
Trentham Monkey Forest
Wander amongst 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques in the UK's only monkey forest. A unique conservation and family adventure!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more monkey activity

Trentham Monkey Forest
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more monkey activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Wander amongst 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques in the UK's only monkey forest. A unique conservation and family adventure!
"Absolutely great time. Monkeys everywhere, feeding, playing, all natural, ignoring people, other than to play tricks on us!"

🎯 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:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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.

Expert Feeding Demonstrations
Designated feeding areas
Witness feeding times and learn fascinating facts about the monkeys' behavior and conservation efforts from knowledgeable staff.

Baby Monkey Sightings
Throughout the forest
If you're lucky, catch adorable glimpses of baby macaques playing and exploring with their mothers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets Online for Savings
Prepare for Close Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking a 3/4 mile loop through woodland. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Moments
Get ready for incredible up-close photos of the macaques! :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 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:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking a 3/4 mile loop through woodland. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Moments
Get ready for incredible up-close photos of the macaques! :camerawithflash:
☕ Enjoy the Cafe
Reasonably priced food and drinks available. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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. Many visitors find it convenient to reach from Manchester as well. Ample parking is available on-site.
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.
It's approximately an hour's drive from Manchester and a short 17-minute drive from Stoke-on-Trent.
There is ample parking available at Trentham Monkey Forest, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
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.
🎫 🎫 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. On-the-day prices are higher.
Yes, booking tickets online in advance is cheaper than buying on the day. Look out for potential VIP discounts or family packages.
It is highly recommended to book tickets online in advance, not only to secure your entry but also to benefit from lower prices.
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.
Children under three often get free entry. The main requirement is to listen to the safety briefing before entering the monkey enclosure.
🎫 🐒 Onsite Experience
You'll see 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques in a 60-acre woodland. They play, groom, and interact naturally, often coming very close to visitors.
No, you cannot touch the monkeys. They roam freely, and maintaining a safe distance is crucial for both your safety and theirs.
The main path is a loop, and while generally pleasant, some visitors mention hills. It's advisable to check with the venue directly for specific accessibility information regarding strollers and wheelchairs.
Yes, Trentham Monkey Forest has adventure parks, a maze, and woodland play areas for children.
The forest focuses on the conservation of endangered Barbary macaques, with visitor fees funding their research and protection.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site called the Banana Cafe, offering reasonably priced food like jacket potatoes.
The cafe offers simple, satisfying options such as jacket potatoes, suitable for a family day out.
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.
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.
Reviews suggest the cafe is reasonably priced, offering good value for money.
📸 📸 Photography
Anywhere along the forest path offers great opportunities as the monkeys are very close. Look for them playing in trees or interacting with each other.
It's generally best to avoid flash photography around wildlife to prevent startling them. Natural light is usually sufficient given the close proximity.
A camera with a good zoom lens can be beneficial, but even smartphone cameras can capture excellent close-ups due to the monkeys' proximity.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be mindful of the animals' well-being and avoid intrusive behavior.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking tickets online to save money, and wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a fair bit of walking. The opportunity to learn about conservation efforts also adds an educational layer to the fun, making it a well-rounded experience for young explorers.
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Barbary Macaque: Conservation Champions
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. The birth of new babies, like the ten seen recently, is celebrated as a significant victory for the species' future. By visiting, you directly support these important initiatives and help protect the Barbary macaque from extinction.
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. 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.
An Immersive Woodland Experience
The forest itself is a key part of the attraction, with well-maintained paths winding through grassy areas and trees. The natural environment is designed to stimulate the monkeys' natural behaviors, making for a more authentic and engaging viewing experience. Visitors often describe the walk as both scenic and fascinating, with plenty of opportunities to observe the monkeys in their element. Remember to listen to the safety briefing before entering, as it provides essential information for a safe and respectful encounter with the macaques.
Beyond the main monkey trail, the forest also offers additional attractions for families, including adventure parks, a maze, and a woodland play area. This ensures that there's plenty to keep everyone entertained throughout the day, making it a comprehensive family day out.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit