Burnt Fen Alpacas

The alpacas at Burnt Fen are proper characters - long-necked, curious, and far more entertaining than you'd expect from a farm visit. This Norfolk smallholding lets you get up close with the herd, and they're genuinely interested in visitors, which makes for decent photos and a fair bit of laughter when they start spitting (they won't, mostly). It's the sort of place where half an hour turns into two hours because you keep going back to watch them interact.

Families with younger kids will get the most from this. There's something about alpacas that holds their attention better than sheep or cows - maybe it's the comedy factor, maybe it's the novelty. Older children and adults who fancy a low-key afternoon will find it oddly relaxing, though don't expect themed attractions or rides. You're here to watch animals being animals.

The site sits just outside Great Yarmouth, making it a natural stop if you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Norfolk Broads Haven is only 2.4 miles away and rates well enough. It breaks up a Broads holiday nicely without eating a full day. Allow an hour minimum, longer if the alpacas are in a chatty mood.

Details on opening hours and admission aren't readily available online, so ring ahead before you visit. Conditions underfoot can be boggy depending on recent weather, so sensible shoes matter.