Dudley Zoo and Castle, located in the West Midlands of England, is a captivating destination that combines a zoo, an 11th-century castle, Tecton buildings, and a vintage chairlift. With over 1300 animals and nearly 200 species, this zoo is a must-visit for any animal enthusiast.
Dudley Zoo Opening Times and Admission
The Dudley Zoo is open daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm, with the last admission at 4 pm. It is highly recommended to pre-book your tickets online, especially during peak seasons, as admission tickets are subject to availability and may be changed or withdrawn at any time.
| Admission Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (15+ years) | £18.95 |
| Child (3-14 years) | £13.95 |
| Under 3 years | Free |
| Concession (65+ years, students, disabled) | £16.95 |
Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult, and car parking is available for £3.50 per day. Pre-purchased tickets cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, promotion, or vouchers, and identification and proof of age may be requested upon arrival.
Daily Activities and Talks at Dudley Zoo
Dudley Zoo offers a variety of animal enclosure talks throughout the day, and 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 through school holidays, weather permitting. The Safari Gift Shop is open daily from 10 am, and the Queen Mary Restaurant and Made Kiosk are open for refreshments.
Accessibility and Amenities at Dudley Zoo
The Dudley Zoo is wheelchair and mobility scooter accessible, with the exception of Lemur Wood, which is not pushchair accessible. Toilet facilities are available, and children’s play equipment is open. The Castle Courtyard and Castle Keep are open, but visitors should note that the staircase is very narrow and steep in places. Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnics, and outdoor seating is available around the site.
Donations and Charitable Work at Dudley Zoo
As a charity, Dudley Zoo relies on donations from its visitors to support its animal welfare and conservation work. All admission prices include a 10% voluntary donation, and visitors can also choose to make additional donations through the Gift Aid scheme. Under the Gift Aid scheme, the zoo can claim an additional 25p for every £1 that you donate, provided you are a UK taxpayer and understand that you are responsible for paying any difference if you pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all your donations in that tax year.
Dudley Zoo is a unique and captivating attraction that offers a wealth of experiences for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re interested in exploring the historic castle, observing the diverse array of animal species, or simply enjoying a day out in a beautiful setting, Dudley Zoo is sure to leave a lasting impression.
References:
– Tripadvisor Review of Dudley Zoo and Castle
– Dudley Zoo Opening Times and Admissions
– Dudley Zoo Online Booking
– Dudley Zoo Plan Your Visit
– Dudley Zoo Official Website