Dudley Zoo and Castle
About This Museum
Perched high on a wooded hill, Dudley Zoo and Castle offers something you won't find anywhere else: a walk through centuries of history where the roars of big cats echo off ancient stone walls. It’s a wonderfully peculiar blend of a 13th-century castle ruin and a bustling modern zoo, all set within 40 acres of leafy, sloping grounds. You can go from admiring snow leopards with the castle keep as a backdrop to petting a friendly goat in the farmyard area moments later. It’s this unique juxtaposition of the medieval and the wild that gives the place its unforgettable character.
Collection Highlights
The animal residents are a global cast, from majestic Sumatran tigers and playful lemurs to slithering reptiles in the Reptile House. Don't miss the farmyard, where you can get up close to more familiar, friendly faces—it's a particular hit with younger children who can often enjoy face painting nearby.
Visitor Information
Be prepared for a bit of a climb; those stunning hilltop views come with some steep paths, but it's well worth the effort. It's the kind of day out where an encounter with a capuchin monkey is followed by exploring a ruined castle dungeon.
Architecture & Building
The site is dominated by the brooding, sandstone ruins of Dudley Castle, an 11th-century fortification that sets a dramatic stage. Scattered throughout are also several iconic Tecton structures, a collection of pioneering pre-war concrete zoo buildings that are now heritage-listed landmarks in their own right.
Contact & Location
Address: Castle Hill, Eve Hill, Kates Hill, Dudley, West Midlands, England, DY1 4QQ, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1384 215313
Website: Visit Website
