Dudley Zoo & Castle - A Dudley Gem!

Dudley Castle dates to as early as the 11th century and was in used until the 18th century. Dudley Zoo opened around the castle in 1937. Located at Castle Hill in Dudley.


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 CastleDudley 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 CastleDudley 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 CastleDudley Zoo & Castle (January 2011). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Somery family lived at Dudley Castle, including Gervase Paganel in the late 12th century.

Dudley CastleDudley 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 CastleDudley Zoo & Castle (October 2016). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

During the Civil War in the mid 17th century the castle was partly demolished.

Dudley CastleDudley 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 CastleDudley Zoo & Castle (December 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

When Dudley Zoo was established in 1937, the castle grounds were incorporated into the zoo.

Dudley CastleDudley Zoo & Castle (December 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Dudley Zoo - history

Dudley Zoological Gardens, now called Dudley Zoo & Castle was established in 1937.

Dudley ZooDudley 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 ZooDudley 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 ZooDudley 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.

Dudley Zoo & CastleCastle 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.

Dudley Zoo & CastleCastle 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.

Dudley Zoo & CastleChair 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).

Dudley Zoo & CastleChair 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.

The Big SleuthDharma, 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.

Dudley Zoo & Castle126 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

Project dates

30 Dec 2022 - On-going

Passions

History & heritage, Environment & green action, Travel & tourism
Classic Architecture

Contact

Your Place Your Space

Jonathan Bostock

0121 410 5520
jonathan.bostock@ yourplaceyourspace.com