Christmas Mini Alpaca Encounter

Yes! To make it possible to run a private, exclusive experience for you I require a minimum of two people (booking a paid for ticket) at each session. If you are a single traveller (18+) and wish to attend the experience you would need to buy two tickets - just pick the cheapest combination of 1 adult and 1 child.

Clothing: Remove that best outfit as you will be getting up close with some very furry (and sometimes a bit soggy) alpacas and sheep. You won't go far wrong if you wear clothes you would typically wear for a walk in the countryside. Leave at home your umbrellas as they freak the alpaca boys out and anything woolly or fleecy will tend to act like glue when it comes to hay. Being Dartmoor, the weather can be a little unpredictable so a light raincoat wouldn't go amiss in case of a sudden shower - this will buy you time until you can get to the alpaca house! Definitely don't wear white! It isn't pretty (by the end!) Footwear: Your shoes need to be suitable for a field and must be fully enclosed with no toes or heels showing no matter what the weather is like - this is to protect you from any clumsy alpaca or sheep stepping onto a bare foot which can cause a minor injury such as a scratch. Trainers, walking boots or wellington boots are ideal. If it is a hot day then bring a change of more open shoes for afterwards. And forget the heels unless you want to spend your hour aerating the soil - though this will be great for the worms...

As we know 1 hour is never enough with these beautiful and amazing alpaca boys, you can extend your Alpaca Encounter for a small charge. Add on an extra 30 minutes for just £25 no matter what your group size is when you get to the checkout.

Yes, an Alpaca Encounter is suitable for any age including young children as long as all of the safety advice is followed. A full safety briefing is given before the experience and your host will continually monitor your session closely to keep you all safe. Animals and especially large ones such as alpacas can be unpredictable and sometimes a little clumsy. Therefore it is essential that all children are closely supervised at all times. Very young children must be in direct contact with an adult for the entire session and all sudden movement is to be kept to a minimum (alpacas can get spooked if people run, jump or wave their arms about near them). We have a ratio of a maximum of two children to every adult at the experience - although bear in mind if you bring two very young ones like toddlers and you are the only adult, you will be required to be in direct contact with both of the children at all times. In this circumstance we would recommend that you stay behind the safety barrier in the 'hooman feel safe area'. Please read the full terms and conditions about your experience and what we expect from you to help keep you safe.

For online booking we have a maximum of 10 people that can book onto the Alpaca Encounter experience. If your party is bigger than 10 people please contact us first to enquire. We can accommodate larger groups but we would need to know a little more first about your circumstances and we may be able to offer you a discount! Now there's a reason to get in touch...

We are located in a Devon beauty spot - both within the Dartmoor National Park and directly opposite the National Trust site of Lydford Gorge, home to the highest waterfall in the Southwest, the Whitelady. Check out our Local Information page where you will find more detail on lots of activities and lovely eateries within a few miles from the farm - go on, fill your afternoon and make a whole day out in beautiful Dartmoor.

All animal treats are provided and are included in your ticket price. However if you do want to bring the animals some extra treats (they do look at you like they haven't been fed in a week!) then we would recommend bananas and grapes. This fruit does not need to be cut up in advance and does not pose a risk of choking for the animals. They are also some of the boys favourites - Barney goes crazy for a banana!

If you cancel more than 7 days before your experience then you will be offered a gift voucher in exchange - this will be valid for 12 months starting from the date that you originally booked. If you cancel less than 7 days before your experience, we can only offer you a gift voucher if we are able to resell your tickets. Refunds are not given for any cancellation regardless of the reason or notice given. Read the full terms and conditions here for when booking an experience.

We do not currently have a toilet at the farm however we do provide mains cold water hand wash facilities. You will be encouraged to wash your hands after your experience and there is also hand sanitiser provided. Details of the nearest public toilets will be given in your pre arrival email that is sent out 24 hours in advance of your experience so that you can plan accordingly.

You will be sent a pre arrival email 24 hours in advance of your experience which will have full instructions on it. We couldn't be more easily located being right opposite the National Trust site for Lydford Gorge, Whitelady Waterfall entrance. Just look out for our sign which is double sided so that it is clearly visible from whatever direction you are travelling in. If driving, just park anywhere on the driveway and I will come out to greet you. There is a turning area for when you leave so don't worry about having to do any tricky reversing. ​ Bus, cycle or drive! If you don't have a car don't worry as you can still come on an alpaca experience! The Dartline bus service 118 from Okehampton to Tavistock stops literally right outside the farm entrance. The stop on the timetable is called Lydford Gorge Lower Entrance. ​ Or if two wheels are more your thing, then wheel yourself on down as the lane that runs past the farm is the West 27 national cycle path. I will make sure your bicycle is behind a locked gate whilst we are trekking.

ABSOLUTELY NO DOGS ARE ALLOWED! I do have to be very strict about this as alpacas see dogs as predators. The animals need to feel safe and be calm for you so that I can also keep you safe. Dogs should also not be left in your car if your vehicle is parked on the farm premises. However feel free to keep a human back from the experience and walk your dog(s) down at Lydford Gorge whilst the other humans enjoy the alpacas.