Hello and welcome back to all our lovely readers. We hope you are all keeping well. This week we have something a bit different for you, a guest blog from Helen at Lydford Gorge Alpacas. 

1.Background on yourself

My name is Helen and I moved to Devon 2 years ago specifically to start my new business working with animals. I made a massive life change to do this and purchased my property specifically to be able to walk my alpacas straight from the farm without needing to drive them anywhere. 

There is some background on my website https://www.lydfordgorgealpacas.com/my-story

It is just me that runs the business, I literally do everything! 

2. What you offer customers

I offer a unique animal experience which allows people to really get up close to these incredible creatures. 

Most people who come for an Animal Encounter are surprised and say it was not what they expected as they thought they would just see the animals from afar in their field. 

The Animal Encounter experience allows you to spend quality time with these animals where you can hand feed them, touch and stroke them. You also get to enjoy some animal enrichment activities with the animals such as hosing them when it’s warm (they love to play in the water), put some alpaca cat nip powder down which they like to roll in or we might put a mirror out which they find very exciting. The animals are very friendly which means you have lots of opportunities to touch them, some will be quite happy for you to sit down next to them and the sheep are also the same! Most people say they have never even touched a sheep let alone get to cuddle one. 

Animal Encounter sessions are exclusive for your party, so you get a private viewing. That means I can cater for people’s individual needs and am able to offer people with learning or physical disabilities a safe and sheltered environment with no crowds or being worried about other people. 

I have step-free access from your car to the paddock with hard surfacing just inside the gate. I can place seating here, inside a low height penned area which means you can sit comfortably in a wheelchair but have full access to the animals including being able to stroke them. 

For Alpaca Treks I offer a really unique experience as it’s a half day (3 hours) with the alpacas where we spend up to 2 hours walking with them on a stunning moorland trek in Dartmoor National Park. After the trek you get time to spend with them in their paddock on a mini animal encounter. Treks are limited to 5 alpacas so that you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the experience without feeling like you are on a coach tour. This means in most cases you will have the trek to yourself and your party. 

As I run everything myself, I offer a very personal and hands on service which covers every aspect from the moment you book to the follow up after your experience. 

I am located in a beauty spot directly opposite Lydford Gorge which has the highest waterfall in the South West. This means you can make a full day out here without having to drive anywhere. There is also a bus stop right outside the farm entrance with buses to Tavistock and Okehampton, so you can visit without needing a car. 

I spend an enormous amount of time with my animals which has resulted in helping develop their characters and personalities. Animal welfare is my primary goal and my business fits around them and not the other way round. 

My reviews on Facebook and Google really showcase what people think about their visit. 

3. Any special offers you might have

I don’t have any special offers on currently as I am so busy, but I will be launching a new experience ready for customers to enjoy from 1st June. This will be to add on a luxury picnic-style afternoon tea to their Alpaca Trek or Animal Encounter experience. 

The afternoon teas will be provided by Mime in Tavistock and will feature a special alpaca cake. If you add the tea on you also get an extra hour with the animals who will be in a small paddock next to the orchard where you will enjoy your tea. 

Further Information

We hope you have enjoyed todays blog and perhaps have discovered something new you would like to do in Devon. If you have not booked a holiday yet, then why not give Devon a go? Click here to see our full range of holiday accommodation.