From Andes to Albion: How Alpacas Found Their Way to the UK

Long before they charmed wedding guests and grazed peacefully in the New Forest, alpacas roamed the high plains of South America. Revered by the Inca civilization for their luxurious fleece and gentle nature, these elegant camelids were once reserved for royalty—woven into garments so prized they were passed down through generations.

Ancient Origins

Alpacas are descendants of the wild vicuña, native to the Andes Mountains of Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. Domesticated over 9,000 years ago, they were central to Andean life—providing warmth, companionship, and spiritual significance. Their fleece, finer than cashmere, was considered sacred.

But their journey to the UK began much later, and with a twist of industrial curiosity.

Victorian Discovery

In 1836, Sir Titus Salt—a visionary Yorkshire mill owner—stumbled upon bales of alpaca fibre at a Liverpool warehouse. Intrigued by its texture, he spent months perfecting a method to spin it into cloth. The result? A coat so fine he gifted it to Prince Albert, and Queen Victoria herself became a fan.

Alpaca garments quickly became the height of Victorian luxury, and Salt’s success helped establish Bradford as a textile powerhouse. Though the fibre was imported, the fascination with alpacas had begun.

Modern Arrival

It wasn’t until the late 20th century that live alpacas arrived in Britain. Breeding programs in Australia and North America paved the way, and by the 1990s, British farms began importing alpacas for their fleece, temperament, and ecological benefits.

Today, there are over 35,000 registered alpacas in the UK—from Cornwall to Cumbria, and of course, right here in Hampshire. Their soft feet protect pasture, their manure enriches soil, and their presence brings joy to farms, schools, and events alike.

A New Chapter in the New Forest

At Grainmarket Alpacas, we’re proud to continue this story—raising our herd on regenerative land, sharing their gentle magic with couples and communities, and celebrating the legacy of an animal that’s both ancient and endlessly endearing.

Whether they’re grazing quietly or greeting guests at a wedding, our alpacas carry centuries of history in every step. And now, they’re part of yours.