Dudley Zoo is a popular attraction located in the West Midlands of England, offering a unique and exciting experience for visitors. Whether you’re a local or planning a trip, navigating your way to the zoo can be a crucial part of your visit. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with all the necessary information to ensure a seamless journey to Dudley Zoo.
Getting to Dudley Zoo by Car
Dudley Zoo is situated on the A461 (Castle Hill), approximately 3 miles from M5 Junction 2. To reach the zoo by car, follow these directions:
- Take the A461 towards Dudley.
- Turn left at the traffic lights onto Tipton Road, where the zoo’s barrier-operated car park is located.
- The car park charges £3.50 per token to exit.
Reaching Dudley Zoo via Public Transportation
For visitors who prefer to use public transportation, there are several options available:
By Bus
- Dudley Bus Station is a 2-minute walk from the zoo entrance.
- Please note that the bus station will be completely closed from January 2024 until June 2025 due to ongoing Metro work. During this time, buses will drop around Coronation Gardens and Tower Street, with directional signage to Dudley Zoo & Castle in place.
By Train
- Dudley Port Station is located 3 miles away from the zoo, with frequent bus services available.
- Sandwell & Dudley Station is 5 miles away from the zoo, also with regular bus connections.
Accessing the Zoo Entrance
Visitors arriving on foot or by public transport should follow the signposted route that will direct them to the main visitor entrance and gift shop. If walking down the hill, past the turnstile entrance on Castle Hill to the zoo offices (a white building), you can walk across the zoo office car park and use the ramp to the left, leading to the Safari Gift Shop.
Dudley Zoo Opening Hours and Facilities
- Dudley Zoo is open daily from 10 am.
- The land train operates from 10 am to 4:30 pm on weekends and 3:30 pm on weekdays, subject to mechanical breakdowns.
- The fun fair is seasonal and operates during school holidays, weather permitting.
- The Queen Mary Restaurant and Made Kiosk offer refreshments, accepting both card and cash payments.
- Toilet facilities are available on-site.
- The Castle Courtyard and Castle Keep are open, although the staircase is very narrow and steep in places.
Accessibility and Amenities
- Dudley Zoo offers mobility scooters and wheelchairs for hire, but visitors should call to reserve them with at least 48 hours’ notice.
- Please note that there is a steep camber at the Meerkats which is not suitable for wheelchair and scooter users.
- Children’s play equipment and Lemur Wood are open, but Lemur Wood is not pushchair accessible.
- Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnics, and outdoor seating is available around the site.
Admission Prices
The admission prices for Dudley Zoo, including a 10% voluntary donation, are as follows:
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | £18.95 |
| Child (3-14 years) | £13.55 |
| Child with disability (without a voluntary donation) | £13.55 |
| One Free Admission for Carer with a full paying Disabled Visitor | FREE |
| 0 – 2 years | FREE |
Please note that Dudley Zoo and Castle or any outlets on site do not accept £50 notes.
By following these Dudley Zoo directions, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to this fantastic attraction. Whether you’re traveling by car or public transportation, the zoo’s accessibility and amenities cater to a wide range of visitors, making it a must-visit destination for zoo touring enthusiasts.