MONKEY WORLD, Bovington, Dorset
- Quick Links
- About Monkey World
- Disabled Access
- Additional Facilities
- Opening Times
- Prices
- Directions From: Adventure Centre
- Take With You
About Monkey World
Monkey World is a truly wonderful place and well worth a visit.Established in 1987 by Jim and Alison Cronin, it is sanctuary to over 150 primates from all over the world. It is a sad fact that many primates, especially chimps, are mistreated, exploited and abused in laboratories, as exotic pets, as photographer’s props, or as circus animals. This is happening all over the world, even as you read this.
Sadly Jim passed away, in March 2007 and will be sorely missed. His legacy lives on however, and Alison and the excellent Monkey World team, continue to rehabilitate and provide sanctuary to these monkeys, as well as working towards stopping such cruelty from continuing.
There is plenty to see at Monkey World which is set within 65 acres of Dorset woodland, with over 15 species of primate, three childrens play areas, a woodland walk and a pets corner. It is a great day out for everyone!
Disabled Access
With the exception of the woodland walk, all areas of Monkey World are suitable for disabled visitors.Disabled parking is situated near the main entrance, and there are two disabled toilets within the site.
Wheelchairs and motorised scooters are available and free (£10 deposit) to people with proof of disability status. It is a good idea to ring and book these in advance during busy periods (Telephone 01929 462537 and press 2 for Administration between 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday).
For individuals with hearing impairment written Keeper Talks are available.
For the visually impaired Keeper Talks are available in braille and there are a growing number of detailed primate sculptures in the park. Guide dogs are permitted in all areas, excluding the Malagasy Enclosure, where the lemurs roam free.
Additional Facilities
There are two restaurants and an outdoor food kiosk, in addition to a number of picnic areas.Baby changing facilities are available near the main entrance.
There is a well stocked gift shop from which you can buy all manner of primate memorobelia to help you remember your day.
Opening Times
Open daily from 10.00am to 5.00pm throughout the year. Closing time is extended to 6.00pm in July and August.Last admission 1 hour before closing.
Allow at least a half day for your visit, although it is easy to spend the whole day there.
Prices
| Family | 2 Adults, 2 Children | £30.00 |
|---|---|---|
| Single Parent | 1 Adult, 2 Children | £21.00 |
| Single | Adult | £10.00 |
| Student (NUS card required) | £8.50 | |
| Child (3 to 15 years) | £7.00 | |
| Senior Citizen | £7.00 | |
| Disabled Visitors | £7.00 | |
| Groups (15+) * | Adult | £9.00 |
| Child (3 to 15 years) | £6.00 | |
| Senior Citizen | £6.00 | |
| Disabled Visitors | £6.00 | |
| School groups (10+)* | Child (3 to 15 years) | £5.50 |
| Teacher | FREE with 6 children | |
| Additional Teacher | £7.00 | |
| Pre-School Groups (10+)* | 1 Adult, 1 Child | £12.00 |
| Additional Child | £5.50 | |
| Child (under 3 years) | FREE | |
| Birthday Parties | Children | £15.00/ £20.00 |
| 2 Adults | FREE with 6 children | |
| Additional Adult | £9.00 |
*These groups must be booked in advance.
How To Get There
From the Poole & Dorset Adventure Centre, turn left onto Renscombe Road and follow the road into Worth Matravers. Follow the one way system as it bears left with the village hall on your right. Go past the church, post office and tea rooms and at the bottom of the road, turn left. When you reach the end of this road turn left onto the B3069, signposted for Kingston.Follow the B3069 into Kingston and stay on it as you leave Kingston signposted for Corfe Castle. After approximately 1 mile you will reach a T-junction. Turn left onto A351 (East Street), and drive through Corfe Castle village. Stay on the A351, following signposts for Wareham, until you reach the roundabout with the A352. Turn left at this roundabout onto the A352 (Worgret Hill).
Follow the A352, following signposts for Wool. Drive through Stokeford, staying on the A352. After approximately 1.5 miles, you will come to a small roundabout. Turn right (Tout Hill), signposted for Monkey World and Bovington Camp. Follow this road as it bears off to the right.
After approximatley 1.5 miles, the entrance to Monkey World will be on your right.
Take With You
You are not allowed to feed the animals directly. However, Monkey World do welcome donations of fresh fruit and vegetables for the primates. Bananas are an obvious favourite!They also appreciate toys for chimps and gibbons, such as dog toys and empty boxes. Blankets are also appreciated, particularly in the colder months.
The cafes and restaurants are very good, but as long as you don't feed the animals you are welcome to bring your own food and eat it in the picnic area.
There are not many shaded areas however, so suncream and hats are advisable on hotter days.
Located at:
- Monkey World, Longthorns,
- Nr Bovington, Wareham
- Dorset, BH20 6HH
- Tel. 01929 462537
- Fax. 01929 405414
- apes@monkeyworld.org
