Thrills and wildlife in Staffordshire

Wet and wild

We decided to pay an early morning visit to the wet, wild and wacky Cariba Creek Waterpark, in the neighbouring Splash Landings Hotel, which went down very well with both of our boys. The daredevils whooshed down the Master Blaster and other adrenaline slides, while Louis and I explored the Wacky Waterworks. Watch out for the massive drenching from the Tipping Bucket!

Monkey business

Leaving the thrills of Alton Towers we headed towards Stoke-on-Trent to visit the Trentham Monkey Forest. This 60-acre site is home to 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques, and as you walk around you see these wonderful creatures exhibiting natural behaviour with not a cage or bar in sight.

Native to Algeria and Morrocco, Barbary macaques are considered an endangered species, and the owners of the Monkey Forest are committed to protecting them; over 600 monkeys have been reintroduced into their natural habitat by the three sister parks (based in Germany and France).

Strolling around the forest, we saw the macaques in the trees, playing in the grassy areas and even ambling in front of us on the path. We were also lucky enough to see a tiny baby macaque being carefully looked after by two males.

Following the woodland trail, you can learn all the fascinating facts about these monkeys (kids can also pick up a quiz sheet as they arrive) and the friendly and informative staff roam the grounds to make sure you get the most out of your visit.

Practical information

Alton Towers
Alton
Stoke-on-Trent
Staffordshire ST10 4DB (08704 444 455)
www.altontowers.com

Trentham Monkey Forest
Trentham Estate
Stone Road
Trentham
Staffordshire ST4 8AX (01782 659845)
www.monkey-forest.com

More in Staffordshire

• Amerton Farm - Indoor adventure play area, farm yard, wildlife centre and a craft centre.
• Drayton Manor Park - Family theme park with kids rides, family fun, zoo, and thrill rides.
• Waterworld - Wet and wild thrills at the UK's number 1 aqua park.
• Snow Dome - Indoor snow slope with real snow, with rental fleet of skis and snowboards and also has snowblades and toboggans for hire.
• Potteries Museum and Art Gallery - Travel back in time and discover the history of the the Potteries, including the world's greatest collection of Staffordshire ceramics.
• Etruria Industrial Musem - A 19th-century mill situated on the Trent, Mersey, and Caldon canal.

For more information about these and other attractions, events and activities in Staffordshire, visit www.enjoystaffordshire.com.