If you have ever tried to find a day out that pleases a toddler, a fussy nine-year-old and a phone-glued teenager all at once, you will know it is close to impossible. A family alpaca walk is one of the rare exceptions. At Hensting Alpacas, tucked inside Itchen Valley Country Park just outside Southampton, every member of the family gets their own gentle animal to lead, and something about that shared responsibility brings even the most reluctant visitor round. This guide walks you through everything you need to know before you book.
What actually happens on the walk
After a warm welcome and a quick safety chat, our team introduces you to the alpacas and shows you how to hold the halter and lead. Then you set off together on a gentle, roughly two-hour amble along the flat woodland and meadow paths of the park. Your handler stays with the group the whole way, so there is always someone on hand to answer questions, steady a nervous walker or grab the perfect family photo. It is unhurried by design — the alpacas set a leisurely pace, and that turns out to be exactly what busy families need.
Which ages can take part
Everyone is welcome, and we tailor the roles to suit each child. Children aged three to twelve share a lead rope with an adult, so they feel completely part of it while a grown-up keeps control. Those aged twelve to sixteen can lead their own alpaca provided an adult is walking with the group. From sixteen upward you are free to lead independently. Babies and very small children are welcome to come along in a carrier or sling too — plenty of parents bring the whole brood.
Matching the right alpaca to the right child
With more than forty alpacas in our herd, no two are alike. Some are bold and inquisitive, others quietly gentle. Tell us about your children when you arrive and we will pair a cautious little one with a calm, steady boy and a confident older child with a more characterful walker. It is a small thing, but it makes an enormous difference to how the morning feels.
What to wear and bring
The paths can be muddy whatever the season, so sturdy trainers or wellies are a must, and dress for the weather rather than for photos. Bring a light waterproof if the sky looks uncertain. Hand gel is handy, though we have washing facilities on site. A camera or a charged phone is worth it — you will want the pictures. Afterwards there is space in the country park for a picnic, so many families pack lunch and make a half-day of it.
Prices and family packages
Individual places start from £32 per person, while family packages begin at £92, which is the easy option if there are several of you. If you would like a younger child to meet our cria up close, our baby-alpaca walks start from £54. An extra walker can be added for £18, and for £4.50 you can add rescheduling insurance so a rainy forecast never costs you the day. Gift vouchers are available too, which make a lovely present for grandparents to treat the grandchildren.
Getting here
You will find us at Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, SO30 3HQ. We are about fifteen minutes from Southampton, Winchester and Eastleigh, and an easy drive from Portsmouth, Fareham, Romsey, Basingstoke and the New Forest, with parking on site. When you are ready, head over to our family alpaca walk booking page to choose a date, or call the team on 0333 050 4012 with any questions. Sixteen years in, we still think there are few better ways to spend a Hampshire morning together.