Every year the same question rolls around: what do you actually get the woman who insists she doesn't need anything? If flowers and a card feel a little tired, a Mothering Sunday alpaca walk at Hensting Alpacas near Southampton offers something Mum can't buy for herself — a slow, funny, memorable couple of hours out in the Hampshire countryside. Here is how to plan it.
What the morning actually looks like
You'll gather at Itchen Valley Country Park, where one of our handlers introduces you to the herd and helps everyone meet their alpaca before setting off. Each walker takes a halter rope and leads their own animal along the park's meadow and woodland trails for around two hours. Alpacas are curious, gentle and surprisingly opinionated about which tufts of grass are worth stopping for, so the pace is relaxed and there is plenty of time for photos. You can read the full details on the Mother's Day Alpaca Walks event page.
Who it's for
This is a wonderful outing whether it's just you and Mum or the whole extended family. Children from three can join in by sharing a lead with an adult, teenagers between twelve and sixteen can handle an alpaca with a grown-up nearby, and anyone sixteen and over walks independently. Grandmothers tend to love it as much as the grandchildren, which makes it a rare activity that genuinely works across three generations. If someone in your party has mobility needs, do give us a call — we run accessible walks and offer free carer tickets.
What to wear in mid-March
Hampshire in March can be bright one minute and blustery the next, so dress for the outdoors. Sturdy shoes or wellies are ideal, because paths can be muddy after winter rain, and layers plus a waterproof will keep everyone comfortable. Leave the umbrellas in the car — alpacas aren't keen on them — and a warm hat rarely goes amiss for the older members of the group.
Prices and what's included
Walks start from £32 per person, and family packages begin at £92, which is often the best value if a few of you are going. If Mum would rather meet our youngest arrivals, baby-alpaca walks are available from £54. Adding an extra walker costs £18, and for £4.50 you can take out rescheduling insurance — handy if the great British weather or a poorly child forces a change of plan.
The gift voucher option
Not sure Mum will be free on the day itself? A gift voucher lets her pick a morning that suits her, and it makes a lovely thing to hand over on Mothering Sunday with a card. Plenty of families do exactly this and then come along together once diaries allow.
How to book
Mother's Day is one of our busiest weekends, and slots around Mothering Sunday — 14 March in 2027 — go early, so it pays to plan ahead. You can book online through our calendar or call the farm on 0333 050 4012 if you'd like to talk through options for a larger group. We're a family-run, BAS-registered farm just fifteen minutes from Southampton, Winchester and Eastleigh, and we've been sharing our alpacas with visitors for sixteen years. We'd love to help make Mum's day a special one.