REVIEWS - Monkey Forest, Trentham
 That heading is no mistake. It really is a forest full of monkeys near Stoke. The first thing that strikes you about this place is its difference to any other zoo or wildlife park. OK, I’ve been in the roaming monkey section at London Zoo but this really is strikingly different. I can’t stress enough, this is a 60 acre forest full of monkeys, Barbary macaques to be precise.
A dad’s paradise, you and your children will all enjoy this experience. It’s a good bet for all ages and each time you visit you’ll see the monkeys do something different. You will return, by the way. If your child is in a pushchair, expect to push hard, but it can be done without ruining the experience.
This place is situated alongside the beautiful Trentham Gardens near Stoke-on-Trent. It’s easily reached via the M6 motorway. There is an enormous car park, which will give you a good general idea of the terrain inside. Current prices are £5.50 for adults and £4.00 for children, under 3s gratis.
Once inside there is a generous picnic area, a restaurant serving reasonable hot and cold food, and of course the obligatory gift shop selling all things monkey. The last time we visited there was a gaggle of trampolines, though these were a seasonal variation and not a permanent feature or attraction.
You will be guided to the entrance of the action. This resembles a scene from Jurassic Park - high perimeter fencing and a double gate safety system that only allows your monkeys in and out. At this entrance you will be given a short safety talk, and asked to store any non-permitted items in the lockers they provide. Apparently it isn’t a good idea to walk around eating a banana, though I think it would make good entertainment for the rest of us.
Then off into the forest itself. It really is a dense place, and the feeling you get immediately is ‘am I really near Stoke-on-Trent’? There are plenty of easily identified experts on hand. They keep a safe eye on the goings-on and are only too happy to answer any questions you may have. If you’re lucky you may spot the odd Barbary macaque nestling in the trees on the way to the main feeding area. It’s actually easier to look for open mouthed visitors and then recreate their pose for others to follow.
They do alternate feeding sessions within the forest, as they have two groups of monkeys settled there. This means feeding is regular and limited to the two largest open areas. These sites and feeding times are well signposted, staff will remind you if it is feeding time elsewhere in the forest. They also take the opportunity to explain the workings of the park, the hierarchy and history of the monkeys they look after.
This really is a unique experience, there are sites based in France and Germany, but I think you will struggle to find a wild animal experience to rival this in the UK. Trentham is really blessed to have this lovely forest and wonderful animals living in it. The centre is open most of the year, but enjoyment can be dependant on the elements.
To make a family day of it you can even dispatch the girls off to the country style shopping arcade at neighbouring Trentham Gardens. Don’t forget to meet them there though, as there’s a paddle boat ferry and miniature railway to enjoy. Knock yourselves out.
Ian Newbold is a freelance writer and website contributor (www.iannewbold.com)
Review
Author |
Ian Newbold |
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Review Rating |
8 |
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