Venue Description

Swing on by to Monkey Haven and visit the Island’s award-winning primate rescue centre that makes animals happy – and people happy. This popular sanctuary is in TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame and winner of Best Small Attraction in England according to the tourism chiefs at VisitEngland. You’ll meet all kinds of wonderful animals, including the singing Lar gibbons, cheeky meerkats and the most beautiful birds of prey. You could even get the chance to handle a snake or an owl, during one of the many keeper talks and animal feeds throughout the day. You’ll learn all about the fascinating creatures, their personalities, and how they came to be at the Haven. Many were rescued from tragic situations, found tied up in airports, or badly neglected by their previous owners. The keepers have recently won a top award for their talks – VisitEngland’s Best Told Story accolade for 2018 – so don’t miss them when you’re there! The Haven’s mission is to provide a happy forever home for rescued animals. Recent rescues include the Cherry Crowned Mangabeys, Djimmy and Buna – with their squeaky toy pig! You can also meet the fluffy haired Cotton-Top Tamarins, who were rescued from tiny birdcages and lucky to survive. Plus say hello to Peppino the capuchin, who bears scars round his neck from a collar that was too tight. He’s recently fathered the most beautiful baby, so pop along and see the family. There’s loads to see and do including a fun free App – download to plan your visit, then whilst you‘re there, follow a banana trail, get sneaky peaks behind the scenes and take silly selfies. When it’s hot, the monkeys are treated to healthy lollies to keep them cool – and you can chill out too by heading to the new ice cream lodge or tea room, where tasty treats are served throughout the day. Facilities also include a lovely gift shop, play areas, free children's booklets, free WiFi, pushchair friendly paths, full disabled access, free parking – and all tickets are valid for a free return within a week. Monkey Haven is a registered charity and all proceeds will go towards the animals you’ll meet. So hang out, have fun and monkey around!

Accessibility

Reception: *The admissions area is flat and step-free with a tiled floor surface. *Disabled adults and children receive discounted admission – carers are not required to pay. *Staff are trained to hold the door open for disabled customers. *Pen and paper are available on request. Getting around the attraction: *The park is on a slight slope. *Flat, wide pathways (1800mm across) allow close access to the animals and birds. *There are a few steps to get to various areas – but you will always have an alternative method of access via a ramp or slope. *Benches and seating areas are situated at regular intervals throughout the park. Tea room We have a tea room and gift shop, and each building is easy to access. Staff throughout the Haven are trained to provide assistance if and when it is required. *Tea room access is step-free and is situated next door to the entrance building. *The viewing conservatory is accessible via a set of steps or decking from outside. *Tables and chairs are well spaced apart and are not affixed to the floor. *Refreshments include vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. *All food and drinks are sourced locally. *Please download a sample menu by clicking here. Shop: *The gift shop is situated in the entrance building. *Customers exit through the gift shop which is flat throughout with a tiled floor. *There are single doors into and out of the gift shop measuring 950mm each. *There is plenty of room within the gift shop for a wheelchair to move and manoeuvre. *Staff are trained to hold doors open, as necessary, and provide any assistance you need. Presentation boards: The Haven is decorated with information boards and signs that introduce visitors to the animals and the work that we do. They are positioned so that they can be easily read by our younger visitors and people in wheelchairs. Our boards have relatively large text, bright pictures and consistent symbols. They decorate all but a few of the animal enclosures. In addition: *The guidebook has a map and lots of information on the Haven’s animals and facilities. *A large map board, as you enter the park, shows the meeting points for daily talks and feeds. *Timings are shown on the ‘Keeper Talks Board’ in the picnic area nearby. *Our talks provide audio and visual information on the animals at the Haven. We welcome questions.

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: https://www.monkeyhaven.org/visit/access-statement/

Awards List

Green Star Travel Scheme Gold 2019/2020 VisitEngland Best Told Story 2018 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame 2018 VisitEngland Quality Assured Visitor Attraction – scored 90% in our inspection in November 2018 Best Animal Day Out In The South Easy - dayoutwiththekids.co.uk competition in November 2018 VisitEngland Awards for Excellence – Winner Small Visitor Attraction 2017 VisitEngland Gold accolade for our Visitor Attraction (awarded in February 2017) Beautiful South Awards Gold 2016/2017 & 2011 VisitEngland Gold Accolade 2014 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2011/ 2012/ 2013/ 2014/ 2015/ 2016/ 2017/ 2018

Toilets

Disabled toilet facilities are located near the entrance to the park and are accessed via a gradual ramp. Additional toilets for women, men and baby-changing are accessible via a set of steps (or via a slope from a higher area of the park). Dimensions of the disabled facilities are approximately 2m x 2.5m. The height of the toilet is approximately 450mm. There are vertical and horizontal bars strategically positioned to allow for easy access. An emergency alarm pull cord is situated next to the toilet.

Staff

We want every one of our visitors to have a wonderful time, with access to all the facilities that they need. That’s why Monkey Haven has full disabled access. Please contact us if you have any questions before you come or would like us to make any special arrangements for you. We are listed on Euan’s Guide and would be grateful if you would like to leave a review, too, or please get in touch with us directly with any comments about your visit

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

Unfortunately we cannot allow dogs into the park as they distress our rescued animals.