Trentham Monkey Forest - Image 1
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Trentham Monkey Forest

4.7
·173 reviews·Tittensor, United Kingdom

Walk amongst over 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques in a stunning 60-acre woodland in the UK.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more monkey activity

CrowdLow
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Trentham Monkey Forest - Image 1

Trentham Monkey Forest

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more monkey activity

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Walk amongst over 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques in a stunning 60-acre woodland in the UK.

4.7
(173 reviews)

"An amazing experience to get so close to the Barbary macaques and learn so much from the friendly team."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Online & Save

Purchase tickets online for cheaper prices than on the day.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The woodland paths have hills; good walking shoes are a must.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Free-Roaming Barbary Macaques

Free-Roaming Barbary Macaques

Throughout the 60-acre woodland

Witness over 140 Barbary macaques roam freely, interact, and play right alongside you.

Instagram
Close Encounters with Primates

Close Encounters with Primates

Woodland paths

Experience the unique thrill of walking amongst monkeys, observing their natural behaviors up close.

Instagram
Baby Monkey Spotting

Baby Monkey Spotting

Woodland areas

Keep an eye out for adorable baby monkeys, especially during the spring and summer months.

Instagram
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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 your visit more affordable. Instagram

Prepare for a Woodland Walk

The Monkey Forest is set within a 60-acre woodland with a 3/4 mile path. Be prepared for some hills, so comfortable footwear is recommended, especially if you're bringing a pram or wheelchair. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more monkey activity
Crowd
Low
When
Late spring/early summer
Why
Baby monkeys are often visible
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🐒 MONKEY FOREST 🐒 📍 Trentham Monkey Forest ST12 9HR ⏰ 10am to 5pm 🅿️ Free 🎟️ Adults £15 (on the day) £13.50 (online) | Concessions £14 (on the day) £12.60 (online) | Children £12 (on the day) £10.80 (online) | Disabled Adult £13.50 | Disabled Child £10.80 | We always love visiting @trentham_monkeyforest The trail has monkeys roaming free with feeding times and talks throughout the day. ...
northwest_familydays
118 likes • 9.7K views

🎟️ Book Online & Save

Purchase tickets online for cheaper prices than on the day. Instagram

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The woodland paths have hills; good walking shoes are a must. Reddit

A wonderful afternoon spent at Trentham Monkey Forest 🌳🐒 #trenthamestate #trenthamgardens #trenthammonkeyforest
upyourvlog
41 likes • 963 views
Morning with Monkeys at Trentham Monkey Forest! What an experience to visit a massive woodland of which 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques 🐵#trenthammonkeyforest #monkeysofinstagram #dayoutwithmygirls❤️ #barbarymacaque #weekendgateaway
sammyfilmsstuff
35 likes • 579 views

📸 Capture the Moments

Bring your camera to photograph the fascinating monkey behaviors. Instagram

🐒 Respect the Monkeys

Observe from a distance and never feed or touch the animals. Reddit

Trentham monkey forest 🐒🌳🤎
sophiejthomasx
9 likes • 466 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Online & Save

Purchase tickets online for cheaper prices than on the day. Instagram

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The woodland paths have hills; good walking shoes are a must. Reddit

📸 Capture the Moments

Bring your camera to photograph the fascinating monkey behaviors. Instagram

🐒 Respect the Monkeys

Observe from a distance and never feed or touch the animals. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Friendly

Enjoy a picnic lunch on the grounds; facilities are available. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(173 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Trentham Monkey Forest for its unique experience of walking amongst free-roaming monkeys and the knowledgeable, friendly staff dedicated to animal welfare. The woodland setting is beautiful, and the opportunity to see the Barbary macaques up close is a major highlight. Some find the experience a bit short for the price, and the hilly terrain might be a consideration for some visitors.

"A wonderful experience. The people who run this place are knowledgeable, friendly and have the monkeys best interests at heart. We went on bank holiday Sunday and it was very busy but the staff were calm and collected and friendly too! I spent a long time talking to one chap and it’s amazing how much effort goes into taking care of the monkeys.
The entrance fee is entirely justified, a real 10/10 day! Thank you 🐒🐒🐒"

Vivien Blunden

"Spent a morning with the monkeys. Plenty of stuff to do with the kids (park,maze,ect)and had a picnic on their grounds. Toilets were clean and plenty of staff about to answer any of your questions. Shop and cafe on site along with food vans."

Tracey Lucas

"A wonderful day out with the family. Very child friendly, and the monkeys roam free around the paths and forests, so they can come up very close to you. Really familiar with humans (they won’t jump on you, but aren’t afraid to cross the path just beside you). Parking on site, with electric car charging at the north car park (unfortunately not at the south car park nearest the monkey forest)."

Alex Smith

What People Like

Free-roaming monkeys
Knowledgeable staff
Unique close encounters

What People Dislike

Can be pricey
Hilly terrain

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Trentham Monkey Forest is easily accessible by car, located just a 17-minute drive from Stoke-on-Trent. It's also a manageable drive from major cities like Birmingham and Manchester. Instagram Ample parking is available on-site, with electric car charging at the north car park. Reddit

While specific public transport routes aren't detailed in social media, it's advisable to check local bus and train services to Stoke-on-Trent and then consider local taxi options for the final leg to the forest. Instagram

The postcode for Trentham Monkey Forest is ST12 9HR. Instagram

Yes, it's a popular day trip destination from both Manchester and Birmingham due to its relatively short driving distance. Instagram+1

Yes, there is parking available on-site. Electric car charging is available at the north car park. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Adult tickets are £15 on the day or £13.50 online. Concessions are £14 on the day or £12.60 online. Children's tickets are £12 on the day or £10.80 online. Instagram Booking online is recommended for savings. Instagram

Booking tickets online offers a discount compared to on-the-day prices. Instagram While specific NHS or 2-for-1 discounts aren't widely advertised, checking their official website or local deal sites is always a good idea. Reddit

Trentham Monkey Forest is typically open from 10 am to 5 pm, but it's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening hours, especially as they close for the season in 2025. Instagram

Yes, you can purchase tickets at the entrance, but booking online in advance is recommended for potential savings. Instagram

Yes, it's a family-friendly attraction with activities for children, including play areas. InstagramReddit

🎫 🐒 Onsite Experience

You'll walk through a 60-acre woodland where over 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques live. You can observe their natural behaviors, social interactions, and even spot babies. Instagram+1

The monkeys are familiar with humans and may walk very close to you or cross the path beside you, but they are not known to jump on visitors. Reddit

The walk is about 3/4 of a mile and involves some hills, so comfortable footwear is advised. Reddit

Yes, there are often other attractions like a maze and play areas, making it a full day out for families. InstagramReddit

The staff are knowledgeable and ensure the monkeys' welfare and visitor safety. The monkeys are accustomed to humans but maintaining a respectful distance is advised. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe on-site, and food vans are often available. You can also bring your own picnic to enjoy in designated areas. Reddit+1

Absolutely! Bringing a picnic is a great option, and there are grounds where you can enjoy your meal. Reddit

Specific dietary options are not detailed, but most cafes offer a range of choices. It's best to inquire directly or check their menu if you have specific dietary needs. Reddit

The cafe is described as big, and there are also toilets on site. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned, the family-friendly nature and play areas suggest it could be a fun venue for children's parties. Inquire directly with the venue for party packages. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Anywhere along the woodland paths offers opportunities to photograph the free-roaming monkeys. Look for them interacting or resting on branches. Instagram

Yes, photography is encouraged, but always be mindful of the monkeys' space and avoid using flash which can disturb them. Instagram

No specific restrictions are mentioned, but general etiquette of respecting wildlife applies. Instagram

You can capture candid shots of monkeys playing, grooming, eating, and interacting with their environment and each other. Instagram+1

The monkeys are active and can be on the move, so patience is key. Getting close-up shots requires a good zoom lens, but even wide shots of them in their natural habitat are impressive. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Trentham Monkey Forest is a fantastic outing for families. The chance to see monkeys roaming freely is incredibly exciting for children, and the 3/4 mile woodland path is manageable for most. InstagramReddit Keep an eye out for the adorable baby monkeys, which are a huge hit with younger visitors. Instagram+1

Beyond the primates, there are often play areas and a maze on-site, providing extra entertainment to keep kids engaged. InstagramReddit Packing a picnic is a great idea, as there are pleasant spots to eat. Reddit Remember to wear comfortable shoes as there are some hills on the walking trail. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

To make your visit more budget-friendly, book your Trentham Monkey Forest tickets online in advance. This typically offers a discount compared to purchasing on the day. Instagram Consider packing a picnic lunch to save on food costs, as there are designated areas for eating. Reddit While the entrance fee is described as a little expensive for a short experience by some, others feel the money is well-spent given it goes towards the monkeys' welfare and conservation. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Trentham Monkey Forest offers a unique opportunity to capture close-up shots of free-roaming Barbary macaques in their natural woodland habitat. Instagram+1 The key is patience; the monkeys are active and can be on the move, so be prepared to wait for the perfect moment. Instagram A telephoto lens will be beneficial for capturing detailed shots, but even wider shots showcasing the monkeys within the forest environment are stunning. Instagram Remember to be respectful of the animals and avoid using flash photography, which can disturb them. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Barbary Macaques

Trentham Monkey Forest is home to over 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus). This species is native to the Atlas Mountains of Algeria and Morocco, making the UK woodland setting a unique conservation effort. The forest focuses on allowing visitors to observe their fascinating natural behaviors in a semi-wild environment. You'll see them foraging, grooming each other, playing, and interacting within their social hierarchy. Instagram+2

The conservation aspect is a key part of the experience. The Monkey Forest actively participates in breeding programs and research to help protect this endangered primate. By visiting, you contribute to these vital efforts. The knowledgeable staff are often on hand to share insights into the monkeys' lives and the importance of their conservation. InstagramReddit

It's important to remember that these are wild animals, even though they are accustomed to human presence. Visitors are advised to maintain a respectful distance and never attempt to feed or touch the monkeys. This ensures both the safety of the visitors and the well-being of the macaques. Reddit

Navigating the Woodland Paths

The Trentham Monkey Forest experience is primarily a walk through a beautiful 60-acre woodland. The main path is approximately 3/4 of a mile long and is designed to immerse you in the monkeys' habitat. While the path is generally well-maintained, it does feature some inclines and declines, so comfortable footwear is highly recommended. Reddit Visitors with prams or wheelchairs should be aware of the hilly terrain. Reddit

As you wander, you'll have the incredible opportunity to see the Barbary macaques roaming freely. They might be foraging on the ground, lounging in the trees, or even crossing the path right in front of you. This close proximity is what makes the experience so unique and memorable. Instagram+1 The woodland itself offers a serene natural setting, providing a pleasant backdrop to your primate encounters. Instagram

Along the route, there are often information boards and staff members available to answer questions and provide insights into the monkeys' behavior and conservation efforts. Taking your time to observe and appreciate the natural environment and its inhabitants is key to enjoying this immersive woodland walk. Reddit

Family Fun Beyond the Monkeys

While the Trentham Monkey Forest is the main draw, the surrounding Trentham Estate often offers additional attractions that make it a fantastic destination for families. Many visitors mention that there are other activities available, such as a maze and play areas, perfect for tiring out younger children after their monkey encounters. InstagramReddit

These extra amenities enhance the overall visitor experience, ensuring that there's something for everyone. Whether it's a picnic in the grounds or letting the kids burn off energy in a dedicated play space, these facilities add significant value to a day out. Reddit The combination of the unique monkey experience and these family-friendly extras makes Trentham a popular choice for a day trip. Instagram

It's worth noting that Trentham Monkey Forest is part of the larger Trentham Estate, which also includes the famous Trentham Gardens. While the Monkey Forest is a distinct attraction, its location within the estate means visitors can potentially combine their visit with exploring other parts of Trentham, though separate admission fees may apply. Instagram

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