Itchen Valley Country Park Family Day Out — Everything You Need to Know
Itchen Valley Country Park near Southampton is one of Hampshire's most rewarding family day out destinations — and it is considerably more interesting than most people realise until they actually visit. This guide is written for families and groups planning a day out at Itchen Valley, covering everything available in the park: the alpaca walks run by Hensting Alpacas, Go Ape's high ropes courses, the woodland café, play areas, orienteering, and parkrun — and how to combine them into a genuinely full and memorable day out.
Why Itchen Valley Country Park Stands Apart
Itchen Valley Country Park is one of Hampshire's finest outdoor destinations — 440 acres of ancient woodland, water meadows, and River Itchen scenery that has earned 16 consecutive Green Flag Awards for environmental excellence. It is also home to two of the region's most distinctive experiences: Hensting Alpacas guided walks and Go Ape's high ropes, ziplines, and axe throwing. Together they make Itchen Valley one of the very few country parks in England where you can walk with exotic animals and tackle high ropes in the same afternoon. Six play areas, orienteering trails, parkrun every Saturday, and the woodland café complete a day out that genuinely works for all ages simultaneously.
Planning Your Full Day at Itchen Valley
A full day at Itchen Valley Country Park typically follows this pattern: arrive for a morning alpaca walk (10:00am–12:00pm) with Hensting Alpacas, enjoy lunch at the woodland café, then spend the afternoon on Go Ape (Treetop Challenge for adults and confident older children, Treetop Adventure for younger families), exploring the orienteering trails, or simply walking the 5km of surfaced accessible pathways along the River Itchen. Free Blue Badge parking is available, and the park's accessible trails mean the day works for visitors with mobility considerations as well as those looking for physical challenge.
The Alpaca Walk — Hensting Alpacas at Itchen Valley
A guided alpaca walk with Hensting Alpacas is the anchor experience most visitors build their Itchen Valley day around. You meet your alpaca companion at the start, learn their name and personality, and set off on a two-hour circular walk through the ancient woodland and water meadows on level, surfaced paths. Experienced handlers lead every session, explaining alpaca behaviour, the park's ecology, and the history of this extraordinary 440-acre countryside setting. The walk ends with feeding time and close-contact time with the wider herd.
Practical Details & Booking
Alpaca walks at Itchen Valley start from £32 per person. Morning sessions run 10:00am–12:00pm daily; afternoon sessions run Fridays and Saturdays 1:30pm–3:00pm from late March through October. Children aged 3+ are welcome — they walk alongside an adult on the same alpaca lead. Infants are welcome in baby carriers; pushchairs are not permitted on the walk route. Advance booking is essential — summer and school holiday dates fill 3–6 weeks ahead. Book online 24/7 via our booking page or call 0333 050 4012. Gift vouchers are available instantly by email, valid 12 months.
Getting to Itchen Valley Country Park
Itchen Valley Country Park is at Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, SO30 3HQ — approximately 10 minutes from Southampton city centre and Eastleigh, 25 minutes from Winchester, and 35 minutes from Portsmouth. Parking costs from £1.30/hour with free Blue Badge parking. The park is open daily throughout the year.
Book Your Alpaca Walk & Plan Your Visit
See the full seasonal events calendar for all available Hensting Alpacas experiences at Itchen Valley Country Park, or book your alpaca walk now. Call 0333 050 4012 with any questions about planning your family day out.