Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre is a 65-acre sanctuary located in Dorset. It was first established in 1987 by Jim Cronin with the aim of providing a permanent and stable home for abused chimpanzees. Over the years, Monkey World has expanded and developed into a refuge for many different species of primates. Today, the centre is home to over 250 beautiful primates representing more than 20 different species, including chimpanzees, orangutans, and gibbons.

This guide to Monkey World covers everything you need to know before you visit the sanctuary. Discover Monkey World ticket prices, things to do during your trip, ways to support the sanctuary’s mission, nearby places to stay, and how to get there with ease.

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre tickets | How to get there | Places to stay near Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre | Things to do at Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre | Pre-arrival information

Monkey World Ape and Rescue Centre tickets

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It’s always best to book your tickets online and in advance to secure your date and get the best prices. Monkey World ticket prices vary from free (for those under 3 years old) to £18 a ticket for adults online. There are further discounts for students, families, seniors and carers.

Please note: Online bookings are non-refundable. They can be changed 72 hours before your visit, but this incurs a £5 charge. Please only book your ticket if you know you’ll be visiting Monkey World on the selected date.

Click here for more information on Monkey World tickets.

Getting to Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre

Monkey World is located in Wareham, Dorset and can be found at the following address:

Monkey World, Longthorns, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH

Whether you're driving or using public transport, getting to Monkey World is simple and straightforward.

How to get to Monkey World by car?

Monkey World is situated on the A31 between Bere Regis and Wool in Dorset. Use the postcode BH20 6HH to find it via sat nav. If you get confused, you’ll find plenty of brown tourist signs directing you in the right way.

Estimated drive times:

• Bournemouth: 30 minutes
• Oxford: 1 hour and 50 minutes
• Bristol: 1 hour and 40 minutes
• London: 2 hours and 10 minutes
• Cardiff: 2 hours and 20 minutes
• Birmingham: 2 hours and 50 minutes

How to get to Monkey World by public transport?

The closest train station to Monkey World is Wool Station, which is a 4-minute drive to the park (taxis can be found at the station) or a 30-minute walk. The station has direct links to many popular cities.

If you travel by bus in the summer, many local bus services go directly to Monkey World. Please plan your route in advance in case of train closures or timetable changes.

Places to stay near Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre

Moreton Club Site Camping and Caravanning Club

Whether you’re travelling from far or want to wind down and relax after a day of exploring, there are several great places to stay near Monkey World Ape Rescue.

Moreton Club Site is one of the many campsites near Monkey World, which has exceptional facilities and features. This spacious campsite is less than a 9-minute drive away and has both a train station and bus stop within walking distance – so you can pitch up and head straight to the sanctuary.

Moreton Club Site caters for all camping units, welcomes pets, has a children's play area, and has an on-site shop stocked with all your essentials. There are plenty more handy features and facilities at the campsite, which you can see here.

Members of the Camping and Caravanning Club not only get incredible discounts on campsites, attractions, and camping equipment, but they also get exclusive access to more campsites near Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre. Not a member? Join here and find more places to stay near Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre.

Things to do in Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre

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With over 250 rescued and endangered primates who call Monkey World home, you’ll have a wonderful time meeting each one, learning all about their likes and dislikes, where they come from, what brought them to Monkey World, and much more.

Meet the chimpanzees

Monkey World houses the largest group of chimpanzees outside of Africa, and many of them have been rescued from the black market pet trade, laboratories or from being used and abused as tourist photographer props.

Meet the orangutans

You’ll find three groups of orangutans, consisting of two species, Bornean and Sumatran. What’s incredible and unique about Monkey World is that it operates Europe's only Orangutan Creche, which provides a home for orphaned or abandoned orangutans from around Europe. Here, they can grow in a happy and healthy environment with other orangutans and develop essential survival skills.

Meet the gibbons

You can't leave Monkey World without seeing the adorable gibbons. The ones homed here were once victims of the black market pet trade and have been rehabilitated at the sanctuary, so they can live naturally with other gibbons.

Tours of Monkey World

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Monkey World offers a variety of tours designed to give visitors a deeper insight into the lives of the primates. One of the most popular options is the Personal Guided Tour, priced at £34 for four people and lasting approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Due to high demand, advance booking is essential.

Throughout the day, keepers hold live question-and-answer sessions, during which you can ask them anything you want about the animals. You may also get the chance to see the animals being fed by the keepers.

If you’ve missed the keeper talks, you won't have to worry, as there are pre-recorded ones that can be accessed on your phone using the QR codes displayed around the enclosures.

A self-guided audio tour is also available, which you can listen to on your mobile device. For £2 extra, you’ll also be given information on the park's history and the background of most of the primates.

Adopt a monkey

Support Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre by adopting a monkey. There are various packages to choose from, and 100% of your funds go towards the welfare of the monkeys.

Click here for more information on adopting a primate.

Visit the gift shop

Before heading home, make sure you visit the gift shop and purchase some souvenirs to remember your trip. Whether you fancy a plush toy, some sweets, or even a mug, the gift shop is stocked with exciting items for everyone. If you don't get a chance to find what you want in-store, you can purchase it online here.

Supporting Monkey World

There are plenty of ways to help support Monkey World, from adopting a monkey to donating online or in the gift shop. You can also start your own fundraisers and raise money for the primates or donate items listed on the website's Amazon list. If you know a primate which needs help, you can report it to Monkey World, so they can help.

Click here to find out more ways you can support Monkey World.

Things to note before visiting Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre

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Before visiting Monkey World, read the below information, so you’re well prepared and don’t have any unwanted surprises.

Opening and closing time

Monkey World is open every day from 10am to 5pm throughout the year except Christmas day.

The last administration for Monkey World is one hour before closing, but please note that the entrance gate is not manned after 2:30pm. Therefore, if you arrive after that time there is a number to call at the kiosk.

Card or cash payments

Although Monkey World accepts both card and cash, they are unable to give change. For this reason, it’s best to bring a form of contactless payment so you can purchase items in the gift shop, restaurants or kiosks. American Express is not accepted!

Any spare change you have in your pocket can be donated to the Ape Rescue Trust, which supports primate rescue and rehabilitation.

On-site first aiders

Monkey World has an emergency first aider on-site with the appropriate PPE equipment to deal with any issues that may arise. That said, it’s still recommended to carry your own travel first aid kit for minor injuries such as grazes, cuts, or wasp stings. The first aiders are unable to issue visitors with painkillers, plasters, creams, or lotions.

Accessibility and mobility scooters

Monkey World prides itself on being accessible to all and is constantly looking for ways to improve its facilities. All of Monkey World is accessible for wheelchair and pushchair users except the Woodland Walk, which has uneven ground.

If you wish to have a mobility scooter or wheelchair provided to you at the park, you can do so by hiring it in advance from a local company.