Meet and feed friendly alpacas with Rustic Retreats near Matlock, where countryside charm meets hands-on wildlife interaction. A perfect day out for all ages against the stunning Peak District backdrop.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
45 minutes
Fitness Level
Minimal physical fitness required; suitable for all ages
Wildlife
History
Carsington Water was created in the 1990s as a reservoir to provide drinking water and now supports diverse recreational activities in the Peak District.
Conservation
Rustic Retreats focuses on low-impact farming practices and encourages visitors to respect the landscape and wildlife, supporting Peak District conservation efforts.
Rustic Retreats
Meet and feed friendly alpacas with Rustic Retreats near Matlock, where countryside charm meets hands-on wildlife interaction. A perfect day out for all ages against the stunning Peak District backdrop.
Rustic Retreats is a countryside experience provider based in Matlock, England, specialising in alpaca encounters and guided walks near Carsington Water and within the Peak District. The business offers hands-on, animal-led experiences designed for families, couples and small private groups seeking a relaxed outdoor activity.
The on-site programme includes three core experiences: Alpaca Meet, Greet & Feed; Alpaca Walking Experience; and Private Alpaca Walking Experiences. Each session begins with a health and safety briefing and an introduction to alpaca behaviour, followed by supervised feeding and opportunities for photographs and selfies. The Alpaca Walking Experience provides a guided group walk with scenic views, while Private Alpaca Walking Experiences offer a tailored route and focused guide attention for smaller parties.
Rustic Retreats maintains a small gift shop on site where visitors can purchase mementos related to the alpaca experiences. Animal welfare and guest safety are central to activity design; staff-led briefings and controlled handling ensure comfort for both guests and animals. Paths used for walks are accessible to casual walkers and suitable for most families, with a relaxed pace emphasising enjoyment rather than strenuous hiking.
Bookings cover the scheduled session, guided elements, and any feed provided during the activity. The experiences combine light outdoor exercise, educational elements about alpacas, and time to enjoy countryside scenery, making them appropriate for a range of ages and abilities. Rustic Retreats operates as a local Matlock attraction focused on alpaca-led experiences and scenic walks for visitors to the Peak District. Advance booking is recommended for weekends.
Location
Matlock, England
Near Carsington Water & Peak District
Scenic Setting
Peak District Views
Walks with countryside vistas
Family Friendly
All Ages Welcome
Activities suitable for children and adults
Experiences
3 Tours
Meet, walk, and private options
Reserve a space for Alpaca Meet, Greet & Feed, Alpaca Walking Experience, or a Private Alpaca Walking Experience and enjoy a memorable countryside day out.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear
Fields can be muddy or uneven, so sensible shoes ensure comfort while interacting with alpacas.
Arrive 15 minutes early
Allow time for check-in and a safety briefing before meeting the alpacas to fully enjoy your visit.
Hands-on feeding included
Bring an open mind and enjoy feeding the alpacas carrots, provided at no extra cost during the visit.
No dogs or smoking onsite
To keep the environment safe and pleasant for animals and guests, dogs and smoking are prohibited.
Closed-toe hiking shoes
Protects your feet while walking through grassy and potentially muddy fields
Weather-appropriate outerwear
Water-resistant jacket for spring rain showers keeps you dry and comfortable
spring
Sunhat and sunscreen
Shield yourself from sun exposure during summer visits
summer
Warm layers
Layered clothing helps adjust to cooler temperatures in autumn
fall