Dudley Castle

Few people seem to realise that they have one of the most complete large castle ruins right in the UK. Its remarkably intact and has a great history. And to have a zoo thrown in as well. I just think that really the whole thing should be tied in with the black country museum to make one if the most complete days out in the country

Really like this place, especially my girls 2 and 4 they love it, at one stage we used to go twice a month. would recommend to anyone with kids or without kids, try to climb to top early in the morning as it is magical.

Dudley Zoo to me has to be one of the most charesmatic castles in the Country on a nice warm summers day nothing is better than climbing to the top of the castle with tremendoues views over Dudley, an added addition to the castle is the Zoo and although it does need some work still a nice added attraction to see, all in all a nice place to visit in Dudley along with the Black Country Museum.

Great place to visit — good views from the ramparts. I have childhood memories of this place (sitting on a canons for a photo). Part of the zoo complex, lovely on a sunny day.

Ancient castle with lions thrown in! Dudley Castle, part of the Dudley Zoo complex; magnificent, stunning views, historic remains and a fascinating visitor centre opened by HM Queen Elizabeth II in June 1994. Constructed in 1070, the keep is largely intact as are the shells of the 16^th century palace buildings around the castle retaining wall.
A stunning view opens out when you enter the castle grounds via one of the wall gates — possibly the best one is that from the restaurant by the sea-​lions (the secondary gate, not the Main Gate). Walking up through here gives no clue to the huge green area of grass that appears before you, stretching out ahead, framed by the dominating profile of the castle keep at the far end and the complex building remains to the left. If this is your first time, a really great surprise (Don’t look at the accompanying pictures!).
Explore the Sharrington Range, the burnt out palace built in the 1540’s. Then dive inside the visitor centre to appreciate the incredible history, life and times of the castle. See, lying in a basket, the heads of John Dudley’s son and his wife Lady Jane Grey after they were beheaded by Mary I (only plaster models, don’t worry!). Try putting your own head on the chopping block, to find out what it must have felt like (at least the first stage of the process!). See a fascinating montage of the year round activities of castle life and continue through dark passageways glowing with colourful showcases. Excellent stuff.
Back in the open, steel yourself for a climb up the narrow, clausterophobia inducing circular stairwell that runs up the inside of the keep. Emerge at the top, panting and dazzled by the sunlight to view a Lord’s perspective of Dudley below, Birmingham beyond and as far as the eye can see towards hills and vales to the south. Marvellous and definitely worth the effort — but need a head for heights.
Picnic tables and bench seats available for resting after all the excitement and there is a Tavern built into the walls to supply alternative refreshments (and ice creams), though not always open. Make friends with the Zoo animals on the way back.
Getting there by train, arriving at Dudley Port station, is not ideal — approx 3 miles to the Zoo and up hill all the way. Bus number 74 will take you to Castle Gate stop from the rail station. Plenty of trains from New Street, every half hour.
Cars do seem more easily accommodated, with large pay and display parking facilities on the Zoo site.
A really good ancient castle experience for everyone, young and old. All this included in the price of the Zoo entrance!