Trentham Monkey Forest

Sightseeing attraction | Stoke-on-Trent | England | United Kingdom

Observe Barbary macaques in nature

The Trentham Monkey Forest in Stoke-on-Trent, England, is an extraordinary attraction that uniquely combines nature, animal observation, and education. Located in the heart of Staffordshire, this attraction offers visitors the rare opportunity to experience free-ranging monkeys in a natural environment. It is the only facility of its kind in the UK, where around 140 Barbary Macaques roam freely in a 24-hectare woodland area without cages or fences. The Trentham Monkey Forest is part of the extensive Trentham Estate, which offers other recreational activities, attracting families, animal lovers, and conservationists alike.

Family trip to Monkey Forest

The Barbary Macaques living in the Trentham Monkey Forest originally come from the Atlas and Rif Mountains in North Africa, between Morocco and Algeria. These primates are considered endangered according to the IUCN Red List, mainly due to habitat loss and illegal pet trade. The Monkey Forest was opened in 2005 with the aim of providing a safe haven for these animals and raising awareness about their threats. The idea originated in France in 1969, where the first park of its kind was established, followed by other facilities in France and Germany before two groups of Barbary Macaques were eventually relocated to Trentham.

Educational experience with wildlife

Visitors to the Trentham Monkey Forest can stroll along a 1.2-kilometer woodland path that leads through the ancient Staffordshire woodland. This path is designed to allow the monkeys to move freely – whether on the ground, in the trees, or even right next to the visitors. The animals exhibit their natural behaviors here, from playing and climbing to socializing in their groups, creating an authentic experience that can only be observed in the wild. Knowledgeable staff along the path are available to answer questions and provide insights into the monkeys' lives. Regular feeding times, held hourly, offer additional opportunities to see the animals up close and learn more about their diet and habits.

Activities for children at Monkey Park

The facility places a strong emphasis on conservation and education. Each visit contributes to supporting conservation projects aimed at protecting wild populations of Barbary Macaques. There are information stations and interactive elements that educate about the threats facing this species, as well as a new Conservation Centre space that makes the park's work more tangible. For children, there are two primate-themed play areas where they can have fun, as well as quiz and discovery trails that complement the experience in a playful way.

Nature experience in Trentham Monkey Forest

The surroundings of the Trentham Monkey Forest are another highlight. The woodland itself is characterized by a peaceful, natural beauty that invites relaxation. Outside the monkey enclosure, there is a spacious picnic area ideal for a break, as well as a café with a terrace offering a relaxed atmosphere. A souvenir shop completes the offering, allowing visitors to take home mementos. The paths in the woodland are mostly accessible, although some sections have steeper gradients, which should be considered in planning.

The Trentham Monkey Forest differs from typical zoos in its open layout and focus on a single species. Here, the welfare of the monkeys is paramount: they are not touched or fed by visitors to preserve their natural behaviors and ensure the safety of both the animals and guests. These rules are strictly enforced, and the staff ensures that the boundaries between humans and animals are respected.

Contact details

Web

Phone

Address
Trentham Estate, Stone Rd
Tittensor
ST4 8AY Stoke-on-Trent

Map view

Opening hours

Sunday10:00 - 16:00
Monday10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday10:00 - 16:00
Thursday10:00 - 16:00
Friday10:00 - 16:00
Saturday10:00 - 16:00

Reviews

9028 Reviews

Neill Flavin
09.03.2025

Really good place to visit, the monkeys were great to watch interact and really looked like they would be like that whether we were there or not.
Fi Newhouse
05.03.2025

Spend as much time as you like watching the cheeky monkey and their antics. Can get really close to them. Lots of friendly, helpful staff to tell you all about the monkeys
Amaad Hussain
04.03.2025

We've been to the monkey forest a fair few times with the kids, travelling from Birmingham which is 1hr away. Recently I took my parents, my children and my wife so 4 adults and 2 children. It came to £75. For something that only lasts about 30-40 mins tops - it's a bit too much. Besides that the monkeys are great and I guess the money would be worth it in summer when you can have a picnic.. But winter prices should definitely be lower than this. I guess everyone's gotta make their money.
Levi Wisbey
01.03.2025

