Name: Hensting Alpacas
Rating: 5.0

Hensting Alpacas

Alpaca Walking Hensting Alpacas, Kiln Lane, Otterbourne, Eastleigh, UK

8-99 Years

Paid

2636
0
0

Description

Finding the best things to do with kids in Southampton brings families straight to Hensting Alpacas, a premier specialist animal attraction set across the scenic woodlands of Itchen Valley Country Park. This unique outdoor venue allows children and adults to experience close encounters with friendly animals through guided walking tours and interactive herd sessions.

Experience prices start from £32.00 per person for standard guided alpaca walks under current seasonal packages. Family-friendly multi-person ticket bundles and specialized baby alpaca walking options are also available. Spectator tickets and extra walker options can be added to accommodate larger family groups. Visitors must book in advance online, as walk-in ticket sales are unavailable.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines outdoor exercise with gentle animal interactions, this Hampshire attraction offers exceptional value. Its peaceful woodland trails, friendly alpacas, and hands-on feeding opportunities make it a top choice for a memorable weekend or holiday treat.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Guided Alpaca Walks: Immersive outdoor treks through ancient woodlands and water meadows alongside friendly, halter-trained alpacas.
Expert Animal Handling Support: Dedicated professional handlers providing safety briefings, breed insights, and continuous guidance throughout the trail.
Interactive Feeding Sessions: Special stopping points along the walking trail allowing participants to hand-feed treats to the herd.
Accessible and Family-Friendly Design: Specially scheduled accessible walks and flexible group tiers tailored for family members of all mobility needs.

Top 5 Highlights

The Woodland Alpaca Trails: Peaceful guided treks winding beneath mature trees where families can lead their own alpacas at a relaxed, unhurried pace.
The Baby Alpaca (Cria) Enclosures: Seasonal opportunities to meet and walk young crias, offering exceptional photo moments for younger children.
Herd Meet-and-Greet Sessions: Introductory welcome talks where children learn about alpaca behavior, wool characteristics, and how the animals communicate.
Itchen Valley Water Meadows: Scenic open countryside expanses providing a rich natural habitat and wonderful views alongside the walking routes.
The Llama Experience Paddock: Specialized weekend sessions introducing visitors to larger resident llamas for a unique extended animal care overview.

Facilities

Toilets & Changing Facilities: Public park restrooms and baby-changing facilities are available near the main visitor center of Itchen Valley Country Park.
Food Options: On-site park cafe serving hot drinks, light lunches, and snacks adjacent to the meeting area.
Buggy Parking: Pushchairs and prams are strictly prohibited on the walking trails to avoid startling the animals; infant baby carriers or slings must be used instead.

Pro-Tips:

Footwear Choice: Wear sturdy outdoor shoes or walking boots, as rural park paths can become muddy during wet weather.
Child Supervision Logic: Children aged 3 to 12 cannot lead alpacas independently and must share a secondary lead held by a dedicated adult.
Arrival Timing: Arrive ahead of your slot to park in the country park car park and walk up to the designated meeting gate before your session begins.

Targeted FAQ

Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes, toddlers thoroughly enjoy seeing the fluffy animals up close, though younger kids aged 3 to 12 must share a lead with an adult and ride-along pushchairs are prohibited on the trails.
How long does a visit take? A standard alpaca walking experience takes between 1.5 to 2 hours of guided outdoor activity through the park's woodland paths.
Where is the best place to park? The best place to park is in the main visitor car park at Itchen Valley Country Park, located right by the park entrance and short walk from the meeting gate.
Are pushchairs allowed on the walks? No, pushchairs, prams, and strollers are strictly prohibited on the alpaca walking trails because they can startle and distress the animals, meaning infant carriers must be used.

What to see

Beyond the Main Attraction:

Itchen Valley Country Park Play Areas: Extensive outdoor adventure play structures located right within the main park grounds.
Woodland Gruffalo Trails: Family-friendly woodland discovery paths popular with younger children.
The Woodland Cafe: On-site park refreshments and hot meals situated close to the main visitor car park.

What Visitors Love:

Parents frequently highlight that the handlers are exceptionally friendly, patient, and knowledgeable about each animal's personality.
Families love the calm, unhurried pace of the walks, which gives children plenty of time to feed and interact closely with the alpacas.
The beautiful backdrop of ancient woodlands and open water meadows makes the entire experience feel peaceful and immersive.
Reviewers consistently praise the smooth organization, clear safety instructions, and memorable photo opportunities.

What Visitors Don't Like:

Pushchairs are not allowed on the trails, meaning parents with toddlers must use baby carriers for the duration of the walk.
Weekend booking slots during peak spring and summer months tend to sell out very quickly, requiring advance planning.
Parking fees at Itchen Valley Country Park apply separately from the walk ticket price.

Attractions and Experiences:

Solo and Couple Alpaca Walks: Standard 2-hour guided sessions for one or two participants with an alpaca.
Family Alpaca Walk Packages: Multi-person bundles accommodating parents and children sharing leads.
Baby Alpaca (Cria) Walks: Seasonal springtime walking slots featuring young, playful alpacas.
Accessible Walking Sessions: Tailored mid-week flat-terrain walks designed for visitors with additional mobility requirements.
Llama Keeper Experience: Extended 3-hour Saturday morning sessions focused on advanced animal husbandry.
Herd Educational Briefing Area: Pre-walk instruction zones detailing fleece management and herd safety.
Photo-Opportunity Stops: Dedicated scenic lookouts along the trail for family souvenir pictures.
Gift Voucher Redemption Kiosk: On-site validation desk for pre-purchased holiday or birthday passes.
Seasonal Event Trails: Periodic holiday-themed family discovery walks across the park acreage.
On-Site Alpaca Fleece Display: Educational touchpoints showcasing finished natural wool products.

New for 2026:

Expanded Baby Alpaca Schedules: Newly added seasonal walking windows running from February through October 2026.
Enhanced Accessible Walk Frameworks: Dedicated Wednesday morning slots featuring flat terrain and free companion carer tickets.
Streamlined Digital Booking System: Updated online checkout supporting instant date selection and flexible rescheduling insurance options.

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Morning Walk (10am–12pm): From £32.
Afternoon Walk (1:30pm–3pm): From £32.
Accessible Walk: From £32 (Free Carer Ticket).
Baby Alpaca (Cria) Walk: From £54.
Llama Keeper Experience: From £95.
Family Ticket (2 Adults & 2 Children): From £92.

Pricing URL: https://www.alpacas-hampshire.co.uk/book-alpaca-walk.html

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Information: Hensting Alpacas accommodates bespoke private group bookings and memorable birthday celebration walks tailored for families and small groups.
Inquiries: Contact the team directly via telephone at 0333 050 4012, via WhatsApp at 07876 234 399, or through email at info@alpacas-hampshire.co.uk.

Morning walks: 10am - 12pm
Afternoon walks: 1.30pm - 3pm
Accessible walks: Wednesday’s from 10am - 11.30am

Address: Alpaca Walking Hensting Alpacas, Kiln Lane, Otterbourne, Eastleigh, UK

Post Code: SO50 6HT

Council: Winchester

County: Hampshire

By Train: Southampton, Eastleigh, or Winchester railway stations are the nearest regional rail stops, requiring a short local taxi or drive.
By Bus: Local regional bus services operate around West End and Southampton, though traveling by private car is recommended.
By Car: Located within Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, West End, Southampton (SO30 3HQ), easily accessed via regional routes.
Car Parking: On-site park parking is available near the entrance, subject to standard country park vehicle tariffs.