frequently throughout the day, there isn’t a queuing system, so everyone kind of pushes each other to get on like it’s a mad rush, but put your shoulder in and you’ll get a spot!
The gift shop is expensive, and of course you exit through the gift shop. There’s plenty of cheaper tat to buy in there, my daughters bought a slinky each which of course broke before we got home LOL.
There is plenty to see at the zoo, including Asiatic Lions, Flamingos (which are nice and pink), Sea Lions, Monkeys, Red Pandas, Giraffes and plenty of others. I would definitely recommend the Lorakeet Lookout, a pot of nectar is £1.50, they will land on you without a pot, but will quickly fly onto someone else who has one, so definitely worth spending the bit of change.
There are a couple of play areas for the kids, climbing frames with slides, plus the fun fair, although it’s only small with a few rides, the kids loved it. It’s operated by a third party, tokens are 15 for £10, most rides are 1 or 2 tokens per go, apart from the dodgems, they’re 3 tokens per go.
The zoo is kept clean and tidy throughout and all the animals look to be very well cared for. The castle grounds are nice, just mind the steps when walking up the castle turret, they’re winding and concrete, with not much room for people going up to pass with people going down, bit of a wall hugging moment lol
There is a train ride which takes you from one side of the zoo to the other as well, they run frequently throughout the day, there isn’t a queuing system, so everyone kind of pushes each other to get on like it’s a mad rush, but put your shoulder in and you’ll get a spot!
The gift shop is expensive, and of course you exit through the gift shop. There’s plenty of cheaper tat to buy in there, my daughters bought a slinky each which of course broke before we got home LOL.
Written 22 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Many thanks for your lovely feedback. We are glad you had an enjoyable day and hope to see you again soon.
Written 1 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Andrew M
Glos85 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
My family really enjoyed our day at Dudley zoo. Arrived about 1230 and didn't leave till 5 as there was so much to see. Some highlights were the Tigers, otters, aviary and the Bactrian camels. We also saw a seal feeding demo that was really interesting. The enclosures all seemed really well kept. There is also a castle right at the centre of the zoo. We enjoyed seeing some of the old architecture at the zoo from when it was first built. And just before we left there were some childrens fairground rides that our two enjoyed. Really good value for money. This place is a gem.
Written 11 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Peanutphoenix
14 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
All round an okay day but I think I'll pay the extra £10 and go somewhere like twycross next time. Great for young kids and it's awesome getting so close to some of the animals you'd never get to see otherwise; however, The cafe food was terrible, especially for the price, so definitely take a packed lunch ! Far Too many exhibits were being worked on at once so a fair few of the animals we weren't able to see, which was rather disappointing. I get they need to be maintained etc but a lot of them there wasn't even anybody working on... Some of the animals look so depressed , even more so the bigger ones with a smaller enclosures than those smaller with a bigger enclosure or with very minimal vegetation,grass and or plants. How ever you can see some expansion/ work being undergone to improve one of the monkey exhibits.
Written 7 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Many thanks for your feedback, it is appreciated.
The Zoo closures due to Covid over the past two years did delay our projects, therefore we are now resuming them as efficiently as possible. Our most exciting project being the new outdoor Orangutan enclosure that is due to be completed in a few weeks.
Housing that is empty is predominantly new housing that will house new animals once completed.
We hope you are able to visit at some point in the future to see the improvements.
Written 1 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Melody A
Telford, UK351 contributions
Has anyone done an experience there? Like fed the cats? Was it good? Worth the money? What's included? How long? Thanks
Lord Neil
Telford, UK349 contributions
I belive you can if you pay the extra price and book it in advance, not sure if you can while under Co19 restrictions still
We are planning to visit in the near future, having 'adopted' a tiger!
My question regards the car park - is there a restriction on vehicle height? We would ideally like to make the visit a part of spending a few days at a nearby site with our motorhome which is just short of 3m high. However, if one cannot park such a vehicle at the zoo then we'll have to move to 'plan B' i.e. travel by car and stay at a hotel instead.
Staffspublover
Penkridge, UK52 contributions
I can't recall a barrier but I'd check.
dannyb0y87
Birmingham, UK15 contributions
Is there a funfair at Dudley zoo?
Tessa I
3 contributions
Yes, but not very good and ment for under 14 year old
crumpiain
Wolverhampton, UK4 contributions
Would you take your 7 month old here?
I'm due to go back to work this week and would like one more adventure before I do.
Also will a pushchair be okay?
MarjanStone
Stafford, UK34 contributions
It’s a lively zoo. It’s on a hill as it has a castle. They have made a one way route around so it’s ok for pushchairs . We have 3 children and have gone there with pushchairs, double pushchairs.
It’s a friendly zoo. We used to have a season ticket when the boys were younger. We still visit now!
patricia l
Wolverhampton, UK2 contributions
ive paid 3.50 for parking can i park next to zoo
MarjanStone
Stafford, UK34 contributions
The parking is good and runs alongside the zoo
Marie S
23 contributions
Are dogs allowed in?
dudleyzoo2015
Dudley, UK
Only assistance/guide dogs are allowed.
Louise J
Matlock, United Kingdom58 contributions
We will have a few hours there, but with so much advertised, what are the "must see" parts for summer 2019?
dudleyzoo2015
Dudley, UK
Hi Louise, we recommend Lemur Wood which has been refurbished for this year, Lorikeet Lookout where you can hand feed colourful birds nectar, the Castle, the beach area (if the weather is hot!), a visit to the tigers, the farmyard for younger children, and there's so much more to see too! We hope you enjoy your day.
VonRedditch_England
Redditch,England7 contributions
If we bring a picnic,can we leave it in the car ,then go out and collect it when we are ready to eat.
Buck200
Bromsgrove, UK84 contributions
Yes as long as you have proof you have paid
Frequently Asked Questions about Dudley Zoo and Castle
- Dudley Zoo and Castle is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 - 15:00
- Hotels near Dudley Zoo and Castle:
- (0.50 km) Premier Inn Dudley Town Centre hotel
- (0.54 km) Travelodge Dudley Town Centre
- (0.31 km) Station Hotel & Banqueting
- (0.73 km) Village Hotel Birmingham Dudley
- (0.60 km) Parsons Street
- Restaurants near Dudley Zoo and Castle:
- (0.27 km) Stir Bistro and Café
- (0.56 km) Hungry Horse
- (0.57 km) Bella Italia
- (0.40 km) Charlton House Bar & Dining
- (0.58 km) Chiquito - Dudley