Meet Helen and the alpacas
Lydford Gorge Alpacas grew from a deep love of these gentle, curious animals and a big decision to build a different kind of life on Dartmoor. What matters most to me is not just keeping alpacas, but creating calm, personal experiences where people can slow down, switch off and meet the boys as I know them — relaxed, characterful and full of charm.
How it all began
I first fell in love with alpacas years ago, and that feeling never really left me. What started as fascination gradually turned into something much bigger: a dream to build a life around these extraordinary animals and share them with other people in a way that felt peaceful, personal and genuine.
That dream eventually brought me to Dartmoor, where I began the slow, sometimes slightly chaotic process of building a new life with alpacas at its heart.
Today, Lydford Gorge Alpacas is home to a lovely bunch of boys, all with their own quirks, preferences and very strong opinions. Some are confident, some are mischievous, some are gloriously dramatic, and some are gentle souls who prefer life at a quieter pace.
Why the experiences feel different
Why guests connect with the boys
Over time, I have learned that the real magic is not in rushing alpacas or forcing interaction, but in creating an environment where they feel safe, settled and curious. That trust shapes every experience here.
When guests meet the alpacas with me, they are seeing the boys at their most comfortable and confident. That is often when their personalities really shine through — in the small moments, the funny moments, and sometimes the very soft and special ones too.
It is a big part of why these experiences feel so personal. The boys are not performing. They are simply being themselves.
A slower, more personal kind of experience
For me, this has never just been about keeping animals. It is about creating a place where people can step away from the noise for a while, spend time outdoors and enjoy a genuine connection with some very special alpacas in one of the most beautiful corners of Dartmoor.
Everything here is shaped around calm, kindness and the wellbeing of the boys. That is the heart of Lydford Gorge Alpacas, and always will be.
