Teesdale Alpacas

Alpacas in County Durham might sound like an odd pairing, but Teesdale Alpacas delivers exactly what the name suggests - a chance to get up close with these impossibly fluffy South American camelids. Based near Barnard Castle, it's the sort of place that appeals instantly to families with younger kids, though anyone who's ever wanted to hand-feed a curious alpaca will find it genuinely engaging.

The animals themselves are the draw here. They're peculiar-looking creatures with their tufted heads and calm temperament, and there's something oddly therapeutic about standing in a field while they mill about investigating you. You can usually get hands-on experience - feeding, petting, that sort of thing - which beats watching them through a barrier any day.

If you're camping in the area, it's a solid half-day activity. The Teesdale Barnard Castle Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite is just 2.5 miles away, as is Barnard Castle Camping and Caravanning Club Site, so it slots in well with a wider Teesdale exploration. Pair it with a walk into Barnard Castle town itself or a ramble along the River Tees if you want a fuller day out.

Specific opening hours and admission details aren't readily available online, so you'll need to ring ahead or check their social media. It's not a lengthy visit - an hour or so handles it properly - but if you're with children who love animals, it's worth the detour. Adults might find it bit slight on its own, mind.