WALTON Hall and Gardens is a staple day out for any family in Warrington.
With the children’s zoo, pitch ’n’ putt, playground, café, and scenic walking routes, you can spend a full day at the beauty spot.
But have you ever gone on the alpaca walk?
Having been to Walton Gardens too many times to count, the alpaca walk was something I’d never done.
So this time, instead of admiring them from afar, I decided to get up close and personal with the three amigos and take them for a walk around Walton’s grounds.
The walk is led by zoo ranger Peter Cookson-Dean who can only be described as a stalwart of the children’s zoo.
Peter, who is originally from Penketh, celebrated 40 years at Walton Hall and Gardens last year.
From helping to create the children’s zoo to hand-rearing a donkey to meeting generations of the town's families, he really has been at the site for everything.
So there is no better person to lead the experience.
I was given Malbec, known as Mally, to walk after being given a set of instructions, being shown how to catch them, and being introduced to the furry trio – which also includes Jim and Topaz.
The experience consists of walking the alpacas around the whole of Walton’s grounds.
The walk is really enjoyable in itself, but what really makes the walk is the impressive depth of knowledge about the alpacas that Peter shares as well as the historical background he gives along the way.
No matter how many times you have visited Walton Hall and Gardens, you’ll be sure to learn something new about the site from Peter.
And he is on hand to answer any questions you have about the alpacas – of course, including the main difference between them and llamas.
It truly is a unique experience and is suitable for people of all ages. I’d definitely recommend it and will be gifting a few family members the experience for sure.
It is £30 per person but you can bring someone along with you (who won't be able to walk the alpaca).
Or it is £90 for a private booking of up to three people.
You can also buy an alpaca walk gift voucher.
For more information, visit: https://waltonhallgardens.co.uk/events/walk-an-alpaca/
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