A little something for after your paca experience...
All of these activities and eateries are right on our doorstep, within a few miles of the farm. So go on, fill your afternoon and get a full taste of what Dartmoor has to offer.
Lydford Gorge
Run by the National Trust, Lydford Gorge is the deepest river gorge in the South West with the 30m high Whitelady Waterfall directly opposite us! You are so close you can literally walk across the road so why not book this beauty spot in for after your alpaca experience?
The full 2.5 hour gorge walk is now back open which takes in the Whitelady Waterfall, the Tunnel Falls and the Devil's Cauldron or you can opt for a shorter circular walk to just see the Whitelady. There is also a fabulous large second hand bookshop at the Devil's Cauldron entrance.
Don't miss the tea room, a chance to rest your weary alpaca legs... sausage rolls, cream teas and lots of other tasty treats await you!
The Castle Inn, Lydford
My local, this 16th century Devonshire pub never fails to disappoint - good hearty food at reasonable prices, lovely friendly staff, cosy atmosphere and roaring fires to take away the chill! There is a large beer garden for when the Dartmoor weather permits.
Their homemade puddings are a particular favourite of mine and you have after all walked a lot of steps with your alpaca.
Full of character, what's not to love? - click to check out their latest menu and to book a table.
St Michael De Rupe, Brentor Church
On your alpaca trek you will be walking towards this picturesque church so it is a must to visit it afterwards.
Perched high on top of an extinct volcanic cone, at 1,110 feet above sea level this 700 year old church is considered the highest working church in England.
Once you have climbed up you will be
rewarded with magnificent 360 degree views of Dartmoor, Plymouth Sound, Whitsand Bay, The Tamar Valley, Bodmin Moor and even Exmoor.
Don't be put off if it's misty, it just adds to the atmosphere!
The Dartmoor Inn
I first visited the Dartmoor Inn just a few months ago and I was very impressed by the food. The pork belly was just delicious - perfectly cooked and full of flavour.
A 16th century coaching inn that has lots of cosy nooks and a roaring log fire in the winter months, this is one cosy place.
The menu changes daily as it is tailored to what local producers have in season so there is always something new to try.
The Granite Way
If you are feeling energetic after your alpaca experience why not cycle the Granite Way starting from Lydford village? It is easy cycling on a surfaced path - my kind of bike ride!
This is an 11 mile cycle path between Okehampton and Lydford and is mostly traffic free, largely following the course of the former Southern Region railway line.
You will get to cycle across the huge stone viaduct of Lake, pass Okehampton castle and Meldon dam.
Lydford Farm Shop
I think my sister and her family only come to visit me so often so that they can go to the Lydford Farm Shop to get a pasty and one of their legendary sausage rolls! Trust me, these sausage rolls are like no others.
With picnic tables outside and a wide range of quality and local foods and gifts, this is the perfect stop on your way home.
The honey is harvested on Dartmoor itself and they bake some seriously good brownies!
Lydford Castle
A medieval castle built around 1195, this is well worth a visit if you are passing by - what's more it's free!
It has a really interesting history and was a courtroom and a prison, notorious for doling out particularly harsh punishments.
Take the option to explore the beautiful St Petrock's church next door and check out the Norman earthwork castle and the Saxon town defences.
Great Links Tor & Widgery Cross
A real hidden gem, hiking up to Widgery Cross on Brat Tor is a great short hike to fill your afternoon after your alpaca experience. It takes between 40 minutes to an hour to hike up and you are rewarded with some rather amazing views.
If you have time, walk on up to Great Links Tor (which you will have been gazing at on your return alpaca trek) and descend via Alms Tor for a proper circular walk.
You get to cross the river Lyd via some big stepping stones and there are often Dartmoor ponies hanging around.