If you have ever driven past the turn for Allington Lane on the way out of Southampton and wondered what lies down it, here is your answer: a couple of hours of unhurried walking with an alpaca of your very own. This guide is for anyone in Bitterne and the surrounding streets weighing up whether it is worth the short trip.
Getting from Bitterne to the farm
The walks start at Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, SO30 3HQ. From most of Bitterne it is a drive of about 15 minutes, in the same ballpark as getting to the airport. Free car parking is on site, so there is no need to hunt for a space. Allow a little extra time at the weekend and on school holidays, and aim to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so nobody is rushed at the briefing.
What actually happens on the walk
You will be matched with an alpaca, shown how to hold the lead and how to read their body language, then led out through the park with your handler. The pace is relaxed. Alpacas stop to graze, to look at birds, and occasionally to look at you, and the whole group moves at the speed of the slowest animal. Photos are encouraged, so bring a phone and keep a hand free.
Our team is family-run, has looked after alpacas for 16 years, and the farm is BAS-registered. With over 40 animals, we can pair nervous first-timers with the mellowest individuals.
Is it right for your group?
Children from 3 to 12 share a lead with an adult. Those aged 12 to 16 lead with an adult present, and anyone 16 and over walks alone. Wednesdays from April to October are our accessible walks, with free carer tickets. If your group includes a toddler or someone with limited mobility, ring us on 0333 050 4012 and we will talk it through before you book.
What to wear
Closed, sturdy shoes are the one non-negotiable; fields can be muddy even in a dry week. Dress in layers, add waterproofs from autumn through spring, and leave the white trainers at home. Sunscreen and a hat are sensible in summer. You will not need to carry anything much, as the walk is gentle and flat-ish.
Cost and booking
Prices start at £32 per person. Family packages begin at £92, baby-alpaca walks at £54, and an additional walker is £18. If the forecast worries you, rescheduling insurance is £4.50. For a present, gift vouchers work well. You can see dates and details on our Bitterne alpaca walking page and book online from there.
Make a morning of it
Because the trip is short, a walk slots neatly into a weekend: alpacas first, then lunch back in Bitterne or a wander round West End. It is a simple, memorable way to do something different without planning a whole day out.
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Article title: Bitterne to Alpacas: A Local's Guide to Walking with Alpacas
If you have ever driven past the turn for Allington Lane on the way out of Southampton and wondered what lies down it, here is your answer: a couple of hours of unhurried walking with an alpaca of your very own. This guide is for anyone in Bitterne and the surrounding streets weighing up whether it is worth the short trip.
Getting from Bitterne to the farm
The walks start at Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, SO30 3HQ. From most of Bitterne it is a drive of about 15 minutes, in the same ballpark as getting to the airport. Free car parking is on site, so there is no need to hunt for a space. Allow a little extra time at the weekend and on school holidays, and aim to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so nobody is rushed at the briefing.
What actually happens on the walk
You will be matched with an alpaca, shown how to hold the lead and how to read their body language, then led out through the park with your handler. The pace is relaxed. Alpacas stop to graze, to look at birds, and occasionally to look at you, and the whole group moves at the speed of the slowest animal. Photos are encouraged, so bring a phone and keep a hand free.
Our team is family-run, has looked after alpacas for 16 years, and the farm is BAS-registered. With over 40 animals, we can pair nervous first-timers with the mellowest individuals.
Is it right for your group?
Children from 3 to 12 share a lead with an adult. Those aged 12 to 16 lead with an adult present, and anyone 16 and over walks alone. Wednesdays from April to October are our accessible walks, with free carer tickets. If your group includes a toddler or someone with limited mobility, ring us on 0333 050 4012 and we will talk it through before you book.
What to wear
Closed, sturdy shoes are the one non-negotiable; fields can be muddy even in a dry week. Dress in layers, add waterproofs from autumn through spring, and leave the white trainers at home. Sunscreen and a hat are sensible in summer. You will not need to carry anything much, as the walk is gentle and flat-ish.
Cost and booking
Prices start at £32 per person. Family packages begin at £92, baby-alpaca walks at £54, and an additional walker is £18. If the forecast worries you, rescheduling insurance is £4.50. For a present, gift vouchers work well. You can see dates and details on our Bitterne alpaca walking page and book online from there.
Make a morning of it
Because the trip is short, a walk slots neatly into a weekend: alpacas first, then lunch back in Bitterne or a wander round West End. It is a simple, memorable way to do something different without planning a whole day out.
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