Natural Setting - Visitors greeted with fantastic opportunity to see wild animals
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Trentham Monkey Forest

4.6
·10k reviews·Tittensor, United Kingdom

Wander amongst 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques in the UK's only monkey forest. A unique conservation and family adventure!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more monkey activity

CrowdLow
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Natural Setting - Visitors greeted with fantastic opportunity to see wild animals

Trentham Monkey Forest

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more monkey activity

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Wander amongst 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques in the UK's only monkey forest. A unique conservation and family adventure!

4.6
(10k reviews)

"Absolutely great time. Monkeys everywhere, feeding, playing, all natural, ignoring people, other than to play tricks on us!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Online for Discounts

Save money by purchasing tickets online in advance. :ticket:

👂 Listen to the Safety Briefing

Crucial info for a safe visit with free-roaming monkeys. :warning:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Free-Roaming Barbary Macaques

Free-Roaming Barbary Macaques

Throughout the 60-acre woodland

Wander amongst 140 Barbary macaques as they play, groom, and leap through the trees just steps away.

TikTokInstagram
Expert Feeding Demonstrations

Expert Feeding Demonstrations

Designated feeding areas

Witness feeding times and learn fascinating facts about the monkeys' behavior and conservation efforts from knowledgeable staff.

TikTokReddit
Baby Monkey Sightings

Baby Monkey Sightings

Throughout the forest

If you're lucky, catch adorable glimpses of baby macaques playing and exploring with their mothers.

InstagramReddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets Online for Savings

Save money by booking your Trentham Monkey Forest tickets online in advance. Prices are typically lower than on-the-day purchases, making it a budget-friendly choice for families and solo travelers alike. TikTokInstagram

Prepare for Close Encounters

The monkeys roam freely, so be ready for them to walk right past you! Listen carefully to the safety briefing before entering to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and the macaques. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more monkey activity
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Warm weather, active monkeys
Crowd
Medium
When
During feeding times
Why
Educational and engaging
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

And it’s the largest primate enclosure in the UK!🐒 You get SO close to the monkeys and they even walk right past you as they cross the paths to get to the other side. There’s set feeding times throughout the day so you can learn from the experts about the conservation work they do with the Barbary macaques. The oldest monkey they have is 31 years old and the youngest was just 6 days old 🥹 There’s ...
@thepatmores
44K likes • 1.6M views

🎯 Book Online for Discounts

Save money by purchasing tickets online in advance. TikTokInstagram :ticket:

👂 Listen to the Safety Briefing

Crucial info for a safe visit with free-roaming monkeys. Reddit :warning:

Trentham Monkey Forest🌱 #trenthammonkeyforest #monkeyforest #dateideas #monkey #zoo
@siddlekeryn
24.5K likes • 927K views
Wait until you see the tiny baby🥹🐒 I don’t know about you but before we’d visited Trentham Monkey Forest, we’d never been this close to monkeys before! This is the only place in the UK you can do this and it’s the largest primate enclosure in the UK as well – definitely one of the most unique days out in the country and so easy to get to with it being just off the M6✨ We absolutely loved watchi...
thepatmores
0 likes • 40.4K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking a 3/4 mile loop through woodland. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Moments

Get ready for incredible up-close photos of the macaques! TikTok :camerawithflash:

Exploring the wild at Trentham Monkey Forest! 🌿 Our pupils had a fun-filled day learning about animal survival, habitats, and the impact of humans on nature. 🌍✨ #classtrip #TrenthamMonkeyForest #OutdoorLearning #ScienceInAction #PrimaryEducation #SpeciesSurvival #YoungExplorers #HandsOnLearning #homeeducation #homeschool #privatetuition #privatetutor #creativepath #homeeducationuk #homeschoollife...
creativepath_education
6 likes • 315 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Online for Discounts

Save money by purchasing tickets online in advance. TikTokInstagram :ticket:

👂 Listen to the Safety Briefing

Crucial info for a safe visit with free-roaming monkeys. Reddit :warning:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking a 3/4 mile loop through woodland. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Moments

Get ready for incredible up-close photos of the macaques! TikTok :camerawithflash:

☕ Enjoy the Cafe

Reasonably priced food and drinks available. Reddit :coffee:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(10k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Trentham Monkey Forest for its unique experience of walking amongst free-roaming Barbary macaques. The close encounters, educational feeding sessions, and the beautiful woodland setting are major highlights. While the cafe food is described as basic, it's reasonably priced and adequate for a day out. Some visitors note the presence of hills on the walking path.

