Location: Dudley
Top Things to do in Dudley
Top 9 Nature & Parks in Dudley, England
Dudley (/ˈdʌdli/ ( listen)) is a large town in the West Midlands of England, 6 miles (9.7 km) south-east of Wolverhampton and 10.5 miles (16.9 km) north-west of Birmingham. The town is the administrative centre of the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley and in 2011 had a population of 79,379. The Metropolitan Borough, which includes the towns of Stourbridge and Halesowen, had a population of 312,900. Dudley is sometimes called the capital of the Black Country.
Restaurants in Dudley
1. Priory Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Priory Park in Dudley takes its name from the Old Priory of St James's. The ruins are from the Cluniac Priory and are the picturesque feature in the grounds of the park. The Priory was first founded by the Lord of Dudley, Gervase Paganell, in the 12th Century, and was closed by the infamous Henry VIII in the 1530's. The pools near The Priory were drained when Priory Hall was built in 1825. During the 1930's, The Priory were restored to their current form, and the grounds became a park.
Reviewed By Laura-Jo-1987
Nice play area for the kids, lovely gardens to walk through, an area to play football and the Priory itself is lovely up see. There is free parking in the side roads. You can’t really ask for more from a free park. There is a bit of litter but that’s because of the people who use it.
2. Baggeridge Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 305 reviews
Reviewed By ZMonck83
Lovely walks great for families. Lovely cafe & play area. Dogs heaven but please clean up after yourselves if you picnic
3. Saltwells National Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Saltwells National Nature Reserve is a huge piece of the countryside in the heart of the urban Black Country. It is home to a spectacular bluebell wood, wildflower covered grasslands and nationally protected historical and geological features. It is a place to discover hidden sculptures and also stand back and enjoy some stunning vistas. Saltwells is a nature reserve that has been firmly rooted in its community for generations and, thanks to the UNESCO Global Black Country Geopark, it also now spreads its unique natural riches to visitors from across the world. So it is a place for everyone from the dog walker from just around the corner to the globetrotting scientist to visit and enjoy. With way-marked trails and a network of paths you can choose how far you want to discover today and which areas to explore next time you come.
Reviewed By I4676JYdebbier
I have Covid-19 lockdown to thank for visiting this hidden gem! Driven past hundreds of times on my way to Merry Hill and never thought to stop and take a look. With the past few weeks being spent exploring on foot what is in my local area, I venture along the canal from Netherton up to the reservoir and into Saltwells Nature Reserve and was absolutely awestruck at how beautiful it is! Lots of paths to explore, metal sculptures to happen upon, a glorious carpet of bluebells in Spring and wildlife to spot. Quite wonderful!
4. Himley Hall and Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 383 reviews
Himley Hall is a commanding 18th Century building set amongst 180 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland. Once the family home to the Earls of Dudley and host to royalty and high society, today it is a glamorous setting for civil wedding ceremonies and receptions and other special occasions as well as Indulgent Afternoon Teas. Himley Hall also offers art, photography and craft exhibitions during spring and summer, as well as prestigious conference facilities and guided tours.
Reviewed By xannadaviesx
Definitely a family favourite of ours for many generations! There’s no better place to go for walks in the area , Himley is honestly fantastic. I’ve grown up walking around Himley , yet they still never fail to surprise us. You always manage to find a new and exciting walking path , every time you go! The lake is amazing for boating , fishing .. you name it! I learnt how to ride a bike on the long concrete path , it’s fantastic for anyone with roller skates , scooters , bicycles! It’s amazing for your pups too , especially if you go on an evening walk! The house is absolutely stunning , inside and out. The food served is also delicious , and the waiters are very kind , returning my sister’s £20 note to her , when she dropped it and didn’t realise. Honestly , Himley is just great , if you have the opportunity to visit , go! We are so beyond lucky to have it on our doorstep! Also , Make sure to check it out on bonfire night , the fireworks are outstanding! We love you , Himley❤️
5. Dudley Zoo and Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,545 reviews
DZG 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!
Reviewed By Alpacas92 - Newcastle-under-Lyme, United Kingdom
Lovely day out to see the animals. Animal enclosures well kept and lots of improvement/investment since our last visit a few years ago. Only suggestion would be to add notes to enclosures with the animals names/ages, when they arrived, where they came from etc, I personally find that interesting. Well managed social distancing measures with one way system, hand sanitisers and patient visitors. Felt busy at the start but people naturally spread out the further though you get. Although some areas closed, still so much to see and do it didn't impact the day.
6. Brockswood Animal Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By Shaddix13 - Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
Took my 13 month old here today. For £3.50 you cannot beat the price for a good couple of hours out. You can make a donation as well, but we will also be back many times. The posters explaining each animals circumstances were good to read and all seemed to be cared for. It’s a shame that this place doesn’t get any funding and needs to be supported for the work it’s doing. Nice little picnic/play area at the end of the walk. 100% returning in the future
7. Wren's Nest National Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By TammiLouise123
We parked the car and began to walk around the forest. Within minutes we found our first fossils in the loose rock on the floor. It was brilliant, we didn’t have to do far before we had loads of coral, gastropods and shells. We were walking around the forest for hours, reading all the signs and literature, following the trails before we even went towards the quarry. I found it remarkable how the quarryhad been made safe with stairs and handrails and you were allowed the walk straight in and enjoy the views, fossils and wildlife. A lovely day out if you fancy a woodland walk with a little fossil hunting throw in.
