If you follow our blog, you would know that we love our Family Days Out and have visited so many interesting places such as Knowsley Safari Park or Sea Life Manchester amongst others. This time we were invited to visit Trentham Monkey Forest situation in the beautiful Staffordshire woodlands. The park has about 140 Barbary Macaques monkeys living in freedom, with forest path, info boards and videos which makes it a perfect place to visit for both the young and old. Here’s a short 6 minute HD video slideshow which we did of the place.
This was not the first time we have visited Trentham, we did visit the Trentham Gardens recently and our kids totally loved it there. As parents we were a little worried heading to the Monkey Forest as we knew from past experience that monkeys can sometimes we quite cheeky, but when we spoke to friends they assured us that the monkeys are very friendly. We headed to the Forest in the morning. The park opens at 10am so there was ample of parking. We walked in to the counter, got our tickets, brochure and headed into the park area.
Now, Trentham Monkey Forest is quite unique as it is the only place in the UK where you can walk amongst endangered Barbary Macaques. The monkeys are native to the wooded mountains of Morocco and Algeria but the monkeys in the Forest are obtained from both two different parks from France and Germany. Hence there are two groups of Barbary Macaques in the forest as they don’t tend to mix with each other.
We entered the park and came upon the on-site information centre, video room, picnic, cafe areas anfd play area for kids. We were told to keep our tickets as they will check this upon entering the enclosure. We were told about the rules by the staff which included:
- Touching the monkeys is strickly prohibited
- Keep at lease one meter’s distance from the monkeys at all times
- Children must be strictly supervised throughout the park
- No Eating or Drinking inside the Monkey Enclosure
- No running or shouting
- Stay on the path
- No smoking
- Do not approach monkeys carrying small babies
We found it really facinating as we walking around the enclosure. There were lots of information boards around for kids to stop by and read as well as information boards about the monkeys. Some include:
- Did you know that the monkeys can live in the open all year around in the park as they originate from the mountains of Morocco and Algeria where winters are cold?
- Monkeys eats fruits, vegetables, cereals, insects and plants and they are omnivors
- Barbary Macaques spent the night perched in high trees where they are safe from predators
- They mate in Autumn / Winter and give birthdy during spring / early summer
- Language of the Barbary Macaques consists of vocalisations, facial expressions, gestures and attitudes
As we walked around the 3/4 of a mile of the visitor pathway, it was wonderful to see how these monkeys lived and how they behaved. The pathway was so serene with lots of other wildlife there too with benches to sit down if you are tired.
Although it was a forest area, there were lots of staff around so we never felt scared or alone. The staff was also very knowledgeable and we stopped at many areas asking them questions about the monkeys.
Hourly feeding talks take place at quarter past each hour and this must not be missed.
We got to the feeding area 10 minutes earlier. There are 2 feeding areas and they alternate between them. One area feeds the Barbary Macaques from France from the second feeding area feeds the ones from Germany.
The feeding session started with one of the staff talking about the monkeys and where they originate from, as well as what they eat and what the monkeys are like. Soon she started sharing the food out, a few monkeys came out to eat the food together with some birds as well as ducks. On the menu were fruits such as oranges and nuts and seeds.
The monkeys were tame and did not cause any problems at all to the visitors. Staff were quite vigilant and told us to stay still when a male monkey was passing through. Our kids totally loved how close they could get to the monkeys and also enjoyed watching the other wildlife that lived in the forest areas.
Soon as we finished the tour of the enclosure, we headed out to grab a bite at the Banana Cafe
If you prefer to bring a picnic you can sit at the outdoor or covered seating area. Food is allowed in here but not in the enclosure.
The Banana café serves a selection of both warm and cold meals and snacks for when you’re feeling a bit peckish. There is also a Jungle Souvenir Shop which is packed full with monkey memorabilia for you to buy a momento home.
Kids had a go at the play area, we only found out much later that there were 2 play areas. This one is closer to the cafe and picnic area.
Things to note:
- Feeding Time – Make sure you catch the hourly feeding talks which takes place at quarter past every hour from quarter past 11 between the 2 feeding areas.
- Visitors to Trentham Monkey Forest will receive a £1 off Trentham Gardens tickets when you show a valid Trentham Monkey Forest receipt. Trentham Gardens annual ticket holders also receive £1 off to the Monkey Forest tickets when showing your valid membership.
- Staff are weding bright yellow t-shirts and you can find them everywhere. Stop and speak to them as they are so full of knowledge and information.
Where is Trentham Monkey Forest?
Stone Road
Trentham
Tittensor
Stoke-on-Trent
ST4 8AY
Staffordshire
Tel: 01782 659845
What are the Opening Hours of Trentham Monkey Forest?
They are open daily from 10am until 5pm (these are Summer Opening Times, do check their website for Winter times)
How much are the Entry Tickets?
Adults pay £8.50 while Children (aged 3 to 14) pay £6.50. Under 3s go free. There are concessions as well as group tickets available.
