Fennell’s Alpacas

You'll drive through proper Gloucestershire countryside to reach Fennell's Alpacas, just outside Dursley, and honestly it's the sort of thing that sounds a bit gimmicky until you're actually standing there surrounded by soft, curious animals. The alpacas are genuinely friendly - they come right up to you, expecting attention, which even jaded teenagers find hard to resist. It's a working farm experience rather than a polished visitor attraction, which means you get the real deal: muddy boots, animal encounters that feel unscripted, the smell of hay.

Families with children under twelve will get the most mileage from this. The novelty of hand-feeding and petting these long-necked characters keeps kids entertained for a couple of hours, though it's not somewhere you'll spend a full day. Walkers and countryside lovers might pop in as a quirky pit stop rather than a destination in itself. The farm has that ramshackle charm - don't expect manicured paths or a gift shop, but that's rather the point.

If you're staying at Wixoldbury Farm Glamping nearby, this is an easy detour that fits perfectly into a rural Gloucestershire holiday. Check ahead for admission fees and opening times before you go - farm visits often run on looser schedules than typical attractions. Best to phone ahead to make sure they're set up for visitors on the day you're planning to visit.