If your idea of a perfect December morning involves fresh air, a frost-dusted country park and a fluffy alpaca ambling along at your side, you are in exactly the right place. Christmas is one of the loveliest times of year to visit the Hensting herd, and this guide walks you through everything you need to know before you book a festive alpaca walk in Hampshire.
What a Christmas alpaca walk actually involves
Our walks run for around two hours at Itchen Valley Country Park in West End, near Southampton. After a warm welcome, an experienced handler introduces you to your halter-trained alpaca and shows you how to lead it safely and calmly. From there you set off together through the woodland and meadows, stopping for photos, questions and plenty of alpaca-appreciation along the way. In winter the alpacas wear their thickest, softest fleece, so they are at their most huggable — and the low December sun makes for wonderful photographs.
Who it suits
Festive walks work beautifully for almost everyone. Families love them: children aged three to twelve share a lead with an adult, twelve to sixteens lead with an adult present, and anyone sixteen and over can lead independently. Couples enjoy the calm and the novelty, grandparents love the gentle pace, and groups of friends often book a walk as a seasonal get-together instead of yet another meal out. If someone in your party has additional needs, our accessible walks and free carer tickets mean nobody has to miss out.
What to wear in December
Hampshire mud is very real in winter, so dress accordingly. Wellies or sturdy walking boots are essential, and warm layers, a hat and gloves will keep everyone comfortable while you stroll. Avoid your best clothes — the alpacas are gentle but the paths can be soggy. A fully charged phone or camera is a must, because you will want to capture the frosty scenery and those close-up alpaca faces.
Prices and gift vouchers
Walks start from £32 per person, with family packages from £92 and baby-alpaca walks from £54. An extra walker can be added from £18, and rescheduling insurance is available at £4.50 if you would like the flexibility to move your date. For Christmas gifts, open-dated vouchers are ideal — they let the recipient choose a date that suits them in the new year, so there is no pressure to squeeze a walk into a busy December. You can see current festive dates and full details on our Christmas alpaca walks page.
How to book — and why to book early
December dates are always in demand, so we strongly recommend booking well ahead if you want a walk before Christmas Day itself. You can reserve a place online through our booking calendar, or buy a gift voucher to give on the day. We are just fifteen minutes from Southampton, Winchester and Eastleigh, with easy routes from Portsmouth, Fareham, Romsey, Basingstoke and the New Forest, so wherever you are in the county a festive morning with the alpacas is well within reach. Any questions? Give us a ring on 0333 050 4012 and we will help you plan the perfect Christmas visit.