"Absolutely great time.
Monkeys everywhere, feeding, playing, all natural, ignoring people, other than to play tricks on us, like bouncing in the branches of an acorn tree when people walk underneath!
Nice walk, good little cafe. All reasonable prices, including entry tickets. We'll definitely be back."

Sean Swales

"This place was amazing!
My sister and I loved being able to see the monkeys up so and learn so many different facts about them for example, their origin and their diet.
We were lucky enough to be there at the time of their feeding which we got to see a staff member feed the monkeys and teach us how they behave and the hierarchy of the monkey kingdom.
At the time of visiting, they had over 100 monkeys to see and around 11 of which being babys as young as 4 weeks old.
As you leave the monkey forest, there's a cafe and a really big park with unique attractions such as big tree swings and mystery trails to walk and venture on.
This site is truly amazing and I couldn't recommend it for families any more!"

Connor Creswick

"We had a great time here, we dropped onto good weather and being a Tuesday a bit quieter than usual. It's great that you can just walk around with the monkeys free roaming, there are plenty of workers there to look out for you. You must watch a safety briefing before entering, not long at all but important info regarding your visit. The forest is lovely and a nice walk around, its in a loop but both directions there is a hill to climb, I would say keep right, smaller hill. If you are lucky enough to be there when they are doing a feed, they tell you all about the history and about the monkeys. One being 31 years old now, which in human years is over 100.
Banana cafe was good too, both having jacket potatoes. Toilet facilities were very good. Ample parking."

Pete Smith

What People Like

Close monkey encounters
Free-roaming macaques
Educational conservation focus

What People Dislike

Basic cafe food
Hills on the path

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Trentham Monkey Forest is located in Staffordshire, easily accessible by car. It's a short drive from Stoke-on-Trent. Instagram Many visitors find it convenient to reach from Manchester as well. Instagram Ample parking is available on-site. Reddit

While driving is the most common method, check local bus routes that serve the Trentham Estate area. Information on specific routes and schedules can usually be found on local transport authority websites. TikTok

It's approximately an hour's drive from Manchester Instagram and a short 17-minute drive from Stoke-on-Trent. Instagram

There is ample parking available at Trentham Monkey Forest, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

Yes, Trentham Monkey Forest is located within the Trentham Estate, and you can often combine visits. Check the Trentham Estate website for combined ticket options or separate entry details. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary, but booking online in advance usually offers a discount. Expect to pay around £10-£15 for adults and slightly less for children when booked online. TikTokInstagram+1 On-the-day prices are higher. Instagram

Yes, booking tickets online in advance is cheaper than buying on the day. TikTokInstagram Look out for potential VIP discounts or family packages. Instagram

It is highly recommended to book tickets online in advance, not only to secure your entry but also to benefit from lower prices. TikTokInstagram+1

Opening hours typically vary by season, but they are generally open from around 10 am to 5 pm. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours. Instagram

Children under three often get free entry. TikTok The main requirement is to listen to the safety briefing before entering the monkey enclosure. Reddit

🎫 🐒 Onsite Experience

You'll see 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques in a 60-acre woodland. Instagram+1 They play, groom, and interact naturally, often coming very close to visitors. TikTokReddit

No, you cannot touch the monkeys. They roam freely, and maintaining a safe distance is crucial for both your safety and theirs. Reddit

The main path is a loop, and while generally pleasant, some visitors mention hills. Reddit It's advisable to check with the venue directly for specific accessibility information regarding strollers and wheelchairs. Instagram

Yes, Trentham Monkey Forest has adventure parks, a maze, and woodland play areas for children. InstagramReddit

The forest focuses on the conservation of endangered Barbary macaques, with visitor fees funding their research and protection. TikTokInstagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe on-site called the Banana Cafe, offering reasonably priced food like jacket potatoes. Reddit+1

The cafe offers simple, satisfying options such as jacket potatoes, suitable for a family day out. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned, it's common for such attractions to have areas where visitors can enjoy their own packed lunches. It's best to confirm this with the venue. Reddit

Specific dietary options are not detailed in reviews, but cafes at attractions often have a range of choices. It's advisable to inquire directly or check their menu if you have specific dietary needs. Reddit

Reviews suggest the cafe is reasonably priced, offering good value for money. Reddit+1

