Experience a unique, hands-on animal encounter as Exbury Gardens partners with Petlake Alpacas for Walk with Alpacas on selected dates throughout August 2026! Led by experienced handlers, visitors aged 6 and over can walk their very own gentle alpaca along peaceful garden paths, bonding with these friendly creatures while learning all about their unique behaviors and playful personalities.
Event Schedule & Session Times
Walk with Alpacas takes place on selected Thursday mornings and afternoons throughout August 2026:
- Thursday 6th August 2026: Sessions start at 10:15 AM
- Thursday 13th August 2026: Sessions start at 10:15 AM
- Thursday 20th August 2026: Sessions start at 10:15 AM
- Session Duration: 15 minutes per individual walk slot (selectable upon booking)
- Venue Location: Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway, Exbury, near Beaulieu, Southampton (SO45 1AZ)
Attractions & Event Highlights
A unique summer opportunity to spend quality time with gentle, friendly animals in nature:
- Personal Alpaca Experience: Lead and walk your own beautiful alpaca provided by the experts at Petlake Alpacas.
- Learn & Bond: Discover alpaca behavior, personalities, and care tips directly from their knowledgeable handlers.
- Scenic Garden Routes: Enjoy leading your alpaca along picturesque, tree-lined garden paths within the 200-acre estate.
- Family Guidelines: Designed for adults and children aged 6 and over (children under 12 must be supervised by a paying adult).
- Full Day at Exbury: Combine your walking session with exploring summer blooms, riding the steam railway, or enjoying lunch at Mr Eddy’s Restaurant.
Ticket Types & Booking Information
Alpaca walking tickets must be purchased alongside valid garden entry or membership:
- Alpaca Walking Ticket: £7.00 per 15-minute session
- Required Garden Entry: Standard Gardens Admission or Friends of Exbury Membership (required for all walking participants and accompanying observers)
- Booking Notice: Time slots are limited and should be booked online in advance via the Exbury Gardens booking page.
How to Get to Exbury Gardens
Exbury Gardens is nestled in the New Forest National Park along the Solent coastline:
- By Car: From the M27, exit at Junction 2 onto the A326 towards Dibden Purlieu, then follow the brown tourist signposts to Exbury Gardens (SO45 1AZ).
- By Train: Southampton Central and Brockenhurst are the nearest main line stations, with taxis available for the remaining journey.
- By Bus: The seasonal New Forest Tour bus (Green Route) services Exbury Gardens directly during the summer holidays.
Parking Information
Parking facilities at Exbury Gardens:
- Main Car Park: FREE parking is provided on-site directly outside the main visitor center.
- Disabled Parking: Designated Blue Badge spaces are positioned close to the entrance for easy access.
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things to do across the region? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover the latest outdoor activities, summer holiday events, animal encounters, and family days out near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Walk with Alpacas event taking place in August?
- The August sessions take place on Thursday 6th August, Thursday 13th August, and Thursday 20th August 2026.
- Where is Exbury Gardens located?
- Exbury Gardens is located in Exbury, near Beaulieu, Southampton (SO45 1AZ).
- How much does the alpaca walk cost?
- Tickets are £7.00 for a 15-minute walk, plus standard gardens admission or Friends of Exbury membership.
- What time do the alpaca walking sessions start?
- Sessions start at 10:15 AM, with specific available time slots shown on the official booking page.
- Are there age restrictions for walking the alpacas?
- Yes, the activity is not suitable for children under 6 years old. Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult.
- Who provides the alpacas for the event?
- The alpacas are brought to Exbury Gardens courtesy of Petlake Alpacas.
- Do I need to book in advance?
- Yes, advance booking for specific time slots is required via the booking page due to limited capacity per session.
- Do Friends of Exbury members still need to pay for the walk?
- Yes, the £7.00 session ticket applies to members, but members do not need to pay extra for garden admission.
- Is parking available at Exbury Gardens?
- Yes, free on-site parking is available for all visitors.
- What happens if we want to explore the gardens after our walk?
- Your gardens admission or membership covers full-day entry, allowing you to explore the gardens and ride the steam train after your session.