Alpaca walking has quietly become one of the most talked-about things to do near Eastleigh, and it is easy to see why. Just off Allington Lane at Itchen Valley Country Park — inside the borough itself — you can spend a couple of hours out in the meadows with a halter-trained alpaca of your own. If you are thinking of booking your first walk, here is everything you need to know.
Where the walks take place
All of our walks set off from Itchen Valley Country Park, West End, Southampton, SO30 3HQ. For Eastleigh residents this is about as convenient as a countryside day out gets: a ten-minute drive through Bishopstoke and out along Allington Lane, with free parking waiting at the other end. The park's mix of open grassland and shady riverside paths gives the alpacas a comfortable, familiar route — and gives you plenty of postcard-worthy scenery along the way.
What actually happens on a walk
After a warm welcome and a short introduction to alpaca handling, you will be paired with your alpaca for the day and shown how to hold the lead and read your animal's body language. The walk itself lasts around two hours at a relaxed amble, with an experienced handler alongside your group the entire time. Alpacas are naturally curious but gentle, so expect plenty of soft humming, the odd nibble at the hedgerows and a fair few photo stops. You are leading a real animal with its own personality, which is exactly what makes it so memorable. You can see full details and dates on the Alpaca Walking in Eastleigh event page.
Who it suits
The short answer is almost everyone. Children from three upwards can take part when sharing a lead with an adult, teenagers can lead their own alpaca with a grown-up present, and adults are free to walk independently. It works beautifully as a family outing, a low-key birthday treat, a first date with a difference or simply a calming break from a busy week. We also run dedicated accessible walks every Wednesday from April to October, with free carer tickets, so nobody misses out.
What to wear
Dress for a country park rather than the high street. Sturdy trainers or wellies are ideal, especially after rain, and layers are sensible whatever the forecast — Hampshire mornings can be crisp even in summer. Bring a light waterproof if the sky looks uncertain, and if you are planning lots of photos, a strap or zipped pocket for your phone keeps both hands free for your alpaca's lead.
Prices, vouchers and booking
Walks start from £32 per person. Family packages begin at £92, baby-alpaca walks from £54, and extra walkers can be added for £18 each. If you would rather not risk the weather, rescheduling insurance is just £4.50. Gift vouchers are available too, and they make a genuinely different present for an Eastleigh friend who has everything. Weekend slots are the first to go, so we recommend booking ahead — you can reserve online or call the team on 0333 050 4012.
Make a day of it in Eastleigh
Because the park sits right within the borough, it pairs perfectly with the rest of an Eastleigh day out. Bring a picnic to enjoy by the River Itchen after your walk, explore the wider woodland trails, or head back into town for a coffee once you have said goodbye to your alpaca. However you fill the rest of the day, two hours in the meadow with a Hensting alpaca is the sort of thing you will still be talking about long afterwards.