Planning Your School Holiday Alpaca Walks Hampshire Visit — Costs, Booking & What to Expect
School holiday activities in Hampshire that genuinely work for the whole family — from young children to adults — are harder to find than you might expect. An alpaca walk at Hensting Alpacas in Itchen Valley Country Park is one of the few options that ticks every box: educational, outdoor, memorable, accessible from Southampton and Winchester, and possible to combine with a full day at the park. This guide covers booking during school holidays, when to expect the highest demand, and how to plan a Hampshire school holiday day out around your alpaca walk.
What Makes This Experience Different
School holidays are the busiest time of year at Hensting Alpacas — families from across Hampshire and the surrounding counties choose Itchen Valley Country Park as their holiday day out destination, and an alpaca walk is often the highlight of the trip. Easter, half terms, and the summer holidays all see significantly higher demand, which means booking well in advance is essential if you want to secure your preferred date during school break periods. Our walks are designed specifically to work for mixed-age family groups — children from 3 years old can lead their own alpaca, teenagers are fully independent, and the gentle pace suits grandparents and younger adults alike.
The Practical Details
School holiday alpaca walks are available across all our standard session times, with morning sessions (10:00am–12:00pm) and Friday/Saturday afternoon sessions (1:30pm–3:00pm) both operating throughout school holiday periods. The most popular school holiday periods — Easter week, May half term, and the summer holidays — typically book out 3–6 weeks in advance. If you are planning a school holiday visit, check the live booking calendar as soon as possible and secure your places before the available dates fill. The wider Itchen Valley Country Park setting adds significant value during school holidays — Go Ape, play areas, trails, and the woodland café mean the family can extend a 2-hour alpaca walk into a full day out.
Costs & Booking
Alpaca walks start from £32 per person, with family tickets available. Book online via the live calendar — what you see is what is genuinely available, with payment processed securely through Stripe and e-tickets sent by email. Gift vouchers are available year-round from £32, valid 12 months, instant email delivery.
What to Bring & Wear
Comfortable outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather, sturdy footwear you do not mind getting slightly muddy, and a willingness to be completely charmed by an animal you have probably never interacted with before. Camera or phone for photos — the alpacas are remarkably photogenic. No pushchairs are permitted; infants in baby carriers only.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Itchen Valley Country Park offers considerably more than the alpaca walk alone. Go Ape's high ropes and ziplines are on site, along with six play areas, the woodland café, orienteering trails, and over 5km of accessible walking routes along the River Itchen. Arriving early for your alpaca walk and spending the afternoon in the park makes for a genuinely full Hampshire day out.
Getting There
Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, West End, Southampton, SO30 3HQ. 10 min from Southampton city centre, 10 min from Eastleigh, 25 min from Winchester, 35 min 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.