Explore Free Museums and Sites to Visit with Kids in Dudley

4worldlovers: PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE ESSENTIAL MAINTENANCE WORK TAKING PLACE ON OUR WEBSITE ON MONDAY MORNING (19th JUNE) FROM 9 AM FOR A FEW HOURS SO YOU WILL BE UNABLE TO MAKE PURCHASES.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO URGENTLY PRE-BOOK TICKETS, OR EXPERIENCES DURING THIS TIME, PLEASE CALL 01384 215313

WE'RE OPEN EVERY DAY FROM 10 AM. LAST ADMISSION IS 3 PM, GROUNDS CLOSE AT 5.30 PM.

We recommend that you pre-book your tickets via our online booking system.

(Please read the Important Information page, before clicking on the link at the bottom of the page to continue with your purchase)

The upkeep and care of one lemur costs £1 a day and an ape is £5 per day

You can post a cheque made payable to Dudley Zoo (Castle Hill, Dudley,DY1 4QF) or you can also donate by text:

DZC is unique… a home to more than 1300 animals, and has nigh on 200 species, including some of the rarest creatures on Planet Earth.

Hundreds of exotic and endangered animals inhabit an ancient wooded hillside, with a rich geological history, around the ruins of the 11th century Dudley Castle and share a site with the world’s largest single collection of Modernist Tecton structures – and the country’s only vintage chairlift!

Our aim is to provide our visitors, via our education and conservation activities, with an understanding and awareness of all elements of this unique site, the history of the castle and the geology, the importance of the architectural design of the Tectons, and the opportunity to get closer to the world’s rarest animals.

The zoo which opened in May 1937, covers an area of approximately 40 acres. This unique site includes two scheduled monuments – an 11th century castle and limestone caverns – and 12 Grade 2 listed Tecton buildings (four Grade 2*).

The idea to convert Dudley Castle's grounds into zoological gardens came from its then owner, the third Earl of Dudley, who chose a team of Modernist architects to design the zoo. Using reinforced concrete they created a revolutionary new design of building: Tectons.

The structures have stood the test of time and eight decades on Dudley Zoo has the world's largest single collection of Tectons, which in 2009 received World Monument Status.

4worldlovers: Experience sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the Black Country as you explore shops, houses and industrial workshops rebuilt in our canalside village.

4worldlovers: Bumble Hole and Warrens Hall Nature Reserves are great areas for leisurely walks and picnics with open areas of grass and bustling wildlife living along the quiet canal pathways.

Visitor Centre - including historical displays, souvenirs and a charity stall

The area is host to the Black Country Boating Festival, an annual event held every September.

This area has an active Friends Group, Friends of Bumble Hole & Warrens Hall Local Nature Reserve. The group was officially established in 1993 when members of the local community volunteered to start discussions on ways of improving and regenerating the area. The group are always recruiting new members, to assist with future plans and events.

Find out more about Bumble Hole and Warrens Hall Local Nature Reserves at Black Country Geopark.