Trentham Monkey Forest nestles in the beautiful Staffordshire woodland. This location makes it one of the world's most unique monkey sanctuaries, with over 140 Barbary macaques roaming freely.
To start your adventure at the Trentham Monkey Forest, there are several convenient travel options available.
How to get to the Trentham Monkey Forest
For those coming from the south, trains from London Euston reach Stoke-on-Trent in just one and a half hours.
Trains from Birmingham New Street will take you to Stoke-on-Trent in 50 minutes. From Manchester Piccadilly, the travel time is just under an hour.
When you arrive at Stoke-on-Trent station, which is only five miles from the Monkey Forest, you have a few ways to get to your destination.
Taxis are readily available outside the station, with fares to Trentham generally costing around £10.
For those preferring public transportation, take the Number 21 or 21A bus to Hanley bus station. Then, transfer to the Number 101 bus, which departs every 20 minutes and will deliver you right to the Monkey Forest.
For drivers, set your sat nav to ST12 9HR. Follow signs from M6 junction 15 to A34 Stafford and Trentham Gardens. Soon after, you’ll spot signs for Stoke's Monkey Forest south entrance.
There is free on-site parking available when you arrive.
What to do at the Trentham Monkey Forest
At the Trentham Monkey Forest, visitors can walk a three-quarter mile pathway through the forest and the monkeys' living space. This allows for intimate views of the macaques' natural behaviours, with not a single cage in sight.
Watch the monkeys play and socialise on the ground and in the trees. With no barriers between you and the macaques, it’s a living lesson in primate behaviour. They may surprise you as they stroll straight on the path in front of you.
Hourly feeding talks led by the sanctuary's knowledgeable guides are a highlight available to all visitors. During these sessions, knowledgeable guides share insights into the macaques' diets and behaviours.
These guides are also positioned along the paths and are available to answer any of your questions on the spot.
For the younger visitors, a newly developed primate-themed play area awaits. Here, children can take on the monkey bars and a climbing wall designed to mirror primate behaviour. There's even a lofty look-out tower where they can get a bird's eye view of the surrounding area.
After your woodland adventure, the Banana Cafe is the spot to grab a bite and rest your feet. Situated by the playground, parents can unwind with a cappuccino and cake while keeping an eye on their children as they play.
About the Trentham Monkey Forest
Trentham Monkey Forest has championed a unique and conscious form of conservation since it opened in 2005.
Established as a sanctuary for endangered Barbary macaques, the forest is a living lesson in the beauty of life uncaged. These macaques, native to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, thrive in this 60-acre haven.
Now, Trentham is more than a sanctuary for macaques. It offers a swathe of other experiences and activities.
You can enjoy a relaxing fishing experience at Trentham’s lake, with 55 pegs along its peaceful shores. Additionally, the lake invites visitors to try their hand at rowing or canoeing.
This makes it an ideal destination for anglers, gentle paddlers, and competitive racers alike.
For thrill-seekers, Trentham Treetop Adventures provides a sky-high challenge. Take to the rope bridges and ride along the forest canopy. From here, you'll enjoy exhilarating and unparalleled views of Trentham.
If you'd prefer something more serene, you can wander through the award-winning Trentham Gardens, where you can walk amongst the vibrant flower beds and tranquil water features.
If you want to explore more of the forest, there are also the estate's ancient, protected woodlands on well-marked trails.
Ways to save on your train ticket to the Trentham Monkey Forest
Before embarking on your delightful day at Trentham Monkey Forest, there are many ways to save money on your rail travel.
Secure your train tickets in advance and avoid last-minute fare hikes, or aim to travel during Off-Peak hours. These don’t just save money, they help you begin your Trentham experience with a quieter, more peaceful train ride.
Travelling as a family? Look into group savings options, such as Family Tickets. Remember, your youngest explorers (under five) can usually accompany you for free when you pay the full fare.
If the Monkey Forest might be one of many stops on your travels, a Railcard is an investment that keeps giving. It can reduce your fares by a third, both for your Trentham expedition today as well as your journeys tomorrow.
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