Winchester has no shortage of things to do, but few of them involve strolling through riverside meadows with a curious, halter-trained alpaca at the end of your rope. Just fifteen minutes from the city, our guided alpaca walks at Itchen Valley Country Park have quietly become a favourite for locals wanting a genuinely different afternoon. Here's everything you need to know before you come.
Where it happens and how to find it
The walks take place at Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, SO30 3HQ. From Winchester, it's a straightforward run south on the M3 and A31 — around fifteen minutes by car — with free parking at the park itself. The setting is a mix of open meadow, gentle woodland and paths near the River Itchen, so it feels a world away from the city yet is remarkably close to home.
What actually happens on the walk
After a warm welcome, an experienced handler introduces you to the herd and pairs you with your own alpaca for the session. You'll learn how to hold the halter rope, how to encourage your alpaca to walk beside you, and a little about their personalities — because they very much have them. The walk lasts around two hours at a relaxed pace, with plenty of pauses for the alpacas to nibble and for you to take photographs. It's calm, hands-on and surprisingly meditative.
Who it's good for
This is a walk that works for almost everyone. Children from three to twelve share a lead with an adult, older teens up to sixteen can lead with an adult present, and adults sixteen and over walk independently. Families love it, but so do couples, friend groups and anyone marking a birthday or special occasion. If accessibility is a consideration, we run accessible walks every Wednesday from April to October with free carer tickets. You can read more and reserve a place on our Alpaca Walking in Winchester page.
What to wear and bring
Hampshire weather does as it pleases, so dress for the day: sturdy, closed-toe shoes that you don't mind getting a little muddy, layers you can add or remove, and a waterproof if rain is forecast. Bring a camera or phone for photos — you'll want them. There's no need to bring anything for the alpacas; we take care of all that.
Prices and how to book
Walks start from £32 per person, with family packages from £92 and baby-alpaca walks from £54. An extra walker can join for £18, and rescheduling insurance is available for £4.50 should your plans change. Gift vouchers are perfect for a Winchester friend or relative who's tricky to buy for. We're a family-run, BAS-registered herd of more than forty alpacas, looked after by the same team for sixteen years, so you're in experienced hands throughout.
Make a day of it
Because the experience takes around two hours, it leaves plenty of time to enjoy the rest of Itchen Valley Country Park's trails afterwards, or to head back into Winchester for lunch. Many visitors tell us the alpaca walk is the part their children talk about for weeks. To book, reserve online or call us on 0333 050 4012 — we'd love to introduce you to the herd.