This was a lovely day out, there is a conservation centre explaining about the species (Barbary macaques) a cafe, a gift shop and a small playground for children. However the main part was a secure area where you can walk around with the monkeys just metres away! It was amazing to be so close to the monkeys without any separation!
Harriet
07.08.2024

Lovely experience getting close to the monkeys Huge queues at toilets, ridiculously long. Think there was only 1 disabled toilet that also had baby changing facilities Very expensive gift shop Outdoor play for older children and not young toddlers
El P
23.02.2025

Beautiful, gorgeous and an indescribable magical walk amongst the monkeys ❤️ I loved being allowed into the Barbary Macaque's forest home. As a pure animal adorer, I think the best part was that there was a distinct separation between humans & monkey - as in no feeding nor touching them - which is the way it should be. They just got on with their day as the humans watched in awe - unknowing of how special we think they are. Wonderful to see them in a natural forest environment too. Can't wait to go back ❤️❤️❤️
Joe T
22.02.2025

Unique experience to be roaming around monkeys. Entry fees are acceptable. Café prices are very high indeed. 2 play parks on site. The monkey area is actually a lot smaller then I'd anticipated but you can re-enter as many times as you'd like on the day. Various guides on hand talking about the monkeys and there are set feeding times you can see the monkeys getting fed. Wheelchair/pushchair accessible. Would recommend.
Bridgitte Gwilliam
22.02.2025

i was not very happy,could not feed,could not touch had to keep away from them,everytime you turn your head you were being watched by the wardens it was intimidating. travelled 9 hours all in and it was a waste of time. i researched all different types of moneys and gorillas and urangutans i know everything about them.they like to communicate,how can you communicate with them when your told not. what a waste of money and journey many people din,t like the rules. dissappointing
Laura Wyatt
18.02.2025

What a fantastic day out. The monkeys were so happy in their environment and behaved very naturally. Staff were all super well informed, approachable and friendly. And reasonable priced too, highly recommend.
JD Tattersall
24.08.2017

Lovely grounds that the monkeys get to freely roam around in. They don’t seem too concerned about the public, which is nice. I was wondered they would be scared of the humans and would stay away from them out of fear. But this wasn’t the case. They seemed quite calm. Of course there is the odd scuffle but that is only to be expected. They are wild animals after all.
Chris
05.10.2024

Me and my family absolutely loved it. The little monkeys are absolutely beautiful and there are plenty of interactive things to do too. I definitely recommend this place and some of the money goes to conservation too.
Bradley Walker
25.01.2025

Super disappointed to arrive and they are closed! There is no CLOSED banner on the website, just book ticket links! I even called to hear the opening times and the wording was very vague, listening in retrospect it was understandable that it ipens on 15.2.24. However wasted journey and disappointed family!
gavin dring
23.01.2025

Love this place! A great family day out!
Lucy Tullo
11.01.2025

We came for my birthday and I loved it! Easy to get around with the pram. Lovely place to visit and enjoy the fresh air and viewing the monkeys. My family and I LOVE it here and I’ve already said I want to visit again next year
Оксана Михальчук
06.01.2025

Overall, Monkey Forest is a wonderful place to visit, especially for families with young children. The experience of seeing the playful monkeys up close is truly delightful, and kids will absolutely love it. However, the area is relatively small, so it doesn’t take long to explore. Aside from the monkeys, there isn’t much else to see or do, which might make the visit feel a bit limited for some. In summary, it’s a great spot for a short visit, particularly for children, but don’t expect a wide variety of attractions.
The Amazing Adventures of Me
05.01.2025

Such a fun place to visit. It’s quite close to Trentham Gardens so you can do two outings in one day if you’re visiting the area. Great for a nice outdoor walk and literally dozens if not hundreds of monkeys to see. Their habitats look lovely and they all seem really happy.

 

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