Frequently Asked Questions
...and useful things to know
What are alpacas like?
Are they friendly?
Do they spit?
Alpacas by nature are very gentle, intelligent, fun and inquisitive animals. We will show you the best way to approach them and give you advice if you are leading them on a walk. All alpacas are different, but all our walking boys are very used to people and have friendly personalities!
Alpacas can spit, just like llamas, but they don't like to - they can't eat for a little while afterwards and alpacas do love to eat!
What ages are suitable to come and visit?
We welcome all ages here to Little Orchard Alpacas!
Ages five and over are welcome on our Alpaca Walks.
All ages are welcome on our Meet the Alpacas Experience & Farm Open Sessions.
Ages 14+ can be booked onto our Alpaca Keeper Experiences.
Do you open to the public?
We are not an open farm or petting farm, we welcome visitors via advance bookings only.
Please visit our Alpaca Experiences page if you would like to book a visit or get in touch if you would like to arrange an appointment to come and have a look in the shop.​
Can I come and volunteer or work?
We do not currently have any opportunities for volunteer placements or paid employment.
Follow our Social Media for any changes or updates in this area!
What should I wear for my Alpaca Walk or Experience?
When you book you will be given advice specific to your experience. You will usually need to wear long trousers and closed shoes. Boot or wellies are best if it has been wet and definitely needed in the winter when it can be muddy in places. Dress for the weather and bring waterproofs, sunhats, suncream e.t.c if required.
Will my Alpaca Experience go ahead in rain or bad weather?
Weather Policy: Whilst our experiences can go ahead on most rainy days, if the weather forecast is for heavy rain, very high temperatures, storms and/or high winds we may need to postpone for safety reasons; the well-being of the alpacas and for the enjoyment of the experience itself.
If we do need to postpone we will get in touch via your e-mail the day before your booking and either arrange a new date or, if you are unable to attend on a different date, we will offer a refund, minus your booking fee.
Do you offer any discounts?
We offer three types of discount:
-
An Emergency Services & Military discount - 10%
-
A returning customer discount (increasing with the number of visits) - 10-15%
-
A locals discount (Postcodes EX13, EX14, EX24) - 10%
-
We also offer a carers discount of 50% with proof (PIP or DLA or Blue Badge). we may also offer a private experience, at no additional cost for those who would need extra assistance.
Please get in touch at hello@littleorchardalpacas.com, send your photos ID, proof of postcode to receive the codes for these discounts!
Discounts cannot be applied or refunded once a booking has been made.
What is accessibility like on the farm?
We are firstly a working farm and whilst we are working on improving our accessibility as much as possible, not all areas can be accessed by wheelchair, pushchair or for those with mobility difficulty. Therefore our Alpaca Walks and Tours may not be be suitable for all.
Our shop has a small step and is not currently wheelchair accessible, we do however have plans to create a new accessible shop and welcome area in 2024.
Our toilet is accessible and wheelchair friendly. It also has baby changing facilities.
We are dedicated to welcoming everyone to meet the alpacas so please do get in touch if you would like to arrange a Private Experience and to discuss how we can make a visit work for you or your group.
Can I use a walking aid or stick?
or your safety we cannot allow sticks or walking aids to be used whilst leading an alpaca on a walk. As our Alpaca Walks are slow and gentle, you are welcome to accompany the walk and use a stick if you are able to keep up with the group, however please be aware that the ground is uneven.
Do you have a café?
What seating or picnic areas do you have?
Can you cater for dietary requirements?
We don't have a cafe here.
We serve hot or cold drinks and cake (included) after our Alpaca Experiences.
If you have any dietary requirments just let us know and we are happy to provide something delicious!
If you have chosen to sit out for the Alpaca Walk part of the experience (also requires a ticket) we have a small indoor shop and lounge area that you can sit in if it is chilly out. We also have undercover outdoor seating and a choice of picnic areas where you can watch the alpacas, for when the weather is nice.
If you are coming to an Open Farm Session you are welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks - we also have complimentary drinks and cake to buy available on these sessions.
How do I find you? Can I have directions?
We offer three types of discount:
-
An Emergency Services & Military discount - 10%
-
A returning customer discount (increasing with the number of visits) - 10-15%
-
A locals discount (Postcodes EX13, EX14, EX24) - 10%
-
We also offer a carers discount of 50% with proof (PIP or DLA or Blue Badge). we may also offer a private experience, at no additional cost for those who would need extra assistance.
Please get in touch at hello@littleorchardalpacas.com, send your photos ID, proof of postcode to receive the codes for these discounts!
Discounts cannot be applied or refunded once a booking has been made.
Can I take photos?
You are welcome to take as many photos as you like! If you are on our walks we can help with some tips to get some great alpaca selfies and group alpaca pics!