Christmas Alpaca Walks Hampshire — Complete Hampshire Guide
Finding a Christmas day out in Hampshire that feels genuinely different — not a panto, not a Christmas market, not a soft play centre — is harder than it sounds. A guided alpaca walk through Itchen Valley Country Park in December is all of those things you would not expect: calm, funny, outdoorsy, and completely memorable. This guide covers dates and availability for Christmas alpaca walks at Hensting Alpacas, what to wear, gift voucher options, and why walking with alpacas in winter is arguably better than doing it in summer.
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 Christmas Alpaca Walks Hampshire Is a Special Time to Visit
December at Itchen Valley Country Park has a magic that no other season quite matches — bare oak boughs frosted white, the Itchen Navigation catching low winter light, and a herd of Hensting alpacas draped in their thickest fleeces waiting to walk beside you. A Christmas alpaca walk makes a genuinely original alternative to the usual festive day-out — adults and children alike find that walking with alpacas in winter creates the kind of unhurried, outdoors memory that has nothing to do with shopping centres or screens. Every Christmas walk includes mulled wine for the adults, sweets for the children, our snow machine and decorative Christmas backdrops for your photos. We offer Christmas alpaca walks on five special mornings: Tuesday 15, Friday 18, Saturday 19, Sunday 20 and Tuesday 22 December, and gift vouchers that can be redeemed any time — making them a perfect present for someone who already has everything.
What to Expect on the Day
Christmas alpaca walks at Hensting Alpacas run at Itchen Valley Country Park, West End, SO30 3HQ on 15, 18, 19, 20 and 22 December, 10am to 12pm. The walk is a 2-hour guided experience through the park's woodland and water meadows, priced from £37 per person. Participants are encouraged to dress warmly — alpacas walk at a gentle pace year-round and the winter air along the Itchen Navigation is crisp rather than harsh. Gift vouchers for Christmas alpaca walks are available instantly by email and can be delivered digitally or as a printed certificate. Group bookings for Christmas parties and festive workplace outings are available by arrangement — call 0333 050 4012 to discuss.
How Much Does an Alpaca Walk Cost?
Alpaca walks at Hensting Alpacas start from £32 per person. Christmas walks start from £37 per person, and family tickets get 15% off at checkout. 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. Wellbeing Wednesday walks (10:00–11:30am, April–October) are designed for visitors with sensory needs, autism, or anyone who prefers a calmer pace, with free carer tickets. We're unable to accommodate wheelchairs on these walks.
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.