Monkey World
Wildlife & Animal Attractions
Ape rescue centre near Wareham with over 250 primates on 65 acres. Free car park, cafe and picnic areas, but no dogs of any kind, including assistance dogs.
A rescue centre first
Monkey World was set up in 1987 by Jim Cronin to give abused Spanish beach chimps a permanent, stable home. Those chimpanzees had been dressed in human clothes and worked in tourist resorts, often for 16 hours a day, as photographers’ props. The site at Longthorns, near Wareham, now covers 65 acres and shelters over 250 primates of more than 20 species. The centre says it has also helped governments around the world to stop the smuggling of primates from the wild since 1987.
Who you will meet
The collection includes chimpanzees, orang-utans, gibbons, monkeys and prosimians. The chimpanzees are rehabilitated into large social groups, and the centre keeps the females on birth control. For a visit with children, there are three adventure playgrounds, the largest being the Great Ape Play Area. The Little Monkeys pages carry trails and activities to use before or after you go.
Dogs
Dogs and other pets are not permitted in the park, including assistance dogs. The centre explains that its rescued and endangered primates become upset and agitated by dogs. The centre says there are local kennels that offer day boarding, so arrange care before you leave your cottage.
Parking, food and getting around
The visitor FAQs state that the car park is free to visitors. The Treetops cafe is open all year and serves hot and cold food, with gluten-free and vegan options, and there are picnic areas throughout the park. Without a car, Wool station is about 1.5 miles away, and First Bus runs a direct summer service.
Mobility aids such as walking sticks, frames, wheelchairs and dedicated mobility scooters are permitted. The disabled facilities page lists the details, including the uneven Woodland Walk.
Nearby
The Tank Museum at Bovington is also near Wool. Check ticket prices and opening times on the Monkey World website, where tickets can be booked online.
Where to stay near Monkey World
Sample dates: 30 October 2026 - 1 November 2026. Adjust below to see live prices for Dorset.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
- Are dogs allowed at Monkey World?
- No. Monkey World does not allow dogs or other pets in the park, and that includes assistance dogs, because the rescued primates become upset and agitated by dogs. The centre points visitors to local kennels that offer day boarding.
- Is parking free at Monkey World?
- Yes. The park has a large grass and hard standing car park that is free to visitors, with designated disabled spaces, a drop-off area and free coach parking.
- Can I reach Monkey World by public transport?
- The nearest public transport link is Wool railway station, about 1.5 miles away. In summer, First Bus runs a direct service to the park, so check current times with the operator.
- Is Monkey World suitable for wheelchairs?
- The centre says all of the park is accessible to disabled visitors except the Woodland Walk, which has uneven ground, though some surfaces and short steep cambers may be hard for manual wheelchair users. Its disabled facilities page has the full guide.
