Beamsworthy Alpacas

You're standing in a Devon field watching grown adults coo over impossibly fluffy alpacas while the animals regard you with what can only be described as bemused superiority. Beamsworthy Alpacas, near Okehampton, is exactly what it sounds - a working alpaca farm where you can meet the creatures up close and, if you're lucky, watch them do their characteristically aloof thing.

The alpacas themselves are the main event. They're soft, curious, and utterly unconcerned with your presence, which somehow makes them more appealing. You can walk around the paddocks, feed them if the owners allow it, and take photographs of them looking distant and vaguely judgmental. It's low-key stuff, but genuinely relaxing.

Families with children under eight will find an hour here perfectly adequate. Older kids might lose interest faster unless they're genuinely into animals. If you're an alpaca enthusiast or after something genuinely different from the usual tourist circuit, this works. A tip - go early morning or late afternoon when it's quieter and the light's better for photos.

Based near Okehampton, it pairs nicely with the wider Dartmoor area. If you're staying at Wolf Wood Treehouses just down the road, it's a simple detour before heading into the moor itself. Don't expect facilities or a café - bring a flask if you're making a proper morning of it. It's free admission in the traditional sense, though donations are usually welcome.