Monkey Haven - Primate Rescue Centre
ENTRY
from £14
WHERE
Newport
What it’s like
Wander round rescued monkeys and owls, dip into two play areas, and stay till you've had enough.
This is a place you walk round rather than rush round. Keeper talks happen through the day, there's a Reptile Lodge with a boa constrictor and tarantula if that's your kids' idea of a good time, and hand-reared owls come out for a proper close-up look. Every enclosure has information boards, and Peekaboo boards are dotted about for the smaller ones who like a bit of hide and seek built into the walk.
There are two play areas doing different jobs. Cheeky Monkeys is bubble cars, springies and baby swings for the toddler end, while Funky Monkeys has rope bridges, towers and a see-saw for kids who want something with a bit more climbing in it. Kids get a free puzzle book with a stamper trail at the entrance, which is the kind of thing that buys you a good half hour of quiet concentration while you look at the actual animals.
Online it's £15.50 for a child and £17.50 for an adult, or £62 for a family of four, and booking ahead online is what gets you that price rather than paying more on the gate. Last entry shifts with the season, 3pm in the winter months and 4pm once the summer hours kick in from April to September, and the site is upfront that you can stay as long as you like once you're in, plus you get a free return pass for another day within the week. There's a café on site doing hot food and veggie, vegan and gluten free options, and the whole place has full step-free access with a ramp round the bits that would otherwise need steps.
Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 9 to 10 are set aside as a Quiet Hour for visitors with hidden disabilities or additional needs, capped at five small groups, which is a genuinely useful detail if that's something your family needs and easy to miss if you're not looking for it. One thing to flag: dogs aren't usually allowed in, since they can unsettle the animals, so this isn't a dog walk with a bit of monkey watching bolted on.
Facilities
Need to know
- Last entry
- 3pm (Feb-Mar and Sep-Nov), 4pm (Apr-Sep)
- Booking
- Book in advance online for discounted prices
- Food
- On-site café with hot food, sandwiches, cakes and drinks
- Wheelchairs
- Full disabled access. Discounted admission for disabled visitors
- Dogs
- Not usually permitted as they may distress the animals
- Parties
- Birthday packages £17.50pp (min £80) include entry, guided tour, meet owl/reptile, play areas, Lodge use for 2 hours, junior adoption
- Worth knowing
- Stay as long as you like and get a free 7 day return pass
- Book online rather than on the gate, it's the only way to get the cheaper price
- Stay all day if you fancy it, and you'll get a free 7 day return pass thrown in
- Quiet Hour on Wednesday and Saturday mornings (9-10am) needs booking and is capped at five groups
- Coach parking is free for group visits, along with group discounts
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
£15.50 for a child and £17.50 for an adult if you book online, or £62 for a family of two adults and two kids. Booking online gets you the cheaper price rather than paying on the door.
Do we need to book ahead?
Booking online in advance is what gets you the discounted price, and the Quiet Hour sessions need booking too.
What are the opening hours?
10am to 4pm through most of the year, stretching to 10am to 5pm from April to September. Last entry is 3pm in the quieter months and 4pm in summer.
How long do people stay?
As long as you like, according to the site, and you even get a free return pass for another day within the week.
Is there anything for toddlers?
The Cheeky Monkeys play area has bubble cars, springies and baby swings, which is more their speed than the bigger Funky Monkeys frame next door.
What is Quiet Hour?
A calmer session on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 9 to 10am for visitors with hidden disabilities or additional needs, limited to five small groups so it stays low key.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, there's full step-free access with ramps round any stepped sections, plus discounted admission for disabled visitors and free entry for carers with documentation.
Can we take the dog?
Dogs aren't usually allowed in, since they can distress the animals.
Is there food on site?
There's a café doing hot food, sandwiches and cakes, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.
Do you do birthday parties?
Packages are £17.50 per person with a minimum spend of £80, including entry, a guided tour, meeting an owl or reptile, use of the play areas and exclusive use of the Lodge for two hours. Two adults come free and you can bring your own cake or order one from £15.
Is coach parking available for groups?
Coach parking is free, and there are group discounts and special tours on offer.
What's included with my ticket?
A free puzzle book with a stamper trail for the kids, and there's a free app to download too.
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