Dudley Zoo is set in the 40 acre grounds of the 11th century Dudley castle and has some of the worlds rarest animals.
GET CLOSE TO THE ANIMALS.
Dudley Zoological Gardens motto is “get closer to the world’s rarest animals” and that’s certainly the case. One of the zoo’s most popular enclosures in lemur wood. Walk round the one acre wood and see the critically endangered black and white ruffed as well as red ruffed, ring tailed and black lemurs.
FEEDING TIMES, EVENTS, TIMES AND LOCATIONS
Throughout the day there are talks, a birds of prey show and animal feeding. Feeding and event times on the zoo’s website can be seen at http://www.dudleyzoo.org.uk/visit-us/daily-activities-feeding-times
GHOSTS AND SPOOKY TALES OF THE PAST
If you’re interested in ghosts then Dudley castle is the place to come. Take the daily 45 minute walk around the castle and listen to tales of the past. This is organised by DZG and is free for visitors to the zoo. For times see the zoos activities page at http://www.dudleyzoo.org.uk/visit-us/daily-activities-feeding-times
If you’d like to spend more time ghost hunting then there are a number of events that take in Dudley castle through out the year. For more information look at the guides ghost page at https://blackcountryvisitorsguide.wordpress.com/dudley-ghost-and-history-tours/ or look at DZG’s events page at http://www.dudleyzoo.org.uk/events-and-experiences
GETTING TO THE TOP OF THE HILL
Take the vintage chairlift to the top of the hill or ride on the zoo’s train which runs between the farm, the entrance and then up to the castle. When the chairlift first opened in 1958 it was the first passenger carrying aerial rope way installed in England and charged 6d (2.5p) Both the chairlift and train are free.
BE A ZOO KEEPER FOR THE DAY
The zoo offers the chance to be a keeper for the day. Participants have their own personal keeper to work along side in all parts of the zoo. There are also little zoo keeper days for children 8 – 13. For more information see the zoo’s be zoo keeper page at http://www.dudleyzoo.org.uk/events-and-experiences-7
OTHER ANIMALS TO LOOK OUT FOR
THE FUN FAIR
Don’t forget the fun fair at the bottom of the hill.
TECTON BUILDINGS
The zoo grounds also boast the worlds largest collection of Tecton buildings. Of 13 original buildings 12 remain and all are Grade II listed. At present 2 are being refurbished and work on the old bear ravine is due to start in the near future.
EXHIBITION OF DUDLEY CASTLE
The castle’s exhibition is in the rooms under the Great Hall. It tells how life used to be in the Black Country in medieval times. There’s also a model of what the first castle could have looked like when it was built in 1071.
NEARLY 950 YEARS OF HISTORY
Construction of the first castle was started on the site in 1071 by Anscluf of Picquigny who was a supporter of William the Conqueror. The castle has been built at least four times and is unusual because it was in use for over 700 years. The castle was home to the local lord and was a status symbol. It was fortified to protect him from his not to friendly neighbours.
The shape of the castle has remained the same since first being built and some of the walls have survived since its second phase. The keep and gate house were built during the third phase. The fourth phase saw the castle house rebuilt and the chapel built. In the 16th century the castle had its final major rebuild and became one of the country’s most important places.
The Kings troops held the castle during the English civil war but it was taken by Parliamentary forces in 1646 who knocked down the great tower and gateway.
After the civil war the original family returned to the castle. They added stables which have now been converted into the Grey Lady Tea Rooms.
Due to damage in the Civil War the main home of the Earls of Dudley became Himley Hall (more info in the guide about Himley Hall and Baggeridge country park at https://blackcountryvisitorsguide.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=957&action=edit). In 1750 a fire caused major damage to the living area of the castle and it was abandoned.
OPEN EVERY DAY EXCEPT CHRISTMAS DAY
The zoo and castle are open every day throughout the year except Christmas day.
LOCATION
Address: Castle Hill, Dudley West Midlands DY1 4QF. Dudley Zoological Gardens are just a few minutes walk from Dudley town centre and Dudley bus station and 3 miles from junction 2 of the M5.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
For more information about Dudley Zoological Gardens visit their website http://www.dudleyzoo.org.uk
For more info about Dudley castle visit The Friends Of Dudley Castle at http://www.dudleycastle.org.uk/index.html or visit the zoo’s website at http://www.dudleyzoo.org.uk
BLACK COUNTRY VISITORS GUIDE 