Baby Alpaca Cria Season 2026 — Complete Hampshire Guide
Baby alpaca cria season at Hensting Alpacas in Hampshire runs from February through to July — and if you have never walked alongside a weeks-old cria taking its first proper steps through ancient woodland, it is genuinely one of the most charming animal experiences available anywhere in the UK. This guide covers the 2026 cria season: when crias are available, which walks include them, how to book before they sell out, and what walking alongside a baby alpaca actually looks like.
What Is an Alpaca Walk at Hensting Alpacas?
A guided alpaca walk at Hensting Alpacas involves meeting your own alpaca companion, learning how to walk them with a halter, and setting off on a 2-hour circular route through Itchen Valley Country Park's ancient woodland and water meadows. The walk covers approximately one mile on level, surfaced paths alongside the River Itchen, led by an experienced handler throughout. It is not a zoo visit or a petting session — you are the handler, walking your alpaca at a gentle countryside pace for the full two hours.
Why Baby Alpaca Cria Season 2026 Is a Special Time to Visit
Baby alpacas — called crias — are born at Hensting Alpacas from February through to early summer, and for a window of several months each year, some of our morning walks include these extraordinary young animals walking alongside their mothers. Our 2026 cria include Daisy, Dandelion, Meadowsweet, and Chamomile — each with a completely different personality. Crias are available on morning walks from mid-February and join afternoon walks later in the season as they grow in confidence. Baby alpaca morning walks are our most in-demand sessions of the year and regularly sell out weeks in advance, particularly from April onwards when the crias are at their most playful and photogenic.
What to Expect on the Day
Cria availability varies by session — morning walks (10:00am–12:00pm) are where you are most likely to encounter the baby alpacas alongside the adult herd. As the season progresses and the crias grow more confident, they begin joining some of the Friday and Saturday afternoon sessions as well. All cria availability is shown in the live booking calendar on our website, where dates with baby alpacas available are clearly indicated. If seeing a baby alpaca is your priority, book a morning session and check the calendar notes before confirming.
How Much Does an Alpaca Walk Cost?
Alpaca walks at Hensting Alpacas start from £32 per person. Family tickets and group pricing are available — see the booking page for current pricing by session type. Gift vouchers are available from £32, valid for 12 months, and delivered instantly by email.
Age Requirements & Accessibility
All ages are welcome. Children aged 3–12 walk alongside an adult who holds the second lead on the same alpaca. Children 12–16 may lead independently with an adult present. Infants are welcome in baby carriers — no pushchairs permitted. Accessible Wednesday walks (10:00–11:30am, April–October) are designed for all abilities with free carer tickets.
How to Get There
Hensting Alpacas is located at Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, SO30 3HQ. Approximately 10 minutes from Southampton and Eastleigh, 25 minutes from Winchester, 35 minutes from Portsmouth. Parking from £1.30/hour; free Blue Badge parking.
Book Your Walk
Advance booking is essential. Book online via our booking page or call 0333 050 4012. See all our seasonal alpaca events for additional experiences at Hensting Alpacas throughout the year.