We had a great day out spotting monkeys and exploring the Staffordshire woodland! Let us tell you all about it in our Trentham Monkey Forest review.
We love family days out and were always on the hunt for somewhere fun, different, and exciting the entire family can enjoy. In our latest adventure, we review Trentham Monkey Forest in Staffordshire.
If you follow our blog you will have read about our recent visit to West Midland Safari Park which we loved. We are animal mad, so this time we chose to visit Trentham Monkey Forest situated in the beautiful Staffordshire woodlands. The park has about 140 Barbary Macaques monkeys living in freedom, with a forest walkthrough you can get up close and personal with these wonderful animals.
This unique idea first started in 1969, 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 in Trentham, the park opened to the public in July 2005. Sadly, Barbary macaques are listed as endangered by the IUCN Red List due to loss of habitat and the illegal pet trade.
Trentham Monkey Forest provides visitors with an educational experience, raising awareness and informing you of their involvement in the conservation of the endangered wild Barbary macaques, as well as the research they do to help protect them.
When we entered the park there was plenty to do before entering the monkey enclosure. There was an on-site information centre, picnic/cafe area, and a playground. We had quick ice cream and lost a few pounds in the gift shop on a stuffed toy monkey! before heading into the enclosure.
They have strict rules entering the enclosure, we were told about the rules by the staff which included:
- Keep one-metre distance from the monkeys.
- Touching the monkeys is strictly prohibited.
- No eating or drinking inside the enclosure.
- No running or shouting.
- Children must be strictly supervised throughout the enclosure.
- Stay on the path, follow the arrows for social distancing.
- Do not approach monkeys carrying small babies or toys.
- No smoking or vaping.
The woodland is absolutely stunning, and a really enjoyable walk. There are lots of benches throughout the walkthrough to sit down and take in the surroundings. There were plenty of information boards for children to stop and read and learn about the monkeys. My little boy loved learning about how the monkeys communicate with each other. We tried to spot them exhibiting the behaviours listed on the board.
Plenty of staff members cover the area to make sure the monkeys and visitors are safe and happy. The staff were all very knowledgeable and friendly and we stopped in many areas to ask them questions.
Hourly feeding talks take place at a quarter past each hour they are lots of fun to watch. A member of staff talks about the monkeys and where they originate from. They also discuss what they like to eat. The talk ends with a little Q&A which lots of children loved. On the menu for the monkeys were fruits such as oranges and apples as well as nuts and seeds.
Booking a time slot is essential. They have social distancing rules in place and ask all customers to read these guidelines before visiting for their own safety and other visitors’ safety.
You can find lots of information about Trentham Monkey Forest on their website, and book tickets here.
Where is Trentham Monkey Forest?
Stone Road
Trentham
Tittensor
Stoke-on-Trent
ST4 8AY
Staffordshire
We loved our visit to Trentham Monkey Forest, we love to spend time outside. This was a fun and unique way to do so. Have you ever visited? Let us know in the comments below. We hoped you liked our Trentham Monkey Forest review. Hopefully, we’ve inspired you to take a visit. If so, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram and like us on Facebook to keep updated with all our latest content.