📸 📸 Photography

Anywhere along the forest path offers great opportunities as the monkeys are very close. TikTok Look for them playing in trees or interacting with each other. TikTok

It's generally best to avoid flash photography around wildlife to prevent startling them. Natural light is usually sufficient given the close proximity. TikTok

A camera with a good zoom lens can be beneficial, but even smartphone cameras can capture excellent close-ups due to the monkeys' proximity. TikTok+1

No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be mindful of the animals' well-being and avoid intrusive behavior. TikTok

The forest setting means lighting can be dappled. Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light, but the monkeys are often active throughout the day. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Trentham Monkey Forest is a fantastic family day out! TikTok+1 Kids will be thrilled to see so many monkeys roaming freely and up close. TikTokReddit The forest path is an adventure in itself, and the added play areas, maze, and adventure parks provide extra fun. InstagramReddit Remember to attend the safety briefing to ensure everyone understands how to behave around the macaques. Reddit The cafe offers kid-friendly options, and the overall experience is both educational and entertaining. Reddit+1

Consider booking tickets online to save money, and wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a fair bit of walking. TikTokInstagramReddit The opportunity to learn about conservation efforts also adds an educational layer to the fun, making it a well-rounded experience for young explorers. Instagram+1

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, booking tickets online in advance is key to saving money at Trentham Monkey Forest. TikTokInstagram Prices are significantly lower than on-the-day purchases. Instagram While there's an entry fee, the experience offers great value with the unique opportunity to see so many monkeys in a natural setting. Reddit Consider packing your own snacks and drinks to supplement the reasonably priced cafe options. Reddit+1 The walk through the forest is free once you've paid admission, offering hours of entertainment. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find Trentham Monkey Forest a dream location for capturing up-close wildlife shots. TikTok The free-roaming nature of the Barbary macaques means you'll have incredible opportunities to photograph them in their natural environment, often just a few feet away. TikTokReddit Focus on natural light and be patient; the monkeys' playful antics and social interactions provide endless photo opportunities. TikTokReddit While a zoom lens can be helpful, even smartphone cameras can capture stunning images due to the proximity. TikTok+1 Remember to be respectful and avoid using flash photography, which can disturb the animals. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Barbary Macaque: Conservation Champions

Trentham Monkey Forest is dedicated to the conservation of the Barbary macaque, an endangered primate native to the Atlas Mountains of Algeria and Morocco. TikTokInstagram The forest provides a safe haven for over 140 of these intelligent and social animals, allowing them to live in a semi-wild environment that mimics their natural habitat. This unique setting allows visitors to observe their natural behaviors, from playful interactions to intricate social hierarchies. Reddit+1

The work at Trentham Monkey Forest goes beyond just providing a home; it actively contributes to the survival of the species. Visitor fees are crucial in funding vital conservation efforts, including research into the macaques' behavior, diet, and habitat needs. Instagram+1 The birth of new babies, like the ten seen recently, is celebrated as a significant victory for the species' future. TikTok By visiting, you directly support these important initiatives and help protect the Barbary macaque from extinction. Instagram

Visitors can learn a great deal about these fascinating primates through informative boards along the forest path and during feeding demonstrations led by knowledgeable staff. TikTokReddit These sessions offer insights into the monkeys' lives, their challenges in the wild, and the ongoing conservation work. It's a chance to connect with nature and understand the importance of protecting endangered species. Instagram

An Immersive Woodland Experience

The Trentham Monkey Forest offers a truly immersive experience, allowing visitors to walk along a 3/4 mile path through a beautiful 60-acre woodland. Instagram+1 Unlike traditional zoos, there are no cages or bars separating you from the free-roaming Barbary macaques. Reddit This means you can find yourself walking alongside these fascinating creatures, watching them play in the trees, groom each other, or even forage for food just a few feet away. TikTokInstagram

The forest itself is a key part of the attraction, with well-maintained paths winding through grassy areas and trees. Reddit The natural environment is designed to stimulate the monkeys' natural behaviors, making for a more authentic and engaging viewing experience. Instagram Visitors often describe the walk as both scenic and fascinating, with plenty of opportunities to observe the monkeys in their element. Reddit Remember to listen to the safety briefing before entering, as it provides essential information for a safe and respectful encounter with the macaques. Reddit

Beyond the main monkey trail, the forest also offers additional attractions for families, including adventure parks, a maze, and a woodland play area. InstagramReddit This ensures that there's plenty to keep everyone entertained throughout the day, making it a comprehensive family day out. TikTok+1

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