We are frequent visitors to Monkey World in Dorset, going 4 or 5 times a year, but we had never visited in Winter before. So, after a week of solid rain I jokingly e mailed Monkey World and asked if they could arrange for Dry weather (I thought asking for Sunshine was perhaps too big an ask). Back came the reply " we will do our best". Good enough for me, so, it was on an overcast November Sunday morning we set off for the trip to Dorset, and guess what, 3 hours later we arrived at the centre to find the sun was out and no sign of rain – Thankyou Monkey World. Of course it was still cold but not bitterly so, my biggest worry was, that being cold the residents of the park would not wish to venture outside, Would You? No problems on that score, most of the 240+ primates were quite happily outside (of course the usual suspects were indoors sleeping) either playing, foraging or just lazing about, Worried that our luck wouldn't hold we straightaway headed for the furthest part of the Park and worked our way back towards the Treetops cafe where sanctuary would be found if needed, it wasnt, the day stayed fine and dry until the end. What we did find, unbelievably for the first time after so many visits, was a small herd of deer that live amongst the Trees in the" Woodland walk". One Deer had ventured out and was having a heated discussion through the fence with a Stump Tailed Macaque. I believe they were arguing about who had eating rights on the leaves of a tree!! I later discovered from a member of staff that the Deer were a bit of a pain – eating the leaves of the many trees around the Park – but "they live here too". Also along the Woodland walk we spotted many varieties of Birds, but hey, we were really here to see the Monkeys so off we went again. I never tire of observing these animals, most of whom have been rescued from a previous life of abuse or neglect, now enjoying life to the full. Each enclosure has it's own characters from the playful chimp nursery to the orang utang nursery to the cheeky capuchins. We can wholeheartedly recommend you visit, Summer or winter for a great day out. I must admit we enjoyed our winter visit more than summer, it wasn't so busy and as the afternoon wore on there was an eerie silence interupted only by the calls of the residents. Highlight of the day was spotting newly born chimp thelma being carried by her mum outside in their enclosure Entrance is £11.25 adults, Seniors/Juniors/disabled – £8. Good value in my opinion. The Treetops Cafe serves a choice of reasonably priced meals and snacks, obviously this is not gourmet standard but sufficient to keep hunger at bay. They also do kids meals for £3.95. Money world is open 10am to 5pm all year, except Christmas day. Disabled access is generally very good, except for the woodland walk and motorised Scooters are available to hire.
