Half Term Activities Hampshire — Family Alpaca Walk Guide
Half term activities in Hampshire that genuinely enthral children, work for all ages in the family, and don't cost a fortune are harder to find than they should be. An alpaca walk at Hensting Alpacas at Itchen Valley Country Park ticks every box — and families booking during half term receive an automatic 15% discount at checkout, making it one of the best-value genuine animal experiences in Hampshire. This guide covers every half term period in 2026 and 2027, what the alpaca walk experience looks like for children of different ages, and how to plan a full half term day out at Itchen Valley combining alpacas, Go Ape, and the park's play areas and trails.
What Makes This Experience Different
Half term in Hampshire means thousands of families are searching for something genuinely different — not another soft play or cinema trip, but an experience that gets children outdoors, learning, and talking about it for weeks. An alpaca walk at Hensting Alpacas at Itchen Valley Country Park is exactly that. Children aged 3 and above can lead their very own alpaca companion through ancient woodland alongside the River Itchen, with experienced handlers guiding the whole group. The walk covers approximately one mile on level, surfaced paths — manageable for young children and accessible for grandparents who join the trip. Hampshire half term dates in 2026 are: February 16–20, May 25–29, and October (exact dates vary by school). Families booking during half term receive an automatic 15% discount at checkout — no code needed, applied automatically for groups of 2 adults + 2 or more children. This makes Hensting Alpacas one of the most competitively priced genuine animal experiences available in Hampshire during half term.
The Practical Details
Half term alpaca walks at Hensting Alpacas are available across all standard session times — morning sessions run from 10:00am to 12:00pm and are the most popular choice for family groups. Friday and Saturday afternoon sessions (1:30pm–3:00pm) are also available from late March through October, making them ideal for October half term families. The May half term (25–29 May 2026) is particularly popular — baby alpacas are usually still available on morning walks, adding an extra layer of magic for children. During October half term, the ancient woodland of Itchen Valley turns spectacular shades of gold and copper, and the alpacas are at their most energetic in the cooler air. Half term slots book out 3–4 weeks in advance — checking availability and booking early is strongly recommended. After the alpaca walk, the wider Itchen Valley Country Park setting offers Go Ape, six play areas, orienteering trails, woodland café, and the parkrun every Saturday morning — giving families everything they need for a full half term day out.
Costs & Booking
Alpaca walks start from £32 per person, with an automatic 15% family discount applied at checkout for groups of 2 adults + 2 or more children — no code needed. Book online via the live calendar or call 0333 050 4012. Gift vouchers are available year-round from £32, valid 12 months, instant email delivery.
What to Bring & Wear
Comfortable outdoor clothing appropriate for the season, sturdy footwear, and a fully charged phone for photos — the alpacas and the Itchen Valley woodland provide exceptional backdrops whatever time of year you visit. No pushchairs are permitted; infants in baby carriers only. Children 3+ can walk their own alpaca alongside an adult.
Making the Most of Your Half Term Day
Itchen Valley Country Park is one of Hampshire's best-kept family secrets for half term. Book your morning alpaca walk (10:00am–12:00pm), have lunch at the woodland café, then spend the afternoon at Go Ape, on the orienteering trails, or across the six play areas. The park's 5km of surfaced, accessible walking routes along the River Itchen make it a genuinely full day out for any age.
Getting There
Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, SO30 3HQ. 10 min from Southampton, 10 min from Eastleigh, 25 min from Winchester, 35 min from Portsmouth. Parking from £1.30/hour; free Blue Badge holders.
Book Your Half Term Walk
Advance booking is essential — half term slots fill 3–4 weeks ahead. Book online here or call 0333 050 4012. View all our seasonal events for additional experiences throughout the year.