If Dad's the type who insists he "doesn't need anything" every single year, an alpaca walk solves the problem nicely. It's an experience rather than more stuff for the shelf, and it's the kind of thing he'll still be bringing up at the next family barbecue. Here's everything worth knowing before booking a Father's Day alpaca walk in Hampshire.
What Actually Happens on the Walk
You'll meet your alpaca at the farm, get a quick briefing from an experienced handler on how to hold the lead and what (little) is expected of you, then head out on a roughly two-hour guided route through Itchen Valley Country Park. You're leading your own halter-trained alpaca the whole way — this isn't a spectator activity. Alpacas are curious, mostly unbothered animals, and the pace is gentle enough for a proper chat as you go, with plenty of stops for photos. There's no rushing involved; the handler sets a pace that suits the group and the animals, not a stopwatch.
Who It Suits
Honestly, most dads. It works well for the outdoorsy type who'd rather be walking than unwrapping presents, but it's just as good for someone who's never done anything "farm-related" in his life — the novelty is part of the appeal either way. Solo bookings come with a dedicated handler, and family bookings let children aged 3–12 share a lead with an adult, with 12–16 year-olds leading their own alongside an adult present. Over-16s walk independently. If Dad's not steady on uneven ground, get in touch before booking — we run accessible walks every Wednesday between April and October with free carer tickets, so an alternative date can usually be arranged.
Local Tips: Getting to Itchen Valley Country Park
The farm sits just off Allington Lane in West End, on the eastern edge of Southampton — close enough for a straightforward morning trip if you're coming from Winchester or Eastleigh, and an easy 20–30 minute drive from Portsmouth, Fareham or Romsey. If you're driving over from Basingstoke or the New Forest, allow a bit longer and treat it as a full morning out rather than a quick stop before lunch. There's parking on site, so there's no need to factor in a separate park-and-walk, and it's an easy spot to find with a postcode-based sat nav.
What to Wear
Wellies or sturdy walking shoes are the sensible choice — Itchen Valley Country Park is a proper working landscape, not a manicured garden, and it can be muddy underfoot after rain. Layers are worth packing too; two hours outdoors in the Hampshire countryside can feel very different at the start of a walk to the end of it, whatever the forecast says at breakfast. Leave anything precious in the car, and don't wear your very best trainers.
Prices and Gift Vouchers
Individual walks start from £32 per person, with family packages from £92 and baby-alpaca walks from £54 if there are younger alpacas you'd like to meet. An extra walker can join for £18, and rescheduling insurance is £4.50 if you'd rather not risk losing a date to bad weather. If you're not sure which date will suit Dad, buy a gift voucher instead — it lets him choose his own slot once Father's Day has come and gone, so nothing's wasted if the diary doesn't cooperate or the day itself is already booked solid.
How to Book
Book online through our calendar or call 0333 050 4012 to check availability. Father's Day dates go first, so it's worth booking a few weeks out rather than leaving it to the week itself. Hensting Alpacas has been running walks for 16 years and is BAS-registered, with over 40 alpacas on site — so however Dad reacts to leading one down a Hampshire footpath, he won't be the first, and he almost certainly won't be the last either.