About Trentham Monkey Forest
There are 140 monkeys living in Stoke on Trent. This unique idea first started back in 1969 when the first park was opened in France. Due to the success of the park a second park was opened in Rocamadour, also in France. Later a third park opened in Germany in 1976. In 2004 two groups of Barbary macaques from the existing parks were re-homed here in Trentham, and the park opened to the public in July 2005. Unfortunately, Barbary macaques are listed as endangered by the IUCN Red List due to loss of habitat and the illegal pet trade. Trentham Monkey Forest aims to provide visitors with a unique, interesting and educational experience, whilst raising awareness and informing you of their involvement in conservation of the endangered wild Barbary macaques, and the research they do to help protect them. The monkeys live in total freedom which allows visitors to get an in depth insight into the lives of these fascinating monkeys. The woodland trail allows you to walk amongst the monkeys and immerse yourself in their everyday antics. You will be able to see them as they swing from the trees, lounge on the grass and even walk the path straight past you!
In Trentham Monkey Forest, you can not only relax and return to nature but also have a deeper understanding of monkeys. This is a very fulfilling and satisfying trip. You can preserve the joy and beauty of this trip with Custom Keyrings.
You can design the keychain into the shape of a forest and engrave monkey patterns or elements on the front of the keychain. On the back of the keychain, you can engrave the date of the trip, your mood, or a slogan to make it more memorable. In this way, every time you use the keychain, you will remember this wonderful trip close to nature.
You may also want to read this:
Family Day Out Review: Bearstone Fruit Farm
Family Day Out Exploring Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire
National Trust : Family Day Out to Dunham Massey
* We were invited to Trentham Monkey Forest for free in return for a feature. All opinions are our own.
44 comments
How much fun does this look like! I am sure I went here years ago myself or at least somewhere similar! Sounds like you had a lovely time.
Oh wonderful that we were able to rekindly some old memory of yours Sarah, yes we had a lovely time
I had never heard of Trentham Monkey Forest, who would of thought there were monkeys in Stoke. Looks like you had a great time brill photos
Yes we did Jenni, hope you get the chance to visit the Monkey Forest, you would love it there
I have never heard of this before, but what a great sounding place and lots of fun x
Yes definitely especially for both kids and adults alike Samantha
Monkeys are my favourite animals that I love watching them in the zoo so this sounds like my kind of place x
Oh you would love it at the Monkey Forest then Rhian!
There are so many amazing places here in the UK that we may never know about. Thanks for the fab post and for sharing this one. I hadn’t heard of it before!
Your welcome Mayah, glad you know about Trentham Monkey Forest now x
I would have loved to have gone to Trentham Monkey Forest when I was a child – heck, I’d like to go there now I’m an adult 😂 but it’s a shame it’s so far away from me 😯 might just have to take a road trip! X
Yes definitely and stop over other places around Stoke-on-Trent. Read our other reviews for ideas.
This looks like a great day out! I think id be a little bit nervous being so close to the monkeys thought!
I know, we were the same but the monkeys are so well behaved that you don’t have to worry at all x
I absolutely love the look of Trentham Monkey Forest, I hadn’t even heard of it so will make sure we try and make it there, it sounds like such an important and fun place.
Absolutely Nichola! Important for monkey conservation and extremely fun for kids and adults who are intrigued by monkeys
It looks an interesting place to take children to learn about monkeys. It’s not too expensive either
No not expensive at all Mellissa especially with all that you are getting in return
I love it there. We went when our daughter was very young though. Can’t wait to take her back.
How wonderful! There is so much more there now Dannii, worth heading there again
Looks like a great place to visit. I am sure your kids loved. Though I would, too, because I love monkeys. I find them amazing creatures.
Yes they totally are and so similar to humans too Dorit, you can watch them for hours there
Aw this looks so lovely! I love how you captured it, my little boy is obsessed with animals and making monkey noises, it looks perfect for kids! 😀 xx
Thank you Elizabeth. Yes its the perfect family day out for kids and we loved it too.
This sounds like a great day out. We have friends living near stoke so next time we are that way I think this will be on the list. Thanks
Awesome to hear that Kirsty, hope you can check the Monkey Forest out
Always good to hear about new place for days out and this one was totally new to me. I am a monkey in the Chinese New Year as is my daughter and we both feel an affinity with these amazing creatures. Great review with the proper information you need. Popping over via Bloggers on Thin Ice
Thanks Kate, appreciate your comments. Glad to know you are born in the year of the monkey just like my dad and son. Both cheeky characters x
This is so cute! I can spot some of these are the same type we have up the rock in Gibraltar! x
How wonderful to hear that Giana, so glad you can recognise them
This looks like a fab day out how great to be able to get so up close to all those monkeys!
We really enjoyed ourselves Talya and yes could not believe how close we were to the monkeys
The monkeys looks adorable and friendly to humans, but hope they wouldn’t overworked them. Thanks for sharing your new travel guide.
No they don’t Blair as they are in a natural habitat and eat natural food and have a lot of freedom and exercise
This looks so fun!! I’m 19 and I want to go!! X
You would love it there Em x
I absolutely love exploring places within the UK and this seems like such a lovely place to spend with the family. I know my nephew would love it
Fab to hear that Anosa, hope you get a chance to visit Trentham Monkey Forest
This looks like such a wonderful place to visit. Especially with the family and little ones, the monkeys are so adorable and you got some really lovely pictures!
Thank you Elizabeth, we enjoyed our visit very much
Wow this place sure is fun and educational. Am sure kids would love to go back.
Yes we have to admit, they can’t wait to go back again. They enjoyed their visit there x
What a lovely and educational day out for the kids. The park sounds really fun and it would be so nice to participate in the feeding hour.
Absolutely Nayna, our kids totally enjoyed every bit of it