Ford Park
A charity-run park under Hoad Hill in Ulverston with an inclusive playground, a woodland animal trail, a walled garden and orchard, and the path up to the Sir John Barrow Monument. Free, open daily and busy with family events.
Bardsea Alpacas and Llamas
Ulverston, Cumbria
Bardsea Alpacas and Llamas keeps one of the larger herds in Cumbria, usually 40 to 60 animals depending on the time of year, in the village of Bardsea near Ulverston. It is not an open farm and there are no drop-ins: everything is a booked session, usually one a day.
For small children the Meet and Feed is the one: about 45 minutes in with the herd, hand-feeding them as they wander round you, with the treats supplied and toddlers free. The full experience adds a 30 to 40 minute walk with an alpaca on a lead round a grassy track in the grounds. Children from six can share an alpaca with an adult, at £42 for the pair, and from ten they can lead their own.
The animals come close because they want the food, which delights most children and unnerves a few. A child who is wary of animals may be happier watching than standing in the middle of the herd.
What it costs: Meet and Feed (about 45 minutes): from £16.80 an adult and £8.50 a child, toddlers free with a paying adult. Full Walk, Meet and Feed (about 90 minutes): £32.50 for an adult walking their own alpaca, £29 for a child aged 10 to 17 walking their own, £42 for an adult and a child of 6 or over sharing one; spectators £16.80. All visits pre-booked.
Know before you go
- Sessions run February to October and stop from November to January, and there is usually only one experience a day, so book early for weekends and holidays.
- Walks go ahead in the rain. Wear wellies or boots; nice white trainers will not come home white.
- If a child under six comes on a walk, an extra adult has to come as a £16.80 spectator.
Worth knowing: Walking an alpaca from 6 (sharing with an adult).
Seasonal: February to October. Check before travelling.
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