Dorset Day 1 - Monkey World

Covid-19 brought an end to our planned holiday to Bulgaria for 2020, so as a last minute substitute we booked a staycation in West Bay Dorset which was absolutely amazing. Also this holiday was the first glamping experience for all of us and my only regret was only booking 4 nights / 5 days as I really wish we had of stayed longer. That being said, we had phenomenal weather during the time we were there and it literally turned wetter and colder the day we returned, so maybe the 5 days was spot on.

As we couldn't check in to our glamping tent until 4pm we decided to not waste the first day and stopped off in Monkey World enroute. Joshua and Brandon had watched lots of Monkey World on the TV series and were really excited about visiting for the first time. However once we were there it was just so hot and having to wear a mask throughout the whole park was almost unbearable at times. So much so that the kids were starting to nag to leave just to get their mask off and get back in an air conditioned car for the final leg of the journey.

The glamping tent in West Bay easily exceeded our expectations and was amazing. Once we had checked in and unpacked we quickly headed down to the habour area to explore the beach, West Bay cliffs, get our first fish'n'chips and then the kids enjoyed a few rides in the fairground. After an exhausting day we spent the later part of the evening just sitting back in the ten with some drinks and all playing Uno and generally having a good laugh.

Upon arrival in Monkey World first port of call was some lunch which is about the only time you didn't need to wear a mask!

Loving the monkey table, but not as nice as the steak pasties.

The boys had watched a lot of Monkey World on TV and knew most of the main enclosures.

An odd looking Holly Monkey.

Watching you, watching me.

The Orangutans are probably the star attraction.

Tubes of hay on the outside of the cage to encourage close up views of them feeding.

That's a big old monkey.

So human like in their demeanor.

A little monkey going overhead in the tunnel.

Our 3 monkeys with a stature depicting Darwin's evolution.

Holly was the only one really willing to have lots of pictures taken.

I think this was one of the spider monkeys.

Exploring the woodland trail to seek out some shade (and sneak the mask off for a quick gasp of air)!

Again Holly posing for a picture.

This fascinating little primate had yellow arms and legs.

Now that's a hair cut from a Star Wars character (capuchin monkey which the boys renamed cappuccino).

The chimpanzee enclosure is amazing and they are such fun to watch.

This father and son monkey were having a real good play fight with each other.

Finally we arrived at our amazing glamping tent.

Supposed to be A05 but we were in A06.

Spectacular view across West Bay.

Inside the main living area.

The kitchen area.

Holly and Tina claimed the double bed so I was left with the sofa in the living area (until the last day when we realised there was a camp bed tucked underneath - doh!).

More of our glamping tent.

Josh and Brandon seeking out charging points.

More views from our glamping tent.

The boys claimed the second room with two single beds.

Beautiful West Bay harbour.

The habour is home to many good sized mullet fish just swimming around.

I forced Josh to take this picture with a boat called "salty nuts"!.

West Bay habour.

West Bay ciffs over looking the coast.

The sea at Westbay was stunningly clear.

Holly not quite grasping the concept of skimming stones.

Ker-splash.

More of the amazing West Bay cliffs.

The children's fish'n'chips in West Bay harbour was served in a bucket and spade which made Holly very happy.

Sitting on the dock of the bay.

Absolutely loved watching the 3 of them giggling away on the Waltzer.

Bumper car action with Holly riding shotgun with Josh.

Good job the rules say no head on collisions.

Brandon side swipes his brother and sister.

Fearless Holly was only going on the big / fast rides today!

Brandon riding on his own.

A beautiful sunset to end the day as we headed back to our glamping tent.

Glamping with the Jurassic View.