Alpaca experiences on Dartmoor
An alpaca experience like no other
If you have ever wanted to interact one on one with alpacas, stroke and hug them then you have found your special place. My unique Alpaca Encounter experience will leave you feeling enchanted and uplifted all within the beauty of Dartmoor National Park.
Free for under 3s
£20
per child
£30
per adult
Winner of 'Experience of the Year'
one whole hour of alpacas
private & exclusive
ACCESSIBLE FOR EVERYONE
great for adults and kids
alpaca treats included
What's it all about?
As alpaca experiences go, I think mine is pretty special as my beautiful herd of alpaca boys are very friendly, affectionate and trusting. Alpacas do not typically like to be touched (by us or each other) and although I have a few 'normal' ones, I have a whole bunch of very cuddly boys.
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Even my stud male Joker is just a big laid back, gentle giant and all his relations are the same - Joker's brothers Mr T, Mr Sharps and Bubbles are the ideal therapy animals as these extremely tactile boys genuinely like to be stroked, groomed and even enjoy a massage!
So if you want to be really hands on with these magical animals book your hour with us and forget all your worries. An Alpaca Encounter might just be the best mindfulness activity ever.​​
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​Hand feed the boys with all their favourite snacks
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Sit out with them, relax and feed them hay
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Put out some alpaca 'catnip' and watch them roll around with joy (needs a dry day!)
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Lead the alpacas around with their mirror
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Watch the boys splash in their paddling pool and give them a hose pipe shower (March to October)
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Snuggle with Snowball
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Give Mr Sharps a massage and a hug
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Selfie time with Macca Paca
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Lots of photo opportunities, fun & laughter
From just £50
It's not just about alpacas!
It might be called an Alpaca Encounter but lets not forget the bond you will create with Snowball, everyone's favourite dog sheep! You will create a new friend for life and he genuinely remembers you when you return for more. I have 6 sheep on the farm who are all very friendly and quite cuddly but Snowball is on another level entirely. This sweet sheep just loves people and likes nothing more than a stroke and a full on hug (oh and Rich Tea biscuits - his favourite snack!). He will be hoping that you sit down so he can sit with you. Snowballs story is that he used to live in with the other sheep boys but was never accepted by them. Denied access to water, hay and shelter one day Snowball was attacked (sheep hierarchies can be rather strict). For his own safety he was moved out to live with the alpaca boys who he gets on famously with. And so Snowball began living his best sheep life but as he still needed his own kind we also chose for him a lovely female sheep companion, Queenie. It only took them 24 hours to form a bond - this is a real sheep love story.
An accessible alpaca experience! Where you can just be you!
No matter your age, ability or shoe size, this experience is suitable for everybody. I think this is such a memorable and rewarding time that I want it to be accessible to all. Alpacas are used as therapy animals for a reason - they are extremely calming to be around and if you could bottle up the pure magic of a cuddle with Mr Sharps then you would have a miracle cure for many things.
It's weatherproof!
Rain or shine, nothing spoils an Alpaca Encounter (group size up to 10) - whatever the weather this experience can still be enjoyed to its fullest even on the wettest and most miserable days. The alpaca boys hate the rain and as they are so trusting and tactile, will happily invite you into their cosy space to sit with them. Sheltered from the elements, you will feed the boys all their favourite treats under cover and then watch them get sleepier and sleepier after their hay. People often ask if they can book specifically for a rainy day to get the experience of an alpaca asleep in their lap - this will normally be Macca Paca or Ocado! It's a great excuse to book again and means you never need worry about what time of year you are visiting us. Please note that if you are a larger group (11+ people) or have specific needs such as use a wheelchair, it may not be possible to operate this experience in adverse weather. If I am not able to accommodate your needs comfortably undercover then you will be offered a gift voucher valid for 12 months to rebook at your leisure.
Frequently Asked Questions about my Alpaca Encounter
What is an Alpaca Encounter?
An Alpaca Encounter is a relaxed, hands-on experience where you get to meet, stroke, feed and spend time with my alpaca boys and sheep in a calm, friendly environment. There’s no trekking involved — it’s all about slowing down, connecting with the animals and enjoying their company at your own pace. The Alpaca Encounter takes place on my Dartmoor farm near Lydford Gorge.
Is there a minimum number of people required for the experience?
Yes. To run a private, exclusive Alpaca Encounter I require a minimum of two paid tickets per session. If you are a solo traveller (18+) and would like to attend, you’re very welcome to book by purchasing two tickets. Simply choose the most affordable combination, such as one adult and one child ticket.
How long does an Alpaca Encounter last?
A standard Alpaca Encounter lasts one hour, which gives you plenty of time to interact with the animals, feed treats and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. If you feel that one hour just won’t be enough (which happens a lot!), you can add an extra 30 minutes for £25 per group, regardless of group size, when booking.
Is the Alpaca Encounter suitable for children?
Yes, Alpaca Encounters are suitable for all ages, including young children, as long as safety guidance is followed. A full safety briefing is given before the session and I supervise closely throughout. As alpacas are large animals and can sometimes be a little clumsy, children must be supervised at all times. Very young children must remain in direct contact with an adult for the duration of the experience, and sudden movements such as running, jumping or waving arms should be avoided as this can startle the alpacas. For safety, I allow a maximum ratio of two children per adult.
Is the Alpaca Encounter accessible?
Yes. The Alpaca Encounter is designed to be accessible and inclusive, and is suitable for wheelchair users, people with limited mobility, and those who are unable to walk far. There is no long-distance walking involved and the experience takes place in a safe, contained area. If you have specific accessibility needs, please feel free to get in touch before booking and I’ll be very happy to help.
Is the Alpaca Encounter suitable if I can’t walk far?
Absolutely. Unlike alpaca trekking, the Alpaca Encounter does not require walking any distance. It’s a gentle, stationary experience focused on interaction rather than movement.
What should I wear for an Alpaca Encounter?
Comfort is key. You’ll be getting up close with some very furry (and sometimes slightly soggy!) alpacas and sheep, so it’s best to wear clothes you wouldn’t mind getting a bit mucky. Dress for the countryside and the weather on the day. Dartmoor weather can be unpredictable, so a light raincoat is always a good idea just in case. Please avoid umbrellas, as these can frighten the alpacas, and try not to wear anything very woolly or fleecy as hay tends to stick to it.
Where does the Alpaca Encounter take place?
The Alpaca Encounter takes place at my Dartmoor farm, directly opposite the National Trust entrance for Lydford Gorge and Whitelady Waterfall. You’ll receive a detailed pre-arrival email 24 hours before your experience with full directions, parking information and everything you need to know to plan your visit.
How big can my group be?
Online booking is available for groups of up to 10 people. If your group is larger than this, please contact me before booking. I may be able to accommodate you depending on circumstances, and larger groups may also qualify for a discount.
Do we get hands-on time with the alpacas?
Yes — absolutely. The Alpaca Encounter is very interactive. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to stroke the alpacas, feed them their favourite treats and spend quality time with them. This is a calm, unhurried experience designed to let you truly connect with the animals.
Can we take photos during the Alpaca Encounter?
Yes! You’re very welcome to take photos and videos during your visit. I’m also happy to help you get some lovely shots with the alpacas. If you do share your photos on social media, please tag us — the boys love a bit of fame.
Is the Alpaca Encounter weather dependent?
The Alpaca Encounter runs in most weather conditions and is a great option if the forecast isn’t ideal for walking-based activities. If weather conditions ever become unsafe or genuinely unsuitable, I’ll always be in touch to discuss options. Your comfort and safety (and the alpacas’) always come first.
Don't just take my word for it! Check out the reviews
“We had a wonderful visit with Helen and her alpacas and sheep. We visited 3 other alpaca farms during our trip and this was our favourite! The alpacas were lovely and Helen told us a little bit about each of their personalities, which were all so surprisingly different."
Tala, November 2022
Why not check out my other alpaca experiences & adoption packages?
