Unique and unforgettable Experiences

Animal Experiences

New Experiences and Therapy Sessions by Rustic Retreats Devon

Animal Experiences

unique and unforgettable adventures

We are excited to launch a brand-new venture for 2025 based at Strawfields, North Devon. Rustic Retreats offers a unique blend of animal interaction and traditional wellness practices. Whether you’re seeking an alpaca hands-on interaction, healing through animal-assisted therapy, mindfulness,  yoga, massage or reiki; we can create a personal experience tailored to you.

Based at Strawfields in North Devon, our rural retreat adds an exciting new dimension to this already established haven of peace and tranquillity. Our offerings also extend beyond Strawfields, allowing guests to explore the stunning Exmoor National Park and Woolacombe Sands.

Inspired by a shared vision, Alex, along with Louise and Jules, founded Rustic Retreats Devon.  Their mission is to promote wellness in nature and share the happiness that comes from connecting with the environment.

Experience a unique blend of therapy and adventure, where wellness meets nature.

Rustic Retreats Devon – if you have any questions or would like to book adventures, animal experiences, massages or therapies please do message alex@rusticretreatsdevon.co.uk

Animal Experiences with Rustic Retreats

Get up close with our friendly alpacas

Alpaca Experience with Needle Felting Workshop

Join us for a unique and unforgettable Alpaca Experience that blends hands-on interaction, gentle walks, and creative fun using fibre from our own alpacas. Perfect for families, couples, or small groups seeking a one-of-a-kind activity in the heart of North Devon’s countryside.  

Activity Leaders: Alex and Louise

Suitable for adults and children over 12 years old.  No experience necessary.

Maximum group size is 6

Location: Strawfields, Ilfracombe, North Devon

A guided walk through nature

Join Louise for a wonderful guided walk to explore the majestic Exmoor Ponies in their natural habitat. As you wander through stunning landscapes, you’ll learn about the unique breed of ponies and their vital role in conservation efforts across the region.  A very personal adverture to appreciate the very best of North Devon landscapes.

This experience is ideal for groups, families, or individuals looking to connect with nature that offers both adventure and education!

Activity Leader: Louise

Locations: Woolacombe (Marine Drive) and Countisbury (near Lynmouth)

Private Animal Experiences

Only Available For Our Guests Staying At Strawfields

A Fun Hands-On Family Farm Experience

Please note that this experience is only available for guests staying in one of the cottages, cabins or camping at Strawfields.

Start your adventure at Strawfields by meeting our friendly alpacas, miniature ponies, and a variety of other farm animals. Discover their unique personalities as you feed them their favourite treats and learn about their funny mischievous ways and cheeky characters. Spend some quality time with the alpacas in Snug Paddock, a small enclosed area to meet and feed the alpacas, on hot sunny days we can get their paddling pool out for some shower fun.  There will be lots of opportunities for photographs and selfies. Inca, our dog, has been training hard and would love to show you her new skills on the agility course – see if you can get her to weave poles and jump through hoops!  It’s a personal experience which will be tailed to the activities you would like to do, and by the age of the children.  It is a truly fun and memorable experience for the whole family!  Please note that the Family Farm Experience does not involve walking the alpacas in the big field, but you will have plenty of time for photos and Rhubarb kisses!

Activity Leader: Alex

Duration: approx 30/40 mins

Price: £30 for one family

Please contact me if staying with another family, we can arrange a 45min double family tour for £45

Suitable for all ages, the activities will be adapted to accommodate all.

Private Alpaca Experience

Please note that this experience is only available for guests staying in one of the cottages, cabins or camping at Strawfields.

Join us for a unique and unforgettable Alpaca Experience that blends hands-on interaction and gentle walks. 

You will start your adventure in Snug Paddock, meeting our friendly alpacas and getting to know their unique personalities and experience feeding them their favourite treats.  You will have time to get to know the alpacas and how to handle them. This is a fantastic opportunity to bond with Mulberry, Juniper, Rhubarb and Maple, whilst learning about their unique characters and habits.

Then you can experience walking your alpaca around their field.  This is not a typical long alpaca trek, this is much more about having a personal time with the alpacas.  On warm, sunny summer days, we offer a fun and refreshing experience for both our alpacas and guests – alpaca shower time! It’s a light-hearted and interactive moment, a truly unique and unforgettable, real-life alpaca adventure.

Each experience will be bespoke to you and there will be lots of time for photos and selfies along the way.

Activity Leader: Alex 

Suitable for adults and children over 10 years old.  No experience necessary.

Private experience: £50 for family or £40 for 2 adults

Duration: 45 mins 

Location: Strawfields, Ilfracombe, North Devon

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Unique Characters ~ Kind, Gentle and Very Nosey!