West Yorkshire Alpacas
BEST FOR
Ages 0+
WHERE
Halifax
What it’s like
Walk up to a field of alpacas, stroke their fleece, then meet two Shetland ponies on the way back down.
The visit starts with a short walk up a grassy hill to where the alpacas are grazing, and that walk is the first thing to know about, because you need to be steady on your feet to manage it. Once you're up there the alpacas get brought into a pen for a proper petting experience, and you get to feel their fleece and hear a bit about each one's character. There are two Shetland ponies to meet as well, which is a nice bit of variety if you've got a child who's already decided the alpacas are the whole point.
Younger kids are well catered for on the petting side, since the age limits only kick in if you want to actually walk an alpaca on a lead. That's 13 to walk one alone, or 8 with an adult alongside, so under that age it's petting only. That's not a bad thing with a toddler in tow, since standing in a pen stroking a curious, occasionally spooky animal is plenty for a little one without the added job of holding a rope.
You do need to book ahead, and they take payment by card at the point of booking rather than on the day, which is worth knowing before you turn up expecting to pay on arrival. Parking is free, off High House Lane and marked with a green sign, so that bit at least isn't a faff.
If someone in your group isn't confident about the hill, it's worth getting in touch beforehand, since they mention they can put together a bespoke session for people who need it. That flexibility is a decent sign this isn't a rigid tick-box farm visit.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- Any age for petting; walking an alpaca needs 8 plus with an adult
- Booking
- S must be made in advance
- Parking
- Free parking off High House Lane, marked with green sign
- The walk up to the field is on a grassy hill, so wear proper shoes.
- If anyone in your group isn't confident on their feet, contact them first as they can arrange a bespoke session.
- Two Shetland ponies are part of the visit alongside the alpacas.
- Booking calendars are updated monthly, so times fill up.
Plan your visit
Do we need to book in advance?
Yes, and payment is taken by card when you book rather than on the day.
Is it suitable for a toddler?
Petting experiences are open to younger children, though there's a grassy hill walk to reach the alpacas so they'll need to be carried or steady on their feet.
Can my child walk an alpaca themselves?
Only from 13 to walk one alone, or from 8 with an adult alongside. Under that age it's the petting pen instead.
Is there parking on site?
Free parking off High House Lane, marked with a green sign.
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