Every couple eventually runs out of date ideas. If you have done the restaurant circuit and the cinema, a guided alpaca walk at Itchen Valley Country Park might be exactly the change of pace you need. Here is an honest look at what to expect.
What actually happens on the day
You arrive at Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, SO30 3HQ, and meet your handler and the herd. Each of you is matched with a halter-trained alpaca, and you are shown how to hold the lead rope and read your animal's body language. Then you set off together on a gentle two-hour route through the park. The handler stays with the group throughout, so you can concentrate on each other, and on persuading your alpaca not to eat the hedge.
Who it suits
It works for brand-new couples because the animals break the ice, and for long-married couples because it is a shared experience rather than another meal. It is also a lovely choice for anniversaries, proposals-in-waiting, birthdays and rainy-day-proof weekends (we walk in most weather). Older teenagers can join as a pair too: 16 and over can lead independently. Have a look at our couples alpaca walk page for the full details.
What to wear
Sturdy shoes or wellies are the main thing, as the fields can be muddy after rain. Dress in layers and bring a waterproof if the forecast looks doubtful. Avoid dangling jewellery or very loose scarves, which curious alpacas may investigate. Sunglasses and a hat help in summer; gloves are welcome in winter.
Making it feel special
Arrive a few minutes early so you are not rushing, and put your phones away after the first photographs. The handlers will happily take a picture of you both with your alpacas. Afterwards, Southampton, Winchester and Eastleigh are all around 15 minutes away, so you have plenty of choice for lunch or an early dinner. If you are surprising your partner, a gift voucher lets them choose the date, and you can simply say you have a plan.
Prices and practicalities
Walks start from £32 per person, so two people walk for £64. Adding rescheduling insurance costs £4.50 and covers you if plans change. If a friend decides to tag along, an extra walker is £18. Accessible walks run every Wednesday from April to October, with free carer tickets, if either of you needs a step-free option.
How to book
Choose your date on our online calendar, or phone us on 0333 050 4012 and we will help. We are a family-run business with 16 years' experience, BAS-registered, with over 40 alpacas, and we would love to introduce you to a couple of them.
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Article title: Date Ideas in Hampshire: Why an Alpaca Walk Beats Dinner for Two
Every couple eventually runs out of date ideas. If you have done the restaurant circuit and the cinema, a guided alpaca walk at Itchen Valley Country Park might be exactly the change of pace you need. Here is an honest look at what to expect.
What actually happens on the day
You arrive at Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, SO30 3HQ, and meet your handler and the herd. Each of you is matched with a halter-trained alpaca, and you are shown how to hold the lead rope and read your animal's body language. Then you set off together on a gentle two-hour route through the park. The handler stays with the group throughout, so you can concentrate on each other, and on persuading your alpaca not to eat the hedge.
Who it suits
It works for brand-new couples because the animals break the ice, and for long-married couples because it is a shared experience rather than another meal. It is also a lovely choice for anniversaries, proposals-in-waiting, birthdays and rainy-day-proof weekends (we walk in most weather). Older teenagers can join as a pair too: 16 and over can lead independently. Have a look at our couples alpaca walk page for the full details.
What to wear
Sturdy shoes or wellies are the main thing, as the fields can be muddy after rain. Dress in layers and bring a waterproof if the forecast looks doubtful. Avoid dangling jewellery or very loose scarves, which curious alpacas may investigate. Sunglasses and a hat help in summer; gloves are welcome in winter.
Making it feel special
Arrive a few minutes early so you are not rushing, and put your phones away after the first photographs. The handlers will happily take a picture of you both with your alpacas. Afterwards, Southampton, Winchester and Eastleigh are all around 15 minutes away, so you have plenty of choice for lunch or an early dinner. If you are surprising your partner, a gift voucher lets them choose the date, and you can simply say you have a plan.
Prices and practicalities
Walks start from £32 per person, so two people walk for £64. Adding rescheduling insurance costs £4.50 and covers you if plans change. If a friend decides to tag along, an extra walker is £18. Accessible walks run every Wednesday from April to October, with free carer tickets, if either of you needs a step-free option.
How to book
Choose your date on our online calendar, or phone us on 0333 050 4012 and we will help. We are a family-run business with 16 years' experience, BAS-registered, with over 40 alpacas, and we would love to introduce you to a couple of them.
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