If you have been handed the daunting job of maid of honour, you will know the pressure: the hen do has to be fun for the wild ones and the quiet ones, easy on a mixed budget, and different enough that the bride does not feel she has done it all before. An alpaca walk in Hampshire ticks every one of those boxes, and it is far simpler to arrange than you might think. Here is our friendly, practical guide.
Why alpacas make a brilliant hen do
Alpacas are gentle, curious and endlessly comical, which means the entertainment is built in — you do not need to plan awkward games to get everyone talking. Each guest leads her own alpaca, so the whole group is involved from the first minute, and the shared silliness bonds people who may only have met that morning. It is also refreshingly wholesome: perfect if the party spans several generations, includes mums-to-be who are not drinking, or simply wants a daytime activity before the evening kicks off.
What to expect on the day
Our hen party alpaca walks run for about two hours at Itchen Valley Country Park. You will be met by an experienced handler, introduced to the herd, and given a short safety briefing before setting off on a gentle guided loop through woodland and meadow. There is no hiking involved — the pace is a relaxed stroll with frequent stops for cuddles and photographs. Handlers are glad to take group shots so nobody is left out, and they will happily fuss over the bride with the most camera-ready alpaca in the field.
Group tips for the organiser
Book early, especially for weekends between spring and autumn when dates go quickly. Let us know your final numbers so we can match an alpaca to every walker, and mention if the bride would like a particular colour or character. Car-shares work well as there is on-site parking, and the park is only about fifteen minutes from Southampton, Winchester and Eastleigh, with easy routes from Portsmouth, Fareham, Romsey, Basingstoke and the New Forest. If a few of the party are travelling and dates might shift, our optional rescheduling insurance at £4.50 per person gives you flexibility.
What to wear
This is a countryside farm, so sensible footwear beats fashion here — trainers or wellies depending on the weather, and clothes you do not mind getting a little muddy. Sashes, veils and matching t-shirts are absolutely encouraged and photograph beautifully against the alpacas' fluffy faces. Bring a warm layer even in summer, as the wooded sections can be cool, and do not forget a fully charged phone for the photo avalanche.
Prices and booking
Walks start from just £32 per person, with extra walkers at £18, which makes an alpaca hen party genuinely affordable compared with spa days or weekends away. Gift vouchers make lovely favours, and you are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in the park afterwards. When you are ready, call our family-run, BAS-registered farm on 0333 050 4012 to check availability and reserve your date — sixteen years in, we still love helping brides-to-be plan a hen do they will never stop talking about.