Where is Dudley Zoo & Castle?
Dudley Zoo & Castle at Castle Hill, Dudley, DY1 4QF
In brief
The zoo opened in 1937. But the Dudley and West Midlands Zoological Society was founded in 1978. Dudley Castle is ruins. Built in 1070, it was in used until 1750. Bus routes from Birmingham include the 74, 87, 126 and X8. By 2024 you might be able to get a tram to the zoo.
Dudley Zoo & Castle (October 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown
Dudley Castle - history
Dudley Castle was first built on this site around the year 1070 after the Norman Conquest.
Dudley Zoo & Castle (circa 1994). Courtesy by Elliott Brown
The earliest castle was wooden. It was replaced by a stone castle by the late 13th century.
Dudley Zoo & Castle (January 2011). Photography by Elliott Brown
The Somery family lived at Dudley Castle, including Gervase Paganel in the late 12th century.
Dudley Zoo & Castle (January 2011). Photography by Elliott Brown
By the 16th century the castle was owned by the Sutton family, but was ousted by John Dudley.
Dudley Zoo & Castle (October 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown
During the Civil War in the mid 17th century the castle was partly demolished.
Dudley Zoo & Castle (October 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown
The castle was last occupied by 1750 when it was destroyed by fire. In the 19th century the site found a new use as a 'Romantic Ruin' and was tidied up by the Earls of Dudley.
Dudley Zoo & Castle (December 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown
When Dudley Zoo was established in 1937, the castle grounds were incorporated into the zoo.
Dudley Zoo & Castle (December 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown
Dudley Zoo - history
Dudley Zoological Gardens, now called Dudley Zoo & Castle was established in 1937.
Dudley Zoo & Castle (January 2011). Photography by Elliott Brown
In 1977 the zoo was purchased by Dudley Metropolitan Council. It is now operated by the Dudley and West Midlands Zoological Society, founded in 1978. The zoo was originally owned by the Third Earl of Dudley in the 1930s (who owned Dudley Castle). The zoo opened in May 1937.
Dudley Zoo & Castle (October 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown
A miniature railway was added in 1938. Then a chair lift in 1958. The Penguin Pool was demolished in 1979. There is approx 940 animals and 163 species (these numbers may have changed).
Dudley Zoo & Castle (December 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown
Castle Hill main entrance
The entrance to the zoo used to be via these gates on Castle Hill. After they closed, there was a gap in the wall to the right. This remained until 2012 or 2013.
Castle Hill entrance at Dudley Zoo & Castle (January 2011). Photography by Elliott Brown
This is no longer the entrance to the Castle & Zoo. The gap in the wall on the right has long since been filled in. The official map though still shows this as the main entrance.
Castle Hill entrance at Dudley Zoo & Castle (December 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown
Chair Lift
In the early 2010s, the Chair Lift at Dudley Zoo & Castle was looking a bit rusted, and in a need of a paint / repair.
Chair lift at Dudley Zoo & Castle (January 2011). Photography by Elliott Brown
About five years later, the Chair Lift had been completely replaced by a new system! (Or it was the old one refurbished).
Chair lift at Dudley Zoo & Castle (October 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown
The Big Sleuth Birmingham 2017
The Big Sleuth was a 10 week summer trail around Birmingham, Solihull Sandwell and Dudley with painted bears. There was one bear outside the old Dudley Zoo & Castle entrance on Castle Hill, from July to September 2017.
Dharma by the artist Jenny Leonard. The sponsor was Vodafone.
Dharma, The Big Sleuth at Dudley Zoo & Castle (July 2017). Photography by Elliott Brown
Public transport
Buses from Birmingham: 74 (via West Bromwich), 87 (via Smethwick), 126 (via Bearwood) and the X8 (continues to Wolverhampton).
Trams will be coming to Dudley. A new line from Wednesbury to Dudley is under construction as of 2022.
126 bus to Dudley on Birmingham Road near the former Dudley Hippodrome and Dudley Zoo & Castle (December 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown
Contact details
Dudley Zoo & Castle
Castle Hill
Dudley
West Midlands
DY1 4QF
Tel: 01384 215313
Fax: 01384 456 048
Email: admin@dudleyzoo.org.uk
Facebook: Dudley Zoo
Twitter: Dudley Zoo
Instagram: Dudley Zoo