Santa's Grotto at Dudley Zoo and Castle
Visitors can visit Santa in his grotto set within the historic walls of the 11th-century castle and receive a special gift. Admission allows guests to explore Dudley Zoo, see their favourite animals, and view Santa's reindeer in their home. Festive refreshments and meal deals are also offered on site at the Queen Mary Restaurant.
What to Expect
Meet Santa inside the walls of an 11th-century castle.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Dudley and West Midlands Zoological Society Limited
Food & Drink
Queen Mary Restaurant offers a turkey bap, mince pie and hot drink meal deal, plus a children’s hot lunch meal deal; both can be pre-booked or are available on the day subject to availability.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and family-focused
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
££
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Weekday prices (Tuesday 1 December–Tuesday 22 December): child (1 yr +) £17.50; under 1 yr £6.50; adult Santa Visit £16.50; Adult & Toddler Ticket (under 5 yrs) £15.50; family ticket (2 adults & 2 children) £59.50. Weekend prices (28–29 November, 5–6 December and 12–13 December): child (1 yr +) £19.75; under 1 yr £6.75; adult Santa Visit £16.75; family ticket (2 adults & 2 children) £64.00. Premium prices (19, 20, 23 and 24 December): child (1 yr +) £22.50; under 1 yr £6.75; adult Santa Visit £16.75; family ticket (2 adults & 2 children) £69.00. Adult & Toddler tickets are £15.50 combined for two people and are only available weekdays from 1–18 December; a toddler is under five. A maximum of two adults per booking are admitted at the listed adult price; additional adults are £20.85 each. Pay-on-the-day tickets may be available subject to availability. Zoo admission is included. Members receive a discounted rate; group rates are available for groups of 10+ paying children, with details by phone. – Get tickets
- Hours: Last admission to come on site for Santa’s Grotto is 1pm each day.
Tips & Advice
- Get there in the morning, because last admission for Santa's Grotto is in the early afternoon each day, well before the zoo's own last entry.
- Call 01384 215313 before turning up without a booking, because pay-on-the-day Grotto tickets are only sold while availability lasts.
- Pre-book the Queen Mary Restaurant meal deals by phone so your turkey bap or children's hot lunch is held for you rather than left to chance.
- Avoid planning a Grotto visit for 30 November, 8 December or 16 December, as the Grotto is closed on those three days.
- Don't count on riding the DZC Santa Express land train, because it can be stopped by bad weather or mechanical issues.
Special Events & Promotions
- Adult & Toddler tickets for one adult and a child under five, weekdays 1–18 December only.
- DZC members get a discounted rate and can book online with their membership number.
- Group rates for groups of 10 or more paying children, booked by phone, for 28–29 November and weekdays 1–18 December only.
- Queen Mary Restaurant meal deals sold separately: a turkey bap with mince pie and hot drink, or a children's hot lunch.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Santa's Grotto ticket include?
It includes admission to Dudley Zoo and Castle, a visit with Santa in his Grotto inside the walls of the 11th-century castle, a special gift from Santa and the chance to see Santa's reindeer.
Is there festive food on site?
The Queen Mary Restaurant serves festive treats, including a turkey bap, mince pie and hot drink meal deal and a children's hot lunch meal deal of chicken nuggets, chips, a blackcurrant Fruit Shoot and a mini chocolate muffin. You can pre-book both by calling 01384 215313, or buy them on the day while they last.
Can we turn up and buy tickets on the day?
Pay-on-the-day tickets may be available, but only while they last. Call 01384 215313 before your visit to check.
Are there tickets for babies and toddlers?
Yes. There are tickets for under-1s. On weekdays from 1 to 18 December, there is also an Adult & Toddler ticket that admits one adult and one child under five.
Can groups book a Grotto visit?
Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more paying children. Group bookings are only taken for 28 and 29 November and for weekdays from 1 to 18 December, by phone on 01384 215313